Natto is a traditional Japanese food often served at breakfast, alongside miso soup, fish and rice. Like tofu and tempeh, natto is a whole food form of soybean. It's made by soaking whole soybeans, then steaming or boiling them. Next, the bacteria Bacillus subtilis is added, then left to ferment. Natto has an interesting smell, taste and texture. It looks similar to a small, sticky bean and smells like old cheese. Natto is an acquired taste, but it offers many health benefits. Natto nutrition contains copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium and phosphorus. Thanks to these nutrients, along with the powerful probiotics it contains, natto benefits include the ability to prevent kidney stones, boost brain health, improve digestive health and more. (1)
Natto Benefits
1. Provides the Body with Vitamin K
Natto nutrition includes a hefty dose of Vitamin K. In fact, natto benefits the body with 100 times more Vitamin K2 than cheese. Vitamin K plays a key role in maintaining bone mineral density and preventing osteoporosis. Meat and other animal products contain Vitamin K. Natto benefits include a Vitamin K boost, especially for vegans and vegetarians who do not consume other Vitamin K sources. Research has shown that Vitamin K2 can help prevent the arteries from hardening, which is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and heart failure. Thanks to the Vitamin K2 in natto nutrition, natto benefits also include the ability to prevent age-related neurological degeneration and kidney stones. (2)
2. It Has Fermentation Benefits
Natto benefits include those from the fermentation process. Fermenting soybeans allows the proteins they contain to be more easily digested and absorbed. Unlike other forms of soy, natto does not trigger gastrointestinal problems. Natto nutrition includes an enzyme called nattokinase. Thanks to this enzyme, natto benefits include the ability to help prevent:- Cancer
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Endometriosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Infertility
- Pain
- Muscle Spasms
- Uterine fibroids
3. It Provides the Body with Probiotics
Natto nutrition includes probiotics, thanks to the beneficial bacteria added during the fermentation process. The bacteria produces enzymes that can help reduce blood clotting and improve digestion. Research has shown that natto benefits include the ability to fight cancer, prevent allergic disorders, increase immunity and treat gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, thanks to the probiotics it contains. Natto benefits are increased when consumed on a regular basis. (3) Some of the more common natto benefits include the ability to:- Lower cholesterol levels
- Fight osteoporosis and reduce the risk of hip fractures
- Lower blood pressure and improve circulation
- Reduce the risk of colon cancer
- Reduce the risk of breast cancer
- Prevent stroke, heart attack and heart disease
- Prevent vitamin deficiencies
- Reduce painful and uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause
- Help relieve constipation and other digestive problems
