Natto, a Probiotic for Greater Health and Longevity

These days most of us know about the value of eating probiotics to feed healthy bacteria in the gut. One such is natural live yoghurt which has long been known as a healthy anti-ageing agent. However, there are lesser known wonderful probiotics in the form for example of fermented soya beans, which are really good for you and a powerful anti-ageing food.

The fermented soya bean product commonly eaten in Japan, which is famed for the longevity of its people, is natto. Indeed, if we are just eating yoghurt as a probiotic we may be missing out on many such valuable products. There is a whole range of probiotics known to be of tremendous benefit to health, of which natto is but one.

Natto contains the bacteria bacillus subtilis (previously bacillus antto)and it is this essential ingredient that gives natto its stringy consistency. It is not to everyone's taste and for those who don't like or tolerate the texture and unique flavour there are supplements available.

However, for those who would like to eat natto, why not have it for breakfast as the Japanese do? Just mix it thoroughly with some soy sauce and rice and it will make a highly nutritious way to start the day. You can also obtain other natto products such as natto sushi, natto burrito and natto salad, all very delicious.

In common with all soy bean products natto is high in plant protein and also vitamin K. Many of the diseases and illnesses common to increasing age can be fought or prevented by the nutrients in natto - the main one being nattokinase shown to dissolve blood clots in animal tests. It breaks down fibrin a protein that can cause stroke, heart attack, poor circulation and slow tissue repair.

The place to purchase natto is your local Asian grocery store or you can order online. Don't be put off by ingredients such as monosodium glutamate and high levels of fructose corn sugar - these are found just in the sauce which you can discard and concentrate on the delicious natto product!

What's this?