Tag: Fermented soybeans

High consumption of natto has been linked to a lower mortality risk in Japan. But beyond this intriguing statistic, is Japanese natto good for you in a broader sense? This article explores the nutritional power, specific health benefits, potential risks, and best ways to enjoy this unique superfood.

In Japan, a high consumption of natto was linked to a lower risk of mortality in a 2020 study from the National Cancer Center. This sticky, pungent fermented soybean dish, rich in probiotics and unique enzymes, is gaining global attention for its potential health benefits, but many still wonder: is eating natto good for you?.

While most people are familiar with common probiotics like those found in yogurt, a spore-forming bacterium called *Bacillus subtilis* is also a powerful probiotic with unique benefits. It is predominantly found in certain traditional fermented foods, particularly those from East Asia. Understanding which foods contain B. subtilis can help individuals seeking to diversify their probiotic intake.

Nattokinase was first identified in 1980 by a Japanese researcher who discovered that the traditional fermented soybean dish, natto, could dissolve artificial fibrin, a key component of blood clots. This potent enzyme, nattokinase, can be consumed either as part of the whole food or as a purified supplement.

For over a thousand years, Japanese have eaten fermented beans, a delicacy known as natto. This polarizing superfood, with its distinctive sticky texture and pungent aroma, remains a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine due to its profound health benefits and long-standing cultural significance.

While natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, natto powder is a freeze-dried and ground version of the same product. This fundamental difference in processing leads to major variations in texture, flavor, and culinary applications, influencing which form might be better suited for specific health or dietary needs.

Natto is a potent food source rich in beneficial enzymes, but many people find its distinctive slimy texture and pungent smell challenging. This has led to a rise in the popularity of natto powder as a convenient alternative, sparking the important question: **Does natto powder have nattokinase?** The presence and activity of the nattokinase enzyme in powdered form depend heavily on the manufacturer's specific processing techniques, especially the drying method.

Over 500 million people in Japan alone consume natto, a type of fermented soybean, each year. Learning how to eat fermented soybeans opens up a world of savory, umami-packed flavor that can transform everyday dishes into culinary delights.

According to a 2021 study by Stanford researchers, a diet high in fermented foods increases the diversity of gut microbes, which is associated with improved health. Miso soup, a staple of Japanese cuisine, is a celebrated fermented food, making the question 'Is miso soup healthy for your gut?' a highly relevant one.

According to some nutrition data, a typical takeaway chicken black bean dish can contain a significant portion of your daily recommended sodium intake. So, is chicken black bean from Chinese healthy? The short answer depends entirely on the preparation method and ingredients used.