Tag: Vitamin k2

In Japan, natto is traditionally a popular breakfast staple, but the optimal time to consume this fermented superfood depends on your specific health objectives. Research suggests that aligning your natto intake with your wellness goals—be it for energy, improved digestion, or overnight recovery—is the most effective strategy for answering the question, **when should we eat natto**.

A 2020 study by the National Cancer Center showed that high natto consumption can lower mortality risk. For many people exploring this superfood, the question remains: how many times should I eat natto to reap its benefits without overdoing it?

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 long-term study involving 92,000 individuals found that those who consumed around 1.8 ounces of natto daily had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This powerful statistic highlights why many wonder how often should you eat natto beans to maximize its health benefits without overdoing it.

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?.

Peak bone mass is typically achieved by age 30 before a gradual decline begins. While factors like calcium and vitamin D are well-known, a growing body of research is exploring if fermented foods are good for bones and how they might contribute to skeletal health through improved nutrient bioavailability and the gut microbiome.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, vitamin K exists in two primary naturally occurring forms: phylloquinone (K1) and a family of molecules called menaquinones (K2). While both are essential, they have distinct dietary sources, functions within the body, and tissue distribution, impacting everything from blood clotting to bone health.

Vitamin K2 is essential for heart and bone health, yet studies suggest many people are deficient. So, can you get K2 from chickpeas? The short answer is yes, but only after they have undergone a specific fermentation process, as unfermented chickpeas provide almost none.

According to a 2020 meta-analysis, the combination of vitamin D3 and K can significantly increase total bone mineral density when compared to vitamin D alone. This critical discovery highlights exactly why K2 is important with D3 and how these two fat-soluble vitamins work together in a powerful and complementary way for your bone and heart health.

While many are familiar with Vitamin K1 found in leafy greens, Vitamin K2 is less known but equally vital for health. A 2022 meta-analysis of 16 studies involving postmenopausal women found that vitamin K2 supplementation positively affected bone mineralization and strength. Learning how to get vitamin K2 in your system is crucial for directing calcium to the right places, such as bones, and away from arteries.