6 Reasons to Eat Natto Everyday!
A friend of mine, an avid body builder, had a freezer filled with natto. He loved it and ate it everyday. He claimed that it was the “Ultimate food” because not only was it very nutritious, but it was high in protein and contained all the benefits of meat with none of its detriments. Natto is known in many places around the world for its several health benefits. Below are six in which natto is best known for.
Natto contains lecithin, which is found in various cosmetic products, and it is known to balance out fat and water in skin cells to smoothen and soften. Asian women having smoother and softer skin compared to American and European women, is thought to be because of higher consumption of soy products. Natto is also rich in vitamin E, which is an anti-oxidant and it aids blood circulation in the outside vessels which prevent skin damage, keeping you looking young and healthy.
Natto only contains about 90 calories per servings and contains 7-8 grams of protein. It is fairly filing and the protein helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which prevent hunger attacks.
Natto is a good source of fiber, which helps the body rid of waste materials and carcinogens. 100 grams of natto contain about 7 grams of fiber. In the olden days natto was used to treat dysentery. Natto also produces enzyme to help break down protein to amino acids, carbohydrates into glucose, neutral fats into glycerin and fatty acids, and fibers into simpler carbohydrates.
There are many studies published stating that natto helps prevent cancer of the breast, prostate gland, skin, and large intestine. Although it is not proven, cases of prostate cancer in Japanese males are only a quarter of that of American males. This thought to be due to the consumption of soybean products instead of meat products. There is also a study that shows that not only soybeans, but a certain bacteria in natto have anti-carcinogenic effects. Mice injected with the natto bacteria showed it stopped the growth or drastically reduced the growth rate of the cancer cells.
Natto contains large amounts of vitamin K. Bone is made with a combination of gamma glutamic acid and calcium and vitamin K plays a crucial role in combining these two, preventing osteoporosis. Natto contains about 870 micrograms of vitamin K2 per 100 grams of natto.
6. Prevents Heart Attacks, Strokes and Senility
Natto contains an enzyme in called pyrazine. Pyrazine is what gives natto its distinct smell, but it also reduces blood clotting. Nattokinase is another enzyme in natto that dissolves blood clots. Blood clots are what causes heart attacks and strokes and senility. It is said that over half the cases of senility are due to blood clots in the brain.
Sources:
http://www.gaia21.net/natto/natto.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natt%C5%8D#Medical_benefits
Very nice post!