Nattokinase is the name of a particular enzyme that occurs naturally in one of the foremost traditional dishes of Japan. Here is a look at nattokinase and the benefits you could reap from taking a nattokinase supplement.
What Is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase is an enzyme which occurs naturally in the Japanese dish known in English as simply “natto.” Natto is a dish made of soybeans that have been fermented by way of a bacterium called bacillus natto.
The Japanese nation is known for the average long lifespans of its people as well as the low levels of chronic diseases among them. Research has shown that one of the leading reasons for the good health and longevity of the Japanese people is, in fact, the consumption of natto. This fact is not lost on the people who eat it, as it is long and commonly known for its health benefits in Japan.
Natto naturally contains protein and a variety of nutrients. However, nattokinase is an enzyme which can be found only in natto. What’s more, nattokinase has been shown to be the source of natto’s life-preserving effects. The research supporting the benefits of nattokinase to the heart (and more) cannot be written off. The exclusivity of this enzyme to the natto food makes it all the more valuable.
The Benefits of Nattokinase
Here is a look at the very worthwhile and research-supported benefits which you could acquire from supplementing with nattokinase:
Preventing cardiovascular disease is easily the most significant benefit that has been shown to result from the consumption of nattokinase. Researchers have fleshed out the benefits of nattokinase in recent years, attributing them to its multiplicity of positive properties. Nattokinase has antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective effects within the body. All of these healthy properties, as well as others attributable to nattokinase, contribute to heart health in anyone, including those who already have cardiovascular disease. Nattokinase is considered an ideal supplement for both the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Research also strongly links nattokinase to a reduction in deaths associated with cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure is an issue that is akin to other issues involving the cardiovascular system, but is worth considering on its own merits and characteristics. Nattokinase has been shown to reduce blood pressure in those experiencing high blood pressure.
A healthy gut: The gut contains a wide variety of bacteria, and it is also called the gut microbiome. Nattokinase has been shown to promote the flourishing of healthy bacteria within the gut. A healthy gut reflects in a person’s health as a reduced risk of chronic disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
Metabolism can be encouraged by nattokinase. The properties of nattokinase can contribute to metabolism such that the supplement could reduce body fat, as well as prevent and/or regulate metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
The age-old and scientifically corroborated benefits which the Japanese and others have garnered from nattokinase can’t be understated. Consider the heart-health benefits you could get from nattokinase. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking it on a regular basis.