Turns out there is!

There’s a little known food that the Japanese have been eating for many centuries… and studies have shown that it’s a potent anti-aging food and boosts longevity.
This ancient food is called Natto.

What the heck is Natto?

If you think you are the only person who hasn’t heard of natto, well, you’re not.  The truth is that most of the western population has never heard of this food.

Natto is a fermented soybean dish that is high in protein and low in calories, and this food is a regular part of the Japanese diet.  1,000 years of history shows that the Japanese people have enjoyed natto as a staple in their culture.

As researchers have studied natto, they have learned why this fermented dish is so beneficial for a person’s health.  Natto has unique enzymes that aren’t available in other types of food, and it is also a good source of amino acids and vitamins that are beneficial to reduce the risk of a number of health problems.

Fermentation is the key aspect to boost the health benefits of the soybeans.  When the soybeans are fermented, they provide your body with a good source of probiotics and support overall digestive health.  As a result, the soybeans are digested more effectively and the body is able to absorb the nutrients that are needed.

Health Benefits of Natto

The Japanese population has a low rate of cancer compared to other developed countries, and researchers suspect that the low cancer risk might be directly related to the consumption of natto.  The nutrient and probiotic benefits of natto might help to combat free-radical activity on a cellular level, reducing the risk of cell mutation and cancer formation.

As you learn more about natto, you will find that there are a number of other health benefits to enjoy by regularly eating it:

• Blood Clots:  Regular consumption of fermented soybeans reduces the risk of blood clots.  The compounds within natto are beneficial to increase circulation throughout the body, break up potential clots that have formed, and prevent blood clots from forming.

• Heart Disease:  If you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, then you should consider eating natto on a regular basis.  The reduced risk of blood clots is beneficial for overall heart health, and other antioxidants within the soybean dish are also helpful to protect your heart.

• Bones:  The fermentation makes natto a powerful source of vitamin K1 and K2, which in turn helps with bone formation and strength.  Natto can help to keep bones strong and reduce the risk of brittle, weak bones.

As you can see, there are multiple reasons why you should consider adding natto to your diet!

Tips for Eating Natto

When you read these health benefits, you might be anxious to start including natto into your meal plans.  But before you jump in… I need to want you.. it does not taste good.  In fact, most people that try it, find it completely unpalatable!

But there are creative ways to

But there are a few ways to help make natto a bit more palatable to your westernized taste preferences, so that you can include it in your meal plan… here’s a couple:

• Make homemade natto matcha ice cream.  You can simply buy matcha ice cream from your local grocery store and mix natto together.  I know it sounds like a crazy unlikely mix, but the combination actually works quite well.  It helps mask the pungent odor of natto while keeping the sweet taste of matcha ice cream.

• Mix natto with honey and sesame seeds and spread it on toasted gluten free bread or crackers.  When you mix honey with natto it actually tastes a little like peanut butter.  And the crunchiness of sesame seeds and toast or crackers goes well with the gooey texture of natto and honey.

You also might try mixing natto with other flavors or condiments, such as:

• Cottage cheese

• Yogurt

• Tamari

• Mustard

• Apple cider vinegar

• Culture vegetables

• Wasabi

Simple Ways to Improve Your Health: Natto

You don’t have to live in Japan to enjoy the health benefits of this secret superfood!  Fermented soybeans can be eaten anywhere in the world, allowing you to boost your health and longevity.

Try adding natto to your diet to see how it impacts your health.