If you're looking to add nattokinase to your diet, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about nattokinase, including what it is, its benefits, and how to add it to your diet.

What is Nattokinase and what are its benefits?

The enzyme responsible for Natto’s health effects, Nattokinase, has since been purified and widely studied. Nattokinase keeps blood flow healthy, optimally flowing and promotes overall cardiovascular health. According to research this powerful enzyme can also lower blood pressure ^{3, 4,} it can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis,^{5, 6,}  help lower lipids, ⁷ and support optimal blood flow with its anticoagulant properties,⁸ It is also reported that it may even be neuroprotective. ⁹ For one single enzyme, it is an impressive list of benefits.

Nattokinase has a unique ability to dissolve fibrin, a protein that helps our body form clots. This is how it performs it magic which has been appreciated for centuries. As we age, we can experience an increase in blood viscosity or thickness. Our own natural clot-dissolving enzymes, which are generated by the cells lining our blood vessels, begin to decline. Thicker blood is more prone to clotting and doesn’t flow as easily through the blood vessels. This can increase blood pressure as the heart has to pump harder to circulate the same amount of blood which then reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your organs and tissues. Elevated this thickness contributes to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.¹⁰ 

How can you add Nattokinase to your diet for the best results?

Natto is super nutritious. It contains good levels of many nutrients that are important for optimal health. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion provides the following (1):

Natto lovers say that the flavor is an acquired taste. But those that enjoy this food say the extra effort is worth it. It can be pungent and many cannot handle the odor

Most people don't eat natto alone, It is usually consumed on white rice. Some also eat the food on top of toast or pasta. It can also be added to foods including miso soup, salads, or other Japanese dishes such as tamagoyaki (omelet) or okonomiyaki (savory pancake).

Try adding ingredients to natto to enhance the flavor. When sold in Asian convenience stores, mustard and a special Japanese sauce are usually included. You can also add soy sauce, raw egg yolk, chives, green onion, sliced dry bonito, kimchi, wasabi, cheese, mayonnaise, seaweed, peppers, or tuna.

Natto aficionados recommend that you mix the beans thoroughly before eating. When it develops a sticky texture then it is ready to eat.

Nattokinase these days is easily consumed as a supplement. Thai is both easy and also can avoid the ordor if a purified form is used in a white powder form.

Are there any side effects associated with Nattokinase supplementation?

Firstly, let your doctor know of any supplements you're taking or intending to take, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications.

Nattokinase is likely safe when taken orally in foods. Nattokinase is a natural component of the soy food natto. It has been routinely consumed in Japanese cultures for hundreds of years.

Nattokinase is also safe when taken by mouth as a supplement however you need to be sure you are not on additional blood thinners and this needs to be discussed with your doctor.

Nattokinase might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking nattokinase along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. It is always best discussing with your doctor if you are taking medications for high blood pressure. This could also be an opportunity to get off long term medication.

How much Nattokinase should you take each day for optimal health benefits?

The appropriate dose of nattokinase depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for nattokinase. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

There is no set recommendation for Nattokinase, but studies suggest its health benefits come with an oral dose of 100 to 200 milligrams a day (equivalent to 2,000-4,000 fibrin units [FU])

What are some of the top Nattokinase supplements on the market today? All available on amazon

It may be difficult to make a decision when searching for the best prostate supplement. With all the various products available, how do you choose? When shopping around for a prostate health supplement, be on the lookout for all of the previously mentioned ingredients. Natural supplements with no additives also make a sensible choice.

• BoostCeuticals Flow Nattokinase 200mg, Vegan and Pure with no additives
• Healthy Origins Nattokinase 100mg
• Doctor's Best Nattokinase 100mg

Conclusion and where to buy best Nattokinase?

Natto is an incredibly nutritious food that’s worth acquiring a taste for.

Eating it regularly may strengthen your immune system and bones, protect you from heart disease and help you digest foods more easily. If you’re planning to taste natto for the first time, start with a small portion, adding plenty of condiments and working your way up gradually.

If you are looking for that easier alternative where you can also control the dosage daily, you will find Nattokinase on Amazon, eBay and Walmart

REFERENCES

1. Nagata C, Wada K, Tamura T, et al. Dietary soy and natto intake and cardiovascular disease mortality in Japanese adults: the Takayama study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105:426–431 [Article]
2. Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H et al. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese Natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia. 1987;43:1110–1111. doi: 10.1007/BF01956052. [Article]
3. Fujita M, Ohnishi K, Takaoka S et al. Antihypertensive effects of continuous oral administration of nattokinase and its fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2011;34:1696–1701 [Article]
4.  Kim JY, Gum SN, Paik JK, et al. Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertens Res. 2008;31:1583–158 [Article]
5. Ren N, Chen H, Li Y et al. A clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on carotid artery atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia. Nat Med J China. 2017;97:2038–2042. [Article]
6. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Matsumoto Y, et al. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci. 2003;73: 1289–1298 [Article]
7. Lee MY, Lin CS, Wu DJ. Lipid-Lowering effect of nattokinase in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Acta Cardiologica Sinica 2009;25(1) [Article]
8. Jang JY, Kim TS, Cai J, et al. Nattokinase improves blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Lab Anim Res. 2013;29:221–225. [Article]
9. Ji H, Yu L, Liu K, et al. Mechanisms of nattokinase in protection of cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol. 2014;745:144–151. [Article]
10. Simmonds MJ, Meiselman HJ, Baskurt OK. Blood rheology and aging. J Geriatr Cardiol. 2013;10(3):291–301. [Article]
11. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-super-healthy-probiotic-foods
12. https://www.verywellfit.com/natto-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits-4781758
13. https://www.rxlist.com/nattokinase/supplements.htm#Dosing