Natto benefits Against Cancer
Do you know that a natural approach to good health can come from Japanese Natto? A known fact is that breast cancer kills three times as many women in America as it does in Japan. Researchers have been looking for reasons why this is? There have been many different reasons suggested but one of the possible ones could be fermented soy. A very
common breakfast food for the Japanese is Natto, it is a product made from fermented soybeans with Bacillus Natto added. It may not have a wonderful taste but they have learned to like it, it is an acquired taste, like a lot of food that we eat.
Natto contains an isoflavone called genistein that is said to have many of soy´s cancer fighting benefits. Tofu and soy milk contain genistein but natto is said to contain ten times as much. Raw soy beans have a sugar molecule called genistin, the genistein is bound to the molecule. However, the body cannot absorb this so well, as it can when it is fermented, giving the body the full use of the genistin. And this is one more reason why you need a natural approach to good health through natto.
The body has a natural estrogen, the genistein works as a phytoestrogen which is similar to that of the bodies. They are not as strong as the body’s natural estrogen but they can inhabit the estrogen receptor sites on cells. The research done thinks this may be how they reduce the risk of breast, prostrate cancer and other cancers as well. And this is an excellent example of a natural approach to good health.
The smell and taste of Natto is not that pleasant but the benefits of it should out number that. It is also been known to help with prevention of hot flashes and is possible something for women to try who do not like to take estrogen pills. It has a very sticky texture but possible in time the scientists work with the product will be able to produce a dry form, may be a tablet but one that will keep all the benefits.
One thing to be aware of is Natto contains nattokinase, which is a fibrinolytic enzyme. This enzyme has been known to reduce and prevent blood clots. It also contains a high level of vitamin K so anyone taking anticoagulant drugs should be wary of having Natto.
Over the course of time many of the foods that contain soy Americans have got used to, one of which is tofu. Natto is not as pleasant a food as the tofu, but it has far more benefits. It can also be mixed with other foods thus improving the flavor and texture. Once it was just available in Japanese restaurants but now it is also available in packages. So when you are looking for a natural approach to good health you will look towards Natto.