When it comes to nutritious foods from around the world, there may be a whole lot of them that we may never get to try.
Fortunately though, one such food, a superfood known as natto, is actually available at the frozen foods section near the miso paste or similar items in most good grocery stores nationwide. And why is it so good as to have earned the title of superfood? Find out now…
Don’t Let Its Odour Fool You
The only thing that may put anyone off when it comes to natto is its odour, sometimes even more than its gooey texture. Once you can get past both this and that, its highly acclaimed nutritional benefits are yours to enjoy!
Firstly, natto happens to be a fermented food,which means that it is rich in gut-healing probiotics together with a treasure trove of nutrients.
The debate on whether soy beans is healthy for you has been ongoing in the world of health for quite some time, but again, arguably, in the form of natto, soy beans may turn out to be more beneficial than you can imagine.
For ages, soy has been marketed as a substitute for anything and everything. From tofu to being used as “fake meat” the soybean has been one of the most used core ingredients in most foods. However, the problem may lie in the fact that most of the commercially sold products in supermarkets may be prepared using crops grown using genetic modification (GMO). However, traditional soy crops in Japan do not, and that itself removes a huge doubt in the minds of people who might want to include this superfood into their diet but are still wary about it.
What is Natto?
Natto can simply be defined as fermented soybeans. To prepare natto, a strain of bacteria called Bacillus Subtilis is introduced into the prepared soybeans and they turn the carbohydrates in the beans into acid.
In Japan, it’s usually eaten as part of the first meal of the day along with rice, tofu, miso soup, and fish. Natto is also served as a snack in Japanese schools. The taste of natto can be defined as a savory flavor coupled with hints of salt and a little barbeque depending on which type you buy. Natto is certainly is an acquired taste, but it’s a taste worth getting used to.
Nutritional Information Per 100 Grams:
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 7mg
- Potassium 729 mg
- Dietary Fiber 5g
- Protein 18 g
- Calcium 21 % of daily value
- Vitamin C 21 % of daily value
- Iron 47% of daily value
- Vitamin B6 5% of daily value
- Magnesium 28% of daily value
- Vitamin K 40.4 MCG
7 Reasons Why You Should Incorporate Some Natto In Your Daily Or Weekly Diet
1. Rich in Vitamin K
There is almost 200% more vitamin K than cheese, and since it also contains significant calcium, natto helps retain and absorb this important mineral much better, keeping bones strong and dense.
2. Probiotics
Bacteria are introduced into the soybean mixture and left to ferment over a certain period. The specific bacteria present in natto makes it one of the most powerful probiotic foods that keep the gut in healthy shape.
3. Digestion
Natto contains probiotics and dietary fiber that makes it perfect for a healthy gut. Healthy digestion means overall health and natto ensures that the bacteria in the gut can protect it from diseases or infections.
4. Protein
Per 100 grams of serving natto provides almost 18 grams of protein which makes it a good substitute for any meat protein sources. This is why natto is also ideal for vegans.
5. Iron
It is a good source of iron and may help maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin in the body. The presence of probiotics and iron makes this ideal for women who are expecting.
6. As a Blood Purifier
The presence of linoleic acid and lecithin help clean the blood of toxins and help absorb nutrients properly. This also promotes oxygenation in the body that helps provide organs with adequate oxygen.
7. Skin Benefits
The combination of nutrients present in it helps keep the bloodstream clean and oxygenated, while minerals such as iron as well as vitamin B helps keep the red blood cell count in check which results in a glowing, youthful appearance.
