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Healthy Habits: Nattokinase
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By Jennifer Wimmer
Nattokinase is an enzyme derived from natto, a Japanese food made by fermenting soybeans with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis. In studies, nattokinase supplements have been shown to help dissolve or prevent blood clots, improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and possibly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attacks.
Studies have used a wide range of doses, with effects reported around 2,000 fibrinolytic units per day and some sources recommending higher doses such as 6,000 units per day for potentially greater health benefits.
You have probably heard of this supplement, as it is being talked about more and more. The biochemical name “nattokinase” was created from natto, its natto “kin” (bacteria) plus the “-ase” ending that scientists use for enzymes. Natto is the main and, in practice, only recognized food source of nattokinase.
According to legends, natto was discovered by accident when Japanese soldiers traveling with bags of soybeans for their horses to eat were delayed and attacked. This caused the warm, packed beans to become naturally fermented, creating the food now known as natto.
Nattokinase may support sinus health by thinning mucus and easing nasal blockage. Supplementation can potentially aid metabolism by supporting healthy body-fat regulation and metabolic function.
It is known for promoting a healthier gut microbiome balance and digestive health as well. When gut bacteria and digestion work better, your body can absorb more of the nutrients you take in, which may help prevent the kind of “hidden” malnutrition that happens when people eat enough but do not absorb what they need.
This enzyme has been studied for its heart-protective properties, including antithrombotic (clot-preventing), antihypertensive (blood-pressure-lowering) and antioxidant effects. Research suggests it can improve atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries, by acting directly on the components of blood clots and on blood vessel health.
It has the ability to protect the cardiovascular system because it can directly break down fibrin, the sticky protein that forms a mesh to trap platelets in clots. It can help adjust clot-regulating enzymes to support the body’s own “clot-busting” system.
This action reduces the clumping of platelets inside the fibrin mesh and helps keep blood flowing so oxygen and nutrients can reach tissues.
It can support healthier blood pressure in part through its effects on the renin-angiotensin system, including the hormone angiotensin II and the angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE.
As an antioxidant, it helps reduce oxidative stress, a process that can damage fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body, contribute to blood vessel dysfunction and drive chronic inflammation. It can also help reduce some of the harmful changes in the arteries, including the oxidation of LDL particles.
In one 12-month trial of nattokinase supplementation, common carotid artery intima-media thickness, or CCA-IMT, decreased by 22%, composite plaque score dropped by 36%, plaque surface area was reduced by 36%, triglycerides fell by 15%, LDL cholesterol decreased by 18.1% and HDL, the “good” cholesterol, increased by 15.8%.
Nattokinase is commonly sold as a dietary supplement in capsule form by many manufacturers. It is very important to choose a company with integrity and high standards. When possible, look for products that use organically grown ingredients and clearly explain their sourcing and quality testing.
Ketobrainz, a company I have written about in previous columns, consistently chooses organic, high-quality ingredients for its products and has recently announced plans to carry nattokinase. The product is now available at ketobrainz.com.
The nattokinase capsules Ketobrainz offers are 2,000 fibrinolytic units each, with the vitamin K2 removed, which may make them a better option for people who are trying not to get extra vitamin K in their supplements.
Because nattokinase itself can thin the blood and affect clotting, anyone considering supplementing with it — especially those on prescription blood thinners — should talk with a health care provider before trying it.
Be well and God bless you.
Studies have used a wide range of doses, with effects reported around 2,000 fibrinolytic units per day and some sources recommending higher doses such as 6,000 units per day for potentially greater health benefits.
You have probably heard of this supplement, as it is being talked about more and more. The biochemical name “nattokinase” was created from natto, its natto “kin” (bacteria) plus the “-ase” ending that scientists use for enzymes. Natto is the main and, in practice, only recognized food source of nattokinase.
According to legends, natto was discovered by accident when Japanese soldiers traveling with bags of soybeans for their horses to eat were delayed and attacked. This caused the warm, packed beans to become naturally fermented, creating the food now known as natto.
Nattokinase may support sinus health by thinning mucus and easing nasal blockage. Supplementation can potentially aid metabolism by supporting healthy body-fat regulation and metabolic function.
It is known for promoting a healthier gut microbiome balance and digestive health as well. When gut bacteria and digestion work better, your body can absorb more of the nutrients you take in, which may help prevent the kind of “hidden” malnutrition that happens when people eat enough but do not absorb what they need.
This enzyme has been studied for its heart-protective properties, including antithrombotic (clot-preventing), antihypertensive (blood-pressure-lowering) and antioxidant effects. Research suggests it can improve atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries, by acting directly on the components of blood clots and on blood vessel health.
It has the ability to protect the cardiovascular system because it can directly break down fibrin, the sticky protein that forms a mesh to trap platelets in clots. It can help adjust clot-regulating enzymes to support the body’s own “clot-busting” system.
This action reduces the clumping of platelets inside the fibrin mesh and helps keep blood flowing so oxygen and nutrients can reach tissues.
It can support healthier blood pressure in part through its effects on the renin-angiotensin system, including the hormone angiotensin II and the angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE.
As an antioxidant, it helps reduce oxidative stress, a process that can damage fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body, contribute to blood vessel dysfunction and drive chronic inflammation. It can also help reduce some of the harmful changes in the arteries, including the oxidation of LDL particles.
In one 12-month trial of nattokinase supplementation, common carotid artery intima-media thickness, or CCA-IMT, decreased by 22%, composite plaque score dropped by 36%, plaque surface area was reduced by 36%, triglycerides fell by 15%, LDL cholesterol decreased by 18.1% and HDL, the “good” cholesterol, increased by 15.8%.
Nattokinase is commonly sold as a dietary supplement in capsule form by many manufacturers. It is very important to choose a company with integrity and high standards. When possible, look for products that use organically grown ingredients and clearly explain their sourcing and quality testing.
Ketobrainz, a company I have written about in previous columns, consistently chooses organic, high-quality ingredients for its products and has recently announced plans to carry nattokinase. The product is now available at ketobrainz.com.
The nattokinase capsules Ketobrainz offers are 2,000 fibrinolytic units each, with the vitamin K2 removed, which may make them a better option for people who are trying not to get extra vitamin K in their supplements.
Because nattokinase itself can thin the blood and affect clotting, anyone considering supplementing with it — especially those on prescription blood thinners — should talk with a health care provider before trying it.
Be well and God bless you.
Posted in Lifestyles
