Originally published April 16 2010
Why You Need to Know about the Health Benefits of Super Food Natto
by Paul Fassa
(NaturalNews) Taking an aspirin a day as an inexpensive way to avoid heart problems has been proven to be not only ineffective, but dangerous over time. Long term daily aspirin use has been strongly linked to pancreatic cancer and intestinal bleeding, often causing death. Expensive pharmaceuticals for heart problems such as warfarins also have dangerous side effects in addition to bleeding issues. So what's left?
Nattokinase supplements derived from Japanese natto do everything the aspirin a day and warfarin advocates claim without side effects. Nattokinase is also present in miso soup which is made from natto, both inexpensive. And the benefits of Nattokinase or natural natto go beyond heart health.
The Dangerous Pharmaceutical Way
Pharmaceutical blood thinning drugs, including aspirin, are a one way ticket. Their blood thinning attributes hamper blood clotting, which we need to help us stop bleeding. That's why daily aspirin use has lead to thousands of deaths from gastrointestinal bleeding. The blood is thinned and the clotting ability disappears.
Studies have determined a high increase of pancreatic cancer among aspirin a day users. Even a study that determined a slight decrease in non-fatal heart attacks among daily aspirin consumers also discovered that the risk for hemorrhagic stroke was increased by 80%. The British Journal of Medicine has determined that the risks are the same for even low dose aspirin use.
Other side effects from long term aspirin or other NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) include kidney and/or liver damage, anemia, and ulcers. The occasional use of these drugs as needed is usually not dangerous.
The Natural Safe Way
Nattokinase is comprised of fibrinolytic enzymes extracted from natto. It's used as a supplement for those with circulatory problems that could lead to heart attacks or strokes. There are no bleeding dangers, as normal clotting attributes are not hampered with nattokinase supplements. Studies have also shown decreased Alzheimer's conditions with nattokinase.
So as a supplement for those with heart, circulation, and blood pressure issues, nattokinase is an ideal substitute for pharmaceuticals.
Nattokinase extract is more potent for immediate results with actual heart health or potential stroke issues. But as usual, the source of the extract contains more comprehensive health benefits than the extract. Natto is also an excellent source of Vitamin K2. K2 adds to circulation by removing excess calcium from the blood, which creates plaque within artery walls, and moves the calcium into building bone where it belongs.
So in addition to better circulation and heart health while holding off Alzheimer's, you are getting protection against osteoporosis. That's quite a package from one food, minimizing three major aging conditions. While there are other sources of K2 and K1, natto is considered the best.
Food As Your First Medicine
Japanese natto, or fermented soy bean paste, may take an acquired taste to enjoy. But many consider miso soup tasty, and natto is used to make miso soup. You can purchase natto to make miso soup, or nibble it now and then in an attempt to get used to it. You can also try eating a little natto stirred with soy sauce, chopped onions, and other spices on steamed rice or in omelets.
And you can make your own natto. However, the aging process is usually six months or more. Two links for natto recipes are in the sources section below. A good approach may be to buy some as you make some. This will help you maintain a steady K1 and K2 absorption with nattokinase fibrinolytic enzymes while keeping your costs down.
Sources for this article include:
Short Form Uisng Bacillus Natto to Jump Start the Aging Process for Faster Results
http://www.gaia21.net/natto/making.htm#aging
Prevent Heart Disease with Nattokinase or Miso Soup
(Contains Link for Making Natto the Long Way)
http://gaia-health.org/articles51/000086-Nat...
Long Term Aspirin Use Leads to Pancreatic Cancer
http://www.naturalnews.com/000688.html
An Aspirin a Day May Not Keep the Doctor Away
http://www.wecreatewellness.com/aspirin/
Warfarin Side Effects
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/warfarin-si...
Natto and Nattokinase
http://japanesefood.about.com/od/bean/a/natt...
About the author
Paul Fassa is dedicated to warning others about the current corruption of food and medicine and guiding others toward a direction for better health with no restrictions on health freedom. You can visit his blog at http://healthmaven.blogspot.com
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