What is Natto kinnase?

Natto is a fermented food from Japan, made from soybeans like tofu. Natto is different from tofu in that it is fermented, giving it a unique flavor and aroma. Nattō is mostly eaten for breakfast and is commonly eaten with rice or other dishes.

Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from nattō, it plays a role in breaking down proteins produced by nattō bacteria. Nattō is made by fermenting soybeans with nattō bacteria. This fermentation process produces polyglutamic acid, protein, vitamins, and other compounds that give nattō its distinctive "sticky" texture. Nattō bacteria also produce other enzymes such as amylase and protease.

The history of Natto kinnase.

The history of Natto kinnase goes back centuries, as the culture of eating Natto has been present in Japan for a long time. However, the health benefits of nattō were not fully understood until the discovery of nattō kinnase's ability to dissolve blood clots.

In 1988, Japanese researchers discovered that Natto kinnase had the ability to dissolve blood clots. This discovery was significant in the medical field, and it led to many more studies being conducted on the enzyme.

Since then, the ability of Natto kinnase to dissolve blood clots has been confirmed, and studies have suggested that it may have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Food ingredients containing nattokinase.

There are also food ingredients containing nattokinase other than natto. For example, it is known that nattokinase is contained in the following ingredients:

• Peanuts
• Milk
• Cheese
• Sausage
• Pork
• Chicken
  
  Also, nattokinase may be sterilized by pesticides or chemical agents, so it is often not contained in fruits and vegetables.

In addition, the amount of nattokinase contained in ingredients other than natto is generally less, and particularly the health effects are considered to be lower than natto. Also, nattokinase contained in ingredients other than natto may have a lower activity level due to the possibility of sterilization treatment, in comparison with natto.

Functions of Nattokinase.

The function of nattokinase is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, one of the enzymes produced by natto bacteria that breaks down proteins. Proteins are essential components for organs such as muscles, kidneys, and liver, cells, and antibodies. However, before proteins reach the digestive organs, they must be broken down in the stomach and small intestine. This is where enzymes that break down proteins are needed.

Nattokinase is one of the enzymes that breaks down proteins and plays a role in breaking down proteins in the stomach and small intestine. Additionally, nattokinase produces breakdown products such as amino acids from breaking down proteins, which become the building blocks of cells and raw materials for synthesizing new proteins. Furthermore, it is believed that nattokinase also promotes digestion by absorbing digestive fluids such as stomach acid and bile as it breaks down proteins in the stomach and small intestine.

Effects of nattokinase.

About the effect of nattokinase in preventing thrombosis:

Nattokinase is known to be helpful in reducing the risk of thrombosis. This enzyme has the ability to break down a protein called fibrinogen in the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots. Additionally, nattokinase is thought to have an effect in preventing arteriosclerosis by dissolving clotted matter in blood vessels and promoting blood flow.

About the effect of nattokinase in preventing hypertension:

Nattokinase can prevent hypertension by dissolving blood clots. Hypertension means the pressure that blood puts on artery walls when the heart pumps blood to the entire body. If hypertension persists for a long time, it can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, tinnitus, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, and can cause the walls of the blood vessels to become fragile and lead to arteriosclerosis.

Furthermore, fragile blood vessels have a higher risk of rupture and causing brain hemorrhage. There are two types of hypertension, primary hypertension, which has no clear cause and secondary hypertension, which is caused by diseases such as kidney disorders. Primary hypertension is more common among adult hypertension patients and can be caused by genetics, obesity, aging, excessive salt intake, stress, smoking, and lack of exercise. Nattokinase prevents hypertension, which in turn can help prevent diseases caused by hypertension.

About the effect of nattokinase in lowering cholesterol levels:

Nattokinase is one of the enzymes that break down cholesterol and is believed to have an effect in lowering cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a type of fat that exists in the blood and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hypercholesterolemia causes arteriosclerosis and heart disease. Nattokinase breaks down cholesterol in the blood and is said to have an effect in lowering the cholesterol levels in the blood by excreting it out of the body.

How to choose a nattokinase supplement.

When choosing a supplement for nattokinase, it is important to check the reliability and reputation of the manufacturer for quality control. Also, make sure that the dosage and ingredients are properly listed. For consumption method, it is best to consult with a nutritionist and determine the appropriate dosage for the individual. Generally, it is considered best to take it daily and take it after a meal.

 Japanese-made Nattokinase supplement products are typically produced based on strict quality control regulations by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Additionally, many Japanese-made products also take into consideration the quality and safety of their raw materials. By choosing products manufactured by reputable Japanese manufacturers, you can feel confident about their quality and safety when consuming them.

Recommended Japanese nattokinase Supplements

Noguchi Medical Research Institute Nattokinase 4000FU：
Nattokinase is an enzyme found in the traditional Japanese food, natto, known for its potent blood clot-dissolving activity. It can help lower blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol levels. Noguchi Medical Research Institute's Nattokinase supplement is designed without the characteristic smell, taste, or stickiness of natto, making it easy to consume even for those who don't enjoy the traditional dish.

ORIHIRO Nattokinase 4000FU：
Each daily dose of ORIHIRO Nattokinase 4000FU, consisting of 2 capsules, provides the equivalent nattokinase activity found in approximately 100 grams of natto (4000FU). This supplement also includes several ingredients that support the function of nattokinase, such as DHA, EPA, hesperidin, rutin, vitamin E, and lecithin. Nattokinase is an enzyme produced by natto bacteria, known for its ability to dissolve blood clots. This product encapsulates nattokinase-rich natto culture extract in soft gel capsules, free from natto's distinctive smell, making it easy to consume.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Nattokinase 2000FU：
Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Nattokinase 2000FU is designed to support cardiovascular health by combining the benefits of nattokinase, EPA, and DHA. Nattokinase, derived from natto bacteria, helps lower high blood pressure by improving peripheral blood flow and promoting better circulation. Additionally, the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the product are known for their ability to reduce blood triglycerides, which further supports heart health by regulating blood lipids and reducing the formation of harmful fats. This supplement offers a comprehensive approach to maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular function.