Is natto powder as good as natto?

What are the nutritional differences between Natto Powder and fresh natto?

Natto powder and fresh natto share many nutritional similarities, but there are some key differences to consider. Both forms of natto are derived from fermented soybeans and contain beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and nutrients. However, the processing methods used to create natto powder may impact its nutritional profile.

Fresh natto is made by fermenting whole soybeans with Bacillus subtilis natto bacteria. This process results in a sticky, stringy texture and a strong, distinctive flavor. Fresh natto is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins (particularly Vitamin K2), and minerals. It also containsnattokinase, an enzyme known for its potential cardiovascular benefits.

Natto powder, on the other hand, is created by freeze-drying or dehydrating fresh natto and grinding it into a fine powder. This process helps preserve many of the nutrients found in fresh natto, including protein, fiber, and vitamins. However, some differences may exist:

1.Protein content: While both forms of natto are good sources of protein, fresh natto may have a slightly higher protein content per serving due to its higher moisture content.

2.Fiber: The fiber content in Organic Natto Powder may be more concentrated than in fresh natto, as the dehydration process removes water and concentrates the nutrients.

3.Enzyme activity: The processing of natto powder may affect the activity of some enzymes, including nattokinase. However, many high-quality natto powders are produced using methods that aim to preserve enzyme activity.

4.Vitamin K2: Both fresh natto and natto powder are excellent sources of vitamin K2. However, the concentration may vary depending on the processing methods used for the powder.

5.Probiotics: Fresh natto contains live probiotic bacteria, which may be reduced or eliminated in some natto powders due to the drying process. However, some manufacturers use special techniques to preserve probiotic content in their powders.

Can natto powder provide the same health benefits as fresh natto?

Natto, whether in its fresh or powdered form, is renowned.

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Natto is a traditional food consumed in Japan for over 2000 years, which is regarded as an important dietary contributor to the long and healthy lives of the Japanese. As the key thrombolytic ingredient of natto, the serine protease nattokinase (NK) is proposed to be responsible for many of the benefits of natto on cardiovascular system, including thrombosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute ischemic stroke and hyperlipidemia[6]. Furthermore, NK also showed mitigating effects on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), other abnormalities and cancer. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that NK is protective against these aging-related diseases mainly through its protease activity.

Nattokinase is an extracellular enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis natto. It is classified as a serine protease with the enzyme commission number EC 3.4.21.62. The enzyme is known for its stability in the gastrointestinal tract, making it suitable for oral administration1. The production of nattokinase involves microbial fermentation, and the enzyme can be purified using various chromatographic techniques. The molecular weight of nattokinase is approximately 27,728 Daltons, and it consists of 275 amino acid residues.

What is the best way to take natto powder?

The best way to get consistent intake of this powerful enzyme is a high-quality nattokinase supplement. Natto powder can be extracted, purified, and packaged into a dietary supplement, which provides a convenient way to get its blood pressure support and heart-healthy effects.

You might be asking, "Why not just eat natto?" While we can simply eat natto to obtain nattokinase, natto is often described as an acquired taste, and it can be difficult for some to eat. Plus, you would need to commit to eating it daily. Dosage is another issue. You would need to eat about 50 grams of natto to get the amount of nattokinase found in one capsule.

Natto powder makes a great pairing with French maritime pine bark extract. Clinical studies have shown that French maritime pine bark extract, sometimes called Pycnogenol, helps support healthy blood flow. Taken together, these two make a complete cardiovascular couple.

When designing your heart health routine, don't forget to include foods that help support your body's nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is another superstar in supporting blood flow and a healthy cardiovascular system.

Can I take natto powder every day?

Natto powder is safe to take daily to support heart health. Another benefit of purified extracts, such as natto powder, is that they don't contain other active ingredients. This can be a bonus for someone who might be watching their intake of other vitamins and minerals. Let's take vitamin K as an example—although this is present in high amounts in natto, a natt powder does not contain vitamin K. So, someone can supplement with nattokinase without worrying about affecting their vitamin K intake.

As a cardinal rule of supplements, always be sure to follow the directions on the product label. The dosage and directions are determined by what was used in clinical studies to help us get those important health benefits. Also, don't forget to speak with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.

References

https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/supplements/nattokinase-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOopMVOVf2w3YbkuKtOar682RRnWDady86LT9uJh2VHVx3bhEKvxx

https://www.biowayorganicinc.com/info/is-natto-powder-as-good-as-natto-97529681.html