The Asian secret

On average, the Japanese population enjoys a comparatively high life expectancy, which is not least due to their balanced diet. Typical diseases of affluence such as obesity and diabetes occur far less frequently in Japan than in Western Europe or the USA.

Many Japanese dishes are among the most digestible in the world. The food is low in calories and full of fermented foods, including fermented soybeans.

Everyone in this country knows that sauerkraut is healthy. But there are plenty of other fermented foods that have a positive effect on our well-being. Asians are always in the lead here, providing the body with vital vitamins, minerals and enzymes in their food and drinks.

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Kimchi

The Korean dish kimchi means nothing more than fermented vegetables. Like rice, kimchi is part of every meal in Korea and consists of a wide variety of vegetables. These include fermented leek, Chinese cabbage, garlic, chili and radish.

Regardless of the ingredients and preparation methods, kimchi is rich in nutrients, fiber and vitamins. The lactic and acetic acids formed during fermentation also have a germicidal effect. Depending on the ingredients, it also aids digestion and lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Kombucha

Kombucha has now also established itself as a healthy trend drink in this country. It is a fermentation liquid that is produced by fermenting a caffeinated, sweetened tea and a kombucha culture, often referred to as kombucha mushroom or scoby.

Fermentation produces metabolic products that have a positive effect on health. Vinegar and lactic acid, important trace elements and vitamins as well as valuable enzymes are also beneficial for the body.

Miso

Miso is originally a paste made from fermented soybeans, rice and cereals. Miso is primarily known as a basic ingredient in miso soup and miso ramen. Here too, the benefits for human nutrition are evident: miso is rich in protein, vitamins, isoflavonoids and enzymes.

Yoghurt

Yes, yoghurt is also a fermented food, because it is nothing other than fermented milk. Not all yogurt is healthy; you should avoid the varieties with lots of sugar and artificial flavors. However, if you choose Greek yogurt, which is high in protein, healthy fats and low in calories, you are doing everything right.

Natto

Natto is a traditional food from Japan and consists of fermented soybeans. The dish has a rather peculiar appearance and an intense smell. Typical are the beans, which produce slimy threads when removed.

Even if the appearance and aroma take some getting used to for us: The benefits of adding natto to your diet are obvious. This dish also produces substances during fermentation that have been proven to have a health-promoting effect.

The food is considered to be beneficial for infectious diseases and digestive problems, helps with stomach upsets and stimulates bone formation. The enzyme it contains is also effective against high blood pressure, thrombosis and osteoporosis.

Natto has long been popular in Japanese folk medicine. It is therefore not surprising that the positive properties of this food are also used in the production of the food supplement nattokinase.

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What is nattokinase?

Nattokinase is an enzyme that is extracted from fermented soybeans during the fermentation process. After fermentation, the beans are dried and processed into a powder. The nattokinase enzyme is then extracted, concentrated and offered as capsules, tablets or powder in the form of food supplements.

The health effects of nattokinase

Even though experience with fermented foods goes back several millennia, research into the effects of nattokinase is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, initial studies and numerous patient testimonials suggest that the soybean enzyme has a positive effect on health.

The preparation can help to reduce the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular diseases, circulatory disorders and strokes. The natto enzyme also has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that taking it can be useful for conditions such as arthritis and arteriosclerosis, as well as chronic intestinal diseases, sore muscles or painful inflammation.

Many users also swear by the anti-ageing properties of the preparation and report beneficial support during the menopause or when losing weight. The enzyme's anti-inflammatory and circulation-promoting properties also come into play for eye diseases and to promote respiratory health.