Nattokinase
What is Nattokinase? Nattokinase is derived from the popular Japanese breakfast food of natto, which is a soybean dish normally eaten with rice. The taste is similar to salted nuts, has a gooey consistency, and a strong cheesy smell. Nattokinase is produced by extracting an enzyme from this fermented soy and combining it with a natural bacteria (Bacillus subtilus natto) culminating in the refined version of the product in either pill or capsule formthat is without the strong smell or taste, and can be purchased through most health food outlets or online if you prefer
Benefits of Nattokinase
It is claimed that Nattokinase is beneficial in the alleviation of blood clots and similar disorders that can contribute to heart disorders, such as phlebitis, pulmonary embolism, or deep vein thrombosis. It is said that it breaks down the fibrin fibers that cause the blood clots. There are drugs that are given intravenously after a person has had a heart attack or stroke called Streptokinase and Urokinase but Nattokinase is said to last longer and is also taken by mouth.
A natural enzyme found in the body is plasmin, and Nattokinase has very similar effects as that to reduce blood clotting. There are drugs used to help prevent blood from clotting like Coumadin (warfin), and aspirin is said to reduce the stickiness of the blood cells thus preventing fibrin strands to form clots
Is there any proof of what is Nattokinase or how it works?
Most of the studies on nattokinase have involved animals and test tube research, as yet there have not been any major studies done on humans showing evidence that it can break down blood clots.
One study was done where people were given nattokinase or a placebo before taking a long distance flight. None of the people who took the nattokinase developed a clot but 7 out of 92 who were given the placebo developed a clot. It is not all that clear how trust worthy the study was.
Are there any possible side effects from using nattokinase?
If you are taking Coumadin (warfarin), asprin, or any other drug that influences blood clotting you should not take nattokinase because it may lower your blood pressure (unless under doctor’s supervision). Nattokinase contains vitamin K large quantities of this can reduce the effect of coumadin.
Pregnant and nursing women should not take nattokinase because the effects of it are not known. Now we know what is Nattokinase, all we need to do now is talk to our doctors about it.