✪ Key Takeaway: Natto products containing nattokinase can help lower blood pressure through natural enzyme activity and improved circulation.
Introduction
Your doctor hands you another prescription for blood pressure medication and you wonder if there might be a natural alternative.
You have probably heard whispers about natto, that sticky Japanese fermented soybean dish that looks unusual but promises remarkable health benefits for your cardiovascular system.
Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach and today I am going to explain how natto products can genuinely help manage your hypertension through natural mechanisms that work with your body.
What Makes Natto Special for Blood Pressure?
Natto contains a unique enzyme called nattokinase that forms during the fermentation process when Bacillus subtilis bacteria break down soybeans.
This enzyme acts like a natural blood thinner by dissolving fibrin, a protein that makes blood clots sticky and thick.
When your blood flows more smoothly, your heart does not need to work as hard to pump it through your arteries.
Research shows that nattokinase can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings in people with mild hypertension.
The enzyme works by breaking down cross-linked fibrin networks that can make blood vessels less flexible over time.
Unlike synthetic blood thinners, nattokinase works gradually and naturally without the harsh side effects that come with pharmaceutical options.
✪ Fact: One serving of natto contains about 2000 fibrinolytic units of nattokinase enzyme activity.
How Much Natto Do You Need for Results?
Clinical studies typically use 2000 to 4000 fibrinolytic units of nattokinase daily to see meaningful blood pressure reductions.
This translates to about 50 to 100 grams of traditional natto, which equals roughly one small package you find in Japanese grocery stores.
Most people see initial improvements in blood pressure readings within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily consumption.
The key word here is consistent because nattokinase does not accumulate in your body like some nutrients do.
Your body breaks down and eliminates the enzyme within 24 hours, so you need to replenish it daily for sustained benefits.
Some people prefer nattokinase supplements because they provide standardized doses without the strong smell and sticky texture of traditional natto.
✪ Pro Tip: Take nattokinase on an empty stomach for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Are There Any Safety Concerns with Natto?
Natto is generally safe for most people, but its blood-thinning properties require some careful consideration.
If you take warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications, you should consult your doctor before adding natto to your routine.
The combination could potentially increase your bleeding risk beyond safe levels.
People scheduled for surgery should stop consuming natto products at least two weeks beforehand to prevent excessive bleeding during procedures.
Natto also contains vitamin K2, which can interfere with certain blood-thinning medications by promoting blood clotting.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid nattokinase supplements, though small amounts of traditional natto are likely safe.
✪ Note: Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements you take, including natural ones like nattokinase.
What Other Benefits Come with Natto?
Beyond blood pressure management, natto provides several additional cardiovascular benefits that work together synergistically.
The fermentation process creates vitamin K2 in a form called menaquinone-7, which helps direct calcium into your bones instead of your arteries.
This prevents arterial calcification, a condition that makes blood vessels stiff and contributes to high blood pressure.
Natto also contains probiotics from the Bacillus subtilis bacteria, which support gut health and may influence blood pressure through the gut-heart connection.
The high protein content in natto helps maintain healthy body weight, another important factor in blood pressure management.
Some studies suggest that regular natto consumption may also help reduce LDL cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health markers.
✪ Fact: Natto contains more vitamin K2 than any other food source, with about 775 micrograms per 100 grams.
Should You Choose Traditional Natto or Supplements?
Traditional natto offers the complete package of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals alongside the nattokinase enzyme.
However, many people find the strong smell, sticky texture, and acquired taste challenging to incorporate into their daily routine.
Nattokinase supplements provide a convenient alternative with standardized doses and no taste or texture issues.
Look for supplements that specify the fibrinolytic unit content and choose products from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing.
Some supplements combine nattokinase with other heart-healthy ingredients like CoQ10 or red yeast rice for enhanced benefits.
The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and ability to consistently incorporate either option into your daily routine.
✪ Pro Tip: Start with a lower dose and gradually increase to assess your individual tolerance and response.
The Bottom Line
Natto products can genuinely help manage hypertension through the natural blood-thinning and circulation-improving effects of nattokinase enzyme.
Nature often provides the gentlest solutions for our most persistent health challenges, and natto represents one of those remarkable discoveries that bridges traditional wisdom with modern science.
I would love to hear about your experiences with natto or any questions you might have about incorporating it into your blood pressure management strategy, so please share your thoughts in the comments below.
References
At NutritionCrown, we use quality and credible sources to ensure our content is accurate and trustworthy. Below are the sources referenced in creating this article:
- PMC: Nattokinase: A Promising Alternative in Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
- Dove Press: Consumption of nattokinase is associated with reduced blood pressure
- PubMed: Nattokinase decreases plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII in human subjects
- Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine: Nattokinase and Cardiovascular Disease
- Frontiers in Nutrition: Nattokinase: production, properties, and therapeutic applications
