Natto is sometimes associated with Japanese longevity, because it is one of the traditional products eaten in Japan for centuries. Stories appear in the media about centenarians who ate natto every day and linked their fitness to it. Such stories are culturally interesting, but it is worth separating the anecdote from what is actually known. This article is educational in nature and does not make any claims about treating or preventing disease.
Single stories of people who reached an advanced age and ate natto are not scientific proof. Lifespan depends on very many factors: genes, the whole way of eating, physical activity, lifestyle and healthcare. Attributing it to a single product would be an oversimplification.
What can be said reliably is that natto is part of the traditional Japanese diet and a good source of nutrients: plant protein, fibre, vitamin K2 in the MK-7 form and live cultures of fermentation bacteria. Population studies on the Japanese diet describe correlations between the intake of fermented soy and various health indicators, but a correlation is not proof of a causal relationship.
If you would like to try natto as part of a varied diet, we encourage you to take a look at our range. It is worth treating it as a valuable food, not as a recipe for a long life.
This article was prepared by the Natto.pl team. It is educational in nature and does not replace medical consultation. Natto is a food, not a medicine.
