Natto, made from soybeans, was proposed as a diet "superfood" on the Japanese television show "Hakkutsu! Aru Aru Daijiten II" in January 2007. Viewers were told to consume one package of natto in the morning and one at night to lose weight. The fad persisted, despite discovery that it was backed by faulty science. Several types of beans are consumed in Japan; however, this bean diet went on to achieve worldwide notoriety.
History of Natto
Natto originated in Japan, however, the date of introduction is uncertain. It may have been introduced by Shotoku Taishi, regent of the Empress Suiko, between 570 and 622 A.D. Or, it may have originated with Hachiman Taro Yoshiie of the famed Minamoto clan between 1039 and 1106 A.D. One thing is certain, however -- natto was accidentally made from boiled soybeans that were kept in straw.
How to Prepare Natto
Natto is made from soybeans, which are picked, and then boiled. The fermentation agent is Bacillus nato, which is found in abundance in straw. In times of old, people wrapped their cooked soybeans in straw; this technique is still used by some manufacturers today. Other manufacturers culture the bacterium and then add it to the soybeans.
Ways to Eat Natto
There are several ways to enjoy natto. It can be used in place of beans in a recipe, and since it is high in protein, it can even be substituted for meat. It can be combined with tomatoes and cheese to make bruschetta, it can be used in salads, or it can be combined with other beans to make vegetarian burgers. The possibilities are virtually endless!
Effectiveness of Japanese Bean Diet
Though the claims about natto were shown to be based on faulty science, the fascination around the Japanese bean diet has remained. Natto is high in protein, and low in fat. It also has high levels of vitamin K and has been shown to improve bone mineral density. Thus, natto is a beneficial addition to a healthy diet, even though it may not cause miraculous weight loss.
References
- 8 Most Unusual Weight Loss Diets from Around the World
- The Natto Diet - Fermented Soy Bean Diet
- "The Japan Times Online": Natto nonsense lands television show in sticky mess.
- Japanese TV, natto, and the power of open minds
- "Osteoporosis International"; Association between vitamin K intake from fermented soybeans, natto, and bone mineral density in elderly Japanese men: the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study; Y. Fujita, M. Iki, J. Tamaki, K. Kouda, A. Yura, E. Kadowaki, Y. Sato, J. S. Moon, K. Tomioka, N. Okamoto, and N. Kurumatani; March 2011
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