Natto Food Combinations
Below are foods that, when paired with natto, enhances the flavor, and increases the nutritional value of the meal
Green Onion
Green onions contain a compound called Diallyl sulfide that helps increase your bodies absorption of Vitamin B1 and B2. Most in the onion family(Amaryllidaceae family; Leek, Onions, Garlic, Chives etc.) will provide the same effect.
Ginger
For those that can not stand the smell of natto, ginger helps to soften the strong smell of natto.
Along side this, the natural health benefits of ginger complement the benefits of natto; the powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, anti-osteoarthritis properties, help in blood circulation, and increasing metabolism, just to name a few.
Avocado
Natto is extremely nutritionally balanced, but compared to many super-foods it has lower amounts of Vitamin C, thus by pairing it with avocado, it is almost the perfect nutritionally balanced meal. Added to this, the Oleic Acid in avocados compliments the anti-blood-clotting properties of natto-kinase.
Vinegar
Adding vinegar to natto will help increase the bodies absorption of iron. Also the natto's blood-thinning properties, and vinegar's characteristics that help prevent high blood pressure make a super combo for your cardiovascular health.
Egg Yolk
Vitamin A, one of the few minerals missing in natto, is found aplenty in Egg Yolk, makes this combination an extremely well balanced meal. Along with the vitamin A, as this combination provides both animal and vegetable based proteins, which provides a wider variety of amino acids.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains an fatty acid called Oleic acid which has an anti-blood clotting property which supplements the effects of natto-kinase.
Kimchi
The combination of natto and fermented foods compliment each other extremely well. The Lactobacillus(lactic acid bacteria) in kimchi, and the Bacillus Natto(natto bacteria) in natto, provide an enormous amount of probiotics to help regulate gut flora.
Sesame Seeds
Mixing sesame with sesame seeds enhances many of the health benefits of natto; anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, boosting your immune system, increased amount of B vitamins, calcium and iron, just to name a few.
Ume-Boshi
Ume-boshi, Japanese pickled plums, have an extremely high concentration of citric acid, even more than lemons! This helps improves circulation, and boosts the immune system. It also helps break down and flush out lactic acid, which is one of the causes of physical fatigue.
Shiso Leaves
Shiso, also known as Perilla, contain a large amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which natto is lacking in. Adding this makes the meal an extremely balanced meal.