I don't know how many of you had a wonderful (or most likely dreadful) experience of eating Natto, furmented soy bean, but I wanted people of this tribe to try it for all the great reasons.

Nattō is an acquired taste due to its powerful smell and sticky consistency, but it offers health benefit like no other food can.

Here's what Wikipedia said on this subject.

"Natto for example contains a compound Pyrazine, which not only gives natto its distinct smell, but also reduces the likelihood of blood clotting. An enzyme nattokinase may also reduce blood clotting both by direct fibrinolysis of clots, and inhibition of the plasma protein plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. This may help to avoid thrombosis, as for example in heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, or strokes.

Natto also contains large amounts of Vitamin K, which is involved in the formation of calcium-binding groups in proteins, assisting the formation of bone, and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin K1 is found naturally in seaweed, liver and some vegetables, while vitamin K2 is found in fermented food products like cheese and miso. Natto has very large amounts of vitamin K2, approximately 870 micrograms per 100 grams of natto.

Natto also contains many chemicals alleged to prevent cancer, as for example daidzein, genistein, infrabin, phytoestrogen, and the chemical element selenium. However, most of these chemicals can also be found in other soy bean products, and their effect on cancer prevention is uncertain at best. Some sources also claim that natto has a cholesterol-lowering effect."

You can get Natto at most of Asian markets, and definately at Japanese markets. I usually mix it with soy sauce and spread over hot steamed rice. Some times I add raw or cooked eggs. I even eat over spagehtti. There are lot of creative ways to eat Natto. For example, my mother used to deep fried a spoon full with tempura batter. In Japan, many poeple enjoys in sushi rolls.

So next time when you find yourself at an Asian market, ask store people where they keep Natto. Bring it home and feed it to your family and friends and enjoy the reaction. It's not only good for you, but it's fun!!