Have you heard the buzz? There’s a supplement making waves, with headlines suggesting it can reduce blockages in your blood vessels by up to 95%. With heart disease still being the number one cause of death globally, a claim like that is bound to grab your attention. It certainly grabbed mine. The supplement in question is nattokinase, an enzyme derived from a traditional Japanese food. But with a new “miracle” supplement popping up every few months, you have to ask: is this one any different?
I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking it too. Is this the real deal, or just another bottle of hype? The interest in nattokinase exploded after a recent study involving over 1,000 people seemed to show incredible results. So, I decided to dive deep into the research—the good, the bad, and the downright misleading. We’re going to look at what the science actually says about nattokinase, whether pairing it with another supplement called serrapeptase helps, and most importantly, what you can actually do to virtually guarantee you never have a heart attack. The answers might surprise you. (Based on the insights of Dr. Brad Standfield)
Key Takeaways
- What is Nattokinase? Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. It’s believed to contribute to the longevity seen in Japanese populations.
- The Hype Study: A widely-cited 2022 study of over 1,000 people suggested nattokinase dramatically reduced cholesterol and artery plaque. However, this was a retrospective study, meaning it has significant design flaws and cannot prove cause and effect.
- The Gold-Standard Evidence: The best scientific evidence we have comes from a 3-year, randomized, placebo-controlled trial from 2021. This study found no difference in artery blockages between people taking nattokinase and those taking a placebo.
- Food vs. Supplement: While the evidence for nattokinase supplements is weak, the food natto is a fantastic, healthy choice, rich in protein, fiber, and vitamin K2.
- The Real Solution: Preventing heart disease isn’t found in a pill. It comes from proven lifestyle strategies like diet, exercise, and managing key health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.