Nattokinase Dietary Supplement Research Assignment (Essay Sample)

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Nattokinase Dietary Supplement
Overview
Nattokinase refers to an enzyme extracted from a popular Japanese food called natto. Natto arises from the fermentation of boiled soybeans using a bacterium called Bacillus natto. For hundreds of years, natto has been applied as a remedy for most cardiovascular disorders. Nattokinase cannot be found in any other soy food, apart from natto as its production is through a specific fermentation process used to make the food. It is important to note that nattokinase supplement is a micro-mineral requirement as compared to other nutrient requirements, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (Zhang, Fuming, Jianhua & Robert, p693).
One of the properties of nattokinase includes its water solubility, hence defines its capability to be transported in the bloodstream while “scouring” the blood vessels. Nattokinase does its work by decreasing the ability of blood to clot. It has the distinctive ability to break down most of the adhesive substances that make the arterial plaque very sticky. It, therefore, “thins the blood” hence is a possible protector against blood clot related medical emergencies such as heart attack, stroke among others (Zhang, et al., p702).
Benefits/Side effects
Since Nattokinase has been in use for over a thousand years, its health benefits have been strongly supported by scientific studies. It has been proven to stabilize and assist the gastrointestinal tract. It may also help in the normalization of blood pressure levels, prevention of the formation of blood clots within the body. It also aids in the natural production of other anti-clotting enzymes such as plasmin (Dabbagh, Fatemeh, et al,. p342).
Some of the cardiovascular diseases which nattokinase can be used to control include heart disease, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, atherosclerosis and varicose vein among others. It can also be used to remedy pain, chronic fatigue, muscle spasms, endometriosis, and a vitamin-deficiency called beriberi.
The side effects of this supplement can be visible among the pregnant women who are advised to avoid the use of nattokinase even though the safety of taking the supplement remains unknown to this group of people. Nattokinase might also worsen the condition of those with bleeding disorders. Those about to undergo surgery are advised to stay away from the supplement, at least, two weeks before the surgery, to prevent the likelihood of over-bleeding during the procedure (Zhang, et al., p695).
Dosage
The dosage of this supplement is highly dependent on factors such as the user’s health, age, and several other conditions. However, in this instance, there has been no enough scientific data to determine the precise range of dosage for nattokinase. However, daily dosages of about 100 to 300mg have been used in some studies (Dabbagh, et al., p332).
Conclusion
The daily eating habits of many people involve the consumption of large amounts of foods that can result in an elevation of redness and buildup of unhealthy levels of cholesterol. Such lifestyle sets up a paradigm that places a significant percenta...