Natto to the Rescue

If you've never had natto all I can say is that it's an experience. Natto are soy beans that when fermented become sticky and slimy (Japanese have a thing for slimy food).

Yum, huh?

It's traditionally eaten in Japan for breakfast; however, many Japanese don't like it. Personally, I think natto's not bad.

Anyway, it seems that natto may have properties that could reverse the effects of Alzheimers.

From Wired magazine...

Natto contains an enzyme called nattokinase that can shred brain plaque, and chemists think it could become a game-changing medication.

In theory, the fermented soy substance would break up the deadly amyloid protein that forms fibrous deposits in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

"The ability of nattokinase to degrade amyloid fibrils is quite promising," says Li Gan, an Alzheimer's expert. "Since the enzyme comes from a type of health food, it might have fewer side effects."

The jury is still out on whether nattokinase will become a blockbuster Alzheimer's drug. But it is is readily available in the freezer section of Japanese markets and often served with rice, sushi or pork. So you might want to develop a taste for the unusual food. But that could take awhile.