I have decided to start a new column series today (don't worry - I will be continuing with my previous columns about my favourite books and life lessons when soon!) about my favourite food and drinks in Japan. This series will focus particularly on one item each time, some information about it, some health information and also my personal relationship with it!

For part one today I will be introducing a CLASSIC Japanese food, which the majority of people either LOVE or HATE....

1. Natto

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans injected and fermented with 'bacillus subtili var. natto.'

It has a sticky texture, and distinctive smell - both of which many find highly off putting, although personally I love it!

Health benefits - Natto contains the highest source of vitamin K2 out of ANY natural food product! Vitamin K2 is essential for heart and tissue health, and potentially has bone strengthening properties (the research on this is conflicting), although many cite natto consumption as a potential reason for the lower levels of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) in Japan.

My personal take on natto - I initially tried natto 5 years ago on my first visit to Japan, and I won't lie - I HATED it! But then fast forward to 2017 and I decided to brave it again. As someone who leads a healthy lifestyle and is interested in the consumption of health giving foods, I had to try it again. This time though - I would experience proper natto, and not a cheap packet from a 7/11. The opportunity came about when we were staying in a Zen temple in a small rural village in Oita in September. The head monk had arranged a large feast for us to enjoy in the evening and of course I wanted to experience everything! He showed me how to stir the natto properly, and mixed it with spring onions to improve the taste. I loved it and have never looked back since! I now aim to eat at least one packet of natto each day. My favourite natto being black bean natto (kuronatto) which despite being quite rare, has been available in health stores in a few of the major cities on our travels.

Whilst there are many potential health benefits which come from eating natto, be warned that it is safer to purchase natto than to try to make it yourself. Secondly it is worth noting that whilst this is an extremely high source of vitamin K2, it has been fermented and is not 'naturally' found in the soybeans used to produce it. This is by no means a reason not to eat natto, but I would advise against 'binge' eating multiple packets of it every day! Also, as with ALL soy products - ensure that you buy the highest quality, as the vast majority of soy products today are genetically modified and can contain harmful pesticides (due to the increasing demand for them around the world in countries such as Japan, China and America) which can have a negative effect on our health. If purchasing in Japan, try to look for the JAS organic certification mark, products made from 'non GMO soybeans' or at the very least, buy locally made soy products from reputable sources.

I hope you enjoyed this column everyone!

'It is health that is TRUE wealth, and not pieces of gold or silver'

Lastly - I have reduced the prices of some of my new lessons, such as PROOF READING, TAI CHI, and YOGA lessons. If you are interested in trying these lessons out - now would be a perfect time and I have coupons available for new students! 

Take care and have a happy and healthy day! :-)

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I am a highly experienced professional English teacher, Yoga Instructor, Tai Chi teacher, Nutrition Consultant and Personal Trainer from London, UK. I recently left London to work and travel around Japan on a Working Holiday Visa with my best friend and longtime girlfriend Ashley (who is also a teacher on Cafetalk : https://cafetalk.com/tutors/profile/?id=54542&lang=en ). We love sharing adventures travelling, teaching, exploring and understanding new cultures. We hope to speak with you soon!

Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a lesson at a time in which my schedule is not open. I will always do my best to accomodate every student.