Much is talked about Collagen and it’s miraculous properties and benefits. So in Nizen Probiotic Collagen drink we obviously predominantly have collagen. For now let’s also talk about other lesser known but relatively powerful ingredient – ‘Nattokinase’ in this drink.Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto. It is a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented by Bacillus natto. Natto consumption is believed to be a significant contributor to the longevity of the Japanese population. Nattokinase is found in the sticky part of Natto.Nattokinase has the ability to get into the blood stream and directly destroy blood clots, thin the blood and improve blood flow. It cleans out the blood vessels thus reducing the risk of hypertension and stroke and can also reduce the risk of heart attack.Before the 1980s, very little was known about the mechanism by which natto consumption led to overall cardiovascular health. In 1987, it was discovered that natto contained a potent fibrinolytic enzyme called nattokinase which has many favourable effects on cardiovascular health.Nattokinase has been shown to:

• Dissolve excess fibrin in blood vessels, which improves circulation, causes clot dissolution and reduces risk of severe clotting.
• Reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol
• Reduce blood viscosity, improve blood flow and lower blood pressure

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world and our approach to the control and management of Cardiovascular disease mortality is limited. Nattokinase, possesses a variety of favourable cardiovascular effects and the consumption of Natto has been linked to a reduction in Cardiovascular disease mortality. Recent research has demonstrated that Nattokinase has potent fibrinolytic activity, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and neuroprotective effects.  Available evidence suggests that Nattokinase is a unique natural compound that possesses several key cardiovascular beneficial effects for patients with cardiovascular diseases and is therefore an ideal drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Nattokinase is a promising alternative in the management of heart ailments.Cardiovascular diseases are the most prevalent cause of deaths worldwide. In 2015, the number of cardiovascular diseases related deaths represented 31% of all deaths globally.The most unique feature of Nattokinase is that, as a single compound, it possesses multiple cardiovascular diseases preventative and alleviating pharmacologic effects (namely, antithrombotic, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anti-atherosclerotic, and neuro-protective effects). There are no other drugs or drug candidates with multiple pharmacologic properties similar to Nattokinase. In addition, Nattokinase is a natural product that can be administered orally, has a proven safety profile, is economical to use, and provides distinct advantages over other pharmaceutical products. It therefore has the potential to be developed as a new-generation drug for the prevention, treatment, and long-term care of cardiovascular diseases.Elevated Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a risk factor for thrombosis (formation of blood clot) and atherosclerosis (a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of fatty material on their inner walls). PAI-1 increases due to many factors including obesity, high cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance (high blood sugar), stress and inflammation, where it is difficult for thrombus to get resolved. However, PAI-1 can be degraded (or inactivated) by Nattokinase.The level of Nattokinase activity in commercially available natto foods varies and the activity level decreases due to the way the Natto food is cooked or prepared. However, ingredients in dietary supplements are more stable. Therefore, supplements often offer a more stable level of Nattokinase activity. It is often discussed that the best time to take Nattokinase is after dinner or before sleep. You may not like to eat Natto foods before sleep but it is easy to do so with supplements. Natto foods have very distinctive smell and flavour so that you need consider where and when to eat them. However, you can take supplements wherever you like.It is considered best to take Nattokinase after dinner or before sleep since thrombus is more likely to be produced around the mid night to the early morning. It is recommended to take Nattokinase on a regular basis for those who are over 40 years old, stressed-out, have relatively high blood pressure, and have high blood viscosity due to hyperlipidemia or diabetes.