ABSTRACT
The word “natto” originated from Japan, which was known as stinky bean, salt bean or silk bean in Chinese folk. Natto contains multiple functional components, including nattokinase, soybean isoflavone, γ-polyglutamic acid, vitamin K2, biogenic amines, SOD, small-molecule polypeptide, which has good preventive and curative effects for many diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, menopausal symptoms and hypoimmunity. Along with the aging population in the world and China, it is urgent to improve the quality of life. It is necessary to enhance the understanding of natto-related knowledge, expand propaganda power, accept natto consciously and eat natto frequently, which is good for our health and helps our country to build a healthy and harmonious society. This review will descript the development, components, functions and prospects of natto, which help us to offer theoretical basis for promoting natto industry.