Natto

legumes

Natto

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 5.7

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve4 caution2 avoid
Is Natto Healthy?

It depends — Natto is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g

Diet Ratings

Keto8/10APPROVED

Natto (fermented soybeans) contains approximately 5g net carbs per 100g, is high in protein and healthy fats, and provides beneficial probiotics. It is a whole, fermented food ideal for keto.

Vegan1/10AVOID

Fermented soybeans traditionally made with fish-based dashi broth or bonito stock. Even when made without explicit fish, often contains fish-derived umami seasonings. Primary versions are not vegan.

Paleo5/10CAUTION

Natto is fermented soybeans. While fermentation improves digestibility and reduces antinutrients, soy is a legume and excluded from strict paleo. Some paleo practitioners accept fermented soy in small amounts.

iRobb Wolf and some paleo authorities permit small amounts of fermented soy products due to reduced lectin and phytate content. Loren Cordain maintains stricter legume exclusion.

Mediterranean5/10CAUTION

Fermented soybean product with probiotics and K2. While fermented foods align with Mediterranean principles, natto is not traditional to Mediterranean cuisine. Soy consumption varies by interpretation.

iSome Mediterranean diet authorities include soy products as acceptable plant-based proteins, while others argue they fall outside traditional Mediterranean food systems. Japanese fermented foods are not core to the diet.

Carnivore4/10CAUTION

Natto is fermented soybeans, a legume product. While fermentation may reduce some plant compounds, soybeans are plant-derived and excluded by strict carnivore standards. Some practitioners include fermented foods, but this conflicts with core carnivore principles.

iStrict carnivore practitioners (Lion Diet, Saladino) exclude all legumes including fermented soy. Some practitioners argue fermentation may improve digestibility, but this remains controversial.

Whole302/10AVOID

Natto is fermented soybeans. Soy is a legume and explicitly excluded from Whole30.

Low-FODMAP8/10APPROVED

Natto (fermented soybeans) is low-FODMAP. Fermentation reduces GOS content in soybeans. Standard serving (~50g or 2 tablespoons) is approved.

DASH5/10CAUTION

Fermented soybean product with good protein and some minerals, but typically high in sodium (300-400mg per serving). Vitamin K2 content beneficial for bone health. Acceptable occasionally but sodium must be monitored.

iNIH DASH guidelines emphasize sodium restriction; natto's high sodium content (often 300-400mg/serving) conflicts with standard DASH <2,300mg/day target. However, updated clinical interpretation recognizes fermented foods' probiotic benefits and some clinicians support limited inclusion with sodium awareness.

Zone8/10APPROVED

Fermented soybean product with excellent protein (high-quality amino acids), minimal carbs, and beneficial probiotics. Low glycemic impact, anti-inflammatory properties from fermentation. Fits Zone protein block well. Soy concerns mitigated by fermentation process.

Anti-Inflammatory9/10APPROVED

Fermented soybeans with nattokinase enzyme, vitamin K2, and probiotics. Fermentation reduces anti-nutrients and enhances bioavailability. Strong anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Natto (fermented soybeans) is excellent for GLP-1 patients: very high protein (17g per 100g), high fiber (5.4g per 100g), contains healthy fats (5g per 100g), and is rich in probiotics and vitamin K2. It is low in calories (176 kcal per 100g) relative to protein content, making it nutrient-dense. Easy to digest due to fermentation. Small serving size (1-2 tablespoons) is satisfying. Potential drawback: strong flavor and texture may not appeal to all patients.

iSome GLP-1 specialists enthusiastically recommend natto for its probiotic and nutrient profile, while others note that its strong smell and slimy texture may trigger nausea or aversion in GLP-1 patients already experiencing GI sensitivity.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Natto

Keto 8/10
  • 5g net carbs per 100g
  • High in protein
  • Fermented, probiotic-rich
  • Whole food
Paleo 5/10
  • Legume source (soy)
  • Fermented (reduces antinutrients)
  • Debated within paleo community
  • Contains bioactive compounds from fermentation
Mediterranean 5/10
  • Fermented, probiotic-rich
  • Plant-based protein
  • Non-traditional to Mediterranean region
Carnivore 4/10
  • Legume-derived
  • Fermented plant food
  • Contains plant proteins
  • Debated fermentation benefits
Low-FODMAP 8/10
  • Fermentation reduces GOS
  • Monash-tested fermented soy products
  • Low FODMAP at standard serving
DASH 5/10
  • High sodium content
  • Good protein source
  • Vitamin K2 present
  • Fermented food benefits
  • Requires sodium monitoring
Zone 8/10
  • high-quality protein
  • fermented (anti-inflammatory)
  • low glycemic
  • probiotic-rich
  • minimal carbs
  • nattokinase enzyme activity
  • vitamin K2 for bone and vascular health
  • probiotics from fermentation
  • reduced phytic acid vs. unfermented soy
  • Very high protein density
  • High fiber content
  • Low calorie density
  • Probiotics and fermentation benefits
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Small serving size
  • Potential texture/smell aversion
Last reviewed: Our methodology