ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Natto

Natto is a type of food that comes from Japan. It is made from soybeans that have been cooked and then fermented with the help of some special bacteria. Fermentation means that the bacteria are working on the beans to change them into something else, kind of like how dough becomes bread when it rises.

When you look at natto, it can be kind of gooey and stringy, with a sticky texture. Some people say it smells a little bit like cheese or maybe a little bit like feet. But, even though it might look and smell a little different than what you're used to, natto is actually really good for you!

The special bacteria in natto help to break down the soybeans so that your body can absorb all the good nutrients inside, like protein and vitamins. In fact, natto has a lot of protein, which is something your body needs to grow big and strong. It also has something called nattokinase, which is a really good thing because it helps to keep your heart healthy.

Some people eat natto on its own, but it's also really yummy when you mix it with other things. Some people like to mix natto with rice or veggies, or even put it on toast! It might seem a little weird at first, but it's definitely worth trying because it's super healthy and can be really tasty too!
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