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  • Beans forever: Natto

    Beans forever: Natto

    I had my first taste of natto last week in a very nice hotel in Tosa. Breakfast is always a bit of of challenge for my gaijin tastebuds, and I’m also terrified of doing a faux-pas. the day before I had my rice in the tea cup.

    The very nice lady explained to me with gesture: break the raw egg in the natto, stir stir stir, put on the rice and eat. I did, and then it took all my scientific mind to dig in.

    The taste is strong but ok, I guess. The strings that the beans make are very interesting. I do not wish to have this experience again too soon.

    Natto is from the family of fermented beans. The bacteria doing the job is Lactobacillus subtilus

    Nattokinase

    Other fermented beans by Lactobacilli

  • Kelp Yourself: Why Seaweed Is Your Microbiome’s New Best Friend

    Kelp Yourself: Why Seaweed Is Your Microbiome’s New Best Friend

    Have you met your microbiome lately?

    Hidden inside your gut, trillions of microbes are busy digesting food, producing nutrients, training your immune system — and, occasionally, misbehaving.
    One of the best ways to keep these microscopic citizens happy? Feed them the right stuff. Enter: kelp.


    What’s so special about kelp?

    Kelp is not just that slippery green thing brushing your feet at the beach. It’s a marine powerhouse packed with:

    • Soluble fibers (alginates & fucoidans): Excellent fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.
    • Minerals & trace elements: A natural boost that land vegetables often can’t match.
    • Prebiotic effects: Research shows kelp can help increase beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

    Why should you care?

    A healthier microbiome can mean:
    ✅ Better digestion
    ✅ Stronger immunity
    ✅ Less inflammation
    ✅ A mood lift (yes — your gut talks to your brain!)


    How do you add kelp to your life?

    We’re not saying you should start chewing on seaweed while swimming. Try:

    • Kelp flakes or powder in soups and salads.
    • Kelp noodles for a light, prebiotic boost.
    • Future Citizen Kelp products (we’re working on it — stay tuned!)

    Happy to Kelp!

    At Citizen Kelp, we believe a thriving gut microbiome is one of the easiest ways to feel better, naturally. And seaweed might just be the missing link between ocean health and your own.

    So next time you think “kelp,” think “help.” Your microbes will thank you.