The age-old Japanese dish, natto, a product of fermented soybeans using a bacteria called Bacillus subtilis var. natto, is back in the spotlight, but this time, for its potential health benefits.
New research points to the possibility of extended lifespan and increased stress resistance through natto consumption.
The Research
A team of researchers led by Professor Eriko Kage-Nakadai from Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology conducted an experiment on Caenorhabditis elegans worms, a species often used in lifespan studies due to their short lifespan.
The worms were fed Bacillus subtilis var. natto, the specific strain of bacteria used in natto production, and their lifespan and stress resistance were then compared with a control group fed a standard diet.
Lifespan Extension and Stress Resistance
Results were promising. Worms consuming Bacillus subtilis var. natto showed not only a longer lifespan but also improved resilience to UV light and oxidative stress.
The mechanisms behind these effects seem to involve the p38 MAPK pathway and insulin/IGF-1-like signaling pathway, both of which play a role in innate immunity and longevity.
Implications and Future Directions
This is the first study to demonstrate a potential lifespan-extending effect of Bacillus subtilis var. natto consumption.
While the research is still in its early stages and the findings are yet to be confirmed in mammals, the positive impact on the worm model is encouraging.
Professor Nakadai is hopeful, stating, “We hope that future experiments on mammals and epidemiological studies will help to realize a healthy and longer-living society if we can apply this research to humans.”
This study opens up exciting avenues for further research, offering a glimpse into a future where common dietary elements like natto might play a pivotal role in promoting health and longevity.
As scientists continue to explore this area, the benefits of consuming fermented foods might well extend beyond good digestion to longevity and improved resistance to stress.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies that whole grain foods could help increase longevity, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about natural coconut sugar that could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness, and whey and soy protein may reduce inflammation in older people.
The study was published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
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