Japanese Delicacy, Natto, Reveals Potential for Extending Lifespan and Reducing Stress
Recent scientific findings have brought to light the potential health benefits of natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. The research suggests that the presence of Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteria in this delicacy might play a role in extending lifespan and enhancing stress resistance, raising hopes for improved human health and longevity.
One area where natto shows promise is in stress alleviation. Considering the popular adage “health is wealth,” the latest study indicates that easily accessible and affordable food choices, like natto, could hold the key to promoting a healthier and less stressed society.
Natto is produced from soybeans that undergo tenderization through boiling or steaming and subsequent fermentation using Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteria. This specific bacterium can be found in various environments, including soil, plants, animals, and even the human digestive system, with the Miyagino strain being the most commonly used for natto production in Japan.
To explore the potential benefits of Bacillus subtilis var. natto consumption, Professor Eriko Kage-Nakadai and her research team at the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University, conducted experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans worms as a model organism.
Their findings revealed that the worms fed with Bacillus subtilis var. natto exhibited a significantly longer lifespan compared to those on a standard diet. The researchers discovered that the extended lifespan was associated with biological pathways related to innate immunity and longevity, specifically the p38 MAPK pathway and the insulin/IGF-1-like signaling pathway. Additionally, they observed an improvement in stress tolerance, as the worms showed enhanced resistance to UV light and oxidative stress.
Professor Nakadai emphasized the significance of their work, stating, “For the first time, we were able to demonstrate the possibility of extending the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans through the ingestion of Bacillus subtilis var. natto. We hope that future experiments involving mammals and epidemiological studies in humans will help us achieve a healthier and longer-living society by harnessing the potential benefits of natto.”
This groundbreaking research opens up new avenues for exploring the effects of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on human health and longevity. As we await further studies, the prospect of incorporating this Japanese delicacy into our diets as a means to improve overall well-being appears promising.
Reference:
“Impacts of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on the lifespan and stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans” by Nao Teramoto, Kanae Sato, Takayuki Wada, Yoshikazu Nishikawa and Eriko Kage-Nakadai, Journal of Applied Microbiology, 20 April 2023.
DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad082
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about lifespan-extending benefits
What is natto?
Natto is a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. It is produced by tenderizing soybeans through boiling or steaming and then fermenting them with a specific bacterium called Bacillus subtilis var. natto. This bacterium can be found in various environments, including soil, plants, animals, and even the human digestive system.
What did the research study reveal about natto?
The research study found that consuming natto may have several potential health benefits. Specifically, the study suggested that the Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteria present in the dish could extend lifespan and improve stress resistance.
How was the research conducted?
The research was led by Professor Eriko Kage-Nakadai at the Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology, Osaka Metropolitan University. The team examined the effects of Bacillus subtilis var. natto consumption on the lifespan of a model organism called Caenorhabditis elegans, which are commonly used in scientific studies.
What were the findings regarding lifespan extension?
The study found that Caenorhabditis elegans worms fed with Bacillus subtilis var. natto had a significantly longer lifespan compared to those on a standard diet. The extended lifespan was linked to biological pathways related to innate immunity and longevity, particularly the p38 MAPK pathway and the insulin/IGF-1-like signaling pathway.
Did natto consumption have any effect on stress tolerance?
Yes, the research also examined stress tolerance in the worms. It was observed that the worms fed with Bacillus subtilis var. natto displayed enhanced resistance to UV light and oxidative stress, suggesting potential benefits for stress reduction.
Could the findings have implications for human health?
The study suggests that if the effects observed in Caenorhabditis elegans are transferable to humans, natto consumption might offer potential health and longevity benefits. However, further experiments on mammals and epidemiological studies in humans are required to fully understand the impact of natto on human health.
What are the potential applications of this research?
The research opens up new possibilities for exploring the health benefits of natto consumption. Understanding the mechanisms behind lifespan extension and stress reduction could lead to the development of dietary interventions to promote healthier and longer lives.
Where can I find the full research paper?
The research paper titled “Impacts of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on the lifespan and stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans” by Nao Teramoto, Kanae Sato, Takayuki Wada, Yoshikazu Nishikawa, and Eriko Kage-Nakadai was published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology on 20 April 2023. The paper can be accessed through the DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad082.
More about lifespan-extending benefits
- Journal of Applied Microbiology: Research Paper
- Osaka Metropolitan University: Graduate School of Human Life and Ecology
- Bacillus subtilis: Microbiology Society
- Caenorhabditis elegans: WormBase
- Stress and Health: Healthline
- Longevity and Aging: National Institute on Aging
