From the Guidelines
Natto is not a proven method to reduce carotid artery plaques, and its effectiveness for this purpose is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The available evidence suggests that established approaches such as maintaining a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor are more effective for cardiovascular health 1. While natto contains nattokinase, an enzyme with potential anti-inflammatory effects, there are no large-scale clinical trials demonstrating its direct impact on reducing existing carotid plaques.
Some studies suggest that diet and lifestyle modifications, such as consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, can help lower blood pressure and improve other cardiovascular disease risk factors 1. However, the specific effect of natto on carotid artery plaques is not well-established.
Key points to consider for reducing carotid artery plaques include:
- Maintaining a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Taking medications as prescribed by a doctor
- Considering dietary modifications such as increasing consumption of vegetables and fruits
It is essential to prioritize established medical treatments and lifestyle modifications over unproven methods like natto for reducing carotid artery plaques and managing cardiovascular health. If you're interested in incorporating natto into your diet for potential health benefits, it can be part of a balanced diet, but it should not replace conventional medical treatments for atherosclerosis.
From the Research
Natto and Carotid Artery Plaques
- The effect of natto on carotid artery plaques has been studied in relation to its potential to reduce atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk 2.
- A clinical study found that nattokinase, an enzyme found in natto, reduced carotid artery plaque size and intimal medial thickness (CCA-IMT) in patients with carotid atherosclerosis 2.
- The study compared the effects of nattokinase with statin therapy and found that nattokinase had a more profound effect on reducing plaque size (36.6% reduction vs 11.5% change in the statin group) 2.
Management of Carotid Stenosis
- Carotid stenosis is a significant risk factor for stroke, and management strategies include medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy, and carotid artery stenting 3, 4.
- Medical therapy for carotid stenosis typically involves antiplatelet therapy, statins, and ACE inhibitors, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and blood pressure control 3, 4.
- The use of ezetimibe combined with atorvastatin has been shown to be effective in reducing carotid artery plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease 5.
- Combination therapy with amlodipine and atorvastatin has also been found to have additive effects on reducing blood and plaque inflammation in hypertensive patients with carotid atherosclerosis 6.
Reduction of Carotid Artery Plaques
- The reduction of carotid artery plaques is a key goal in the management of carotid stenosis, as it can help to reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular events 2, 3, 5.
- Nattokinase, ezetimibe, and atorvastatin have all been shown to be effective in reducing carotid artery plaque size and improving plaque stability 2, 5.
- Combination therapy with multiple agents may be more effective than monotherapy in reducing carotid artery plaques and improving cardiovascular outcomes 5, 6.