News in Easy English: Eating natto linked to lower chance of thinking and memory problems
NAGOYA -- Older people who eat natto two times a week or more may have fewer signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression, Mizkan Holdings
In Nagoya, Mizkan Holdings Co., a large food company, reported that older people who eat natto two or more times per week might have a lower chance of experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression. Mizkan Holdings Co. is based in Handa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. They stated that further research is needed, as the study does not prove that natto causes the reduced signs of MCI or depression.
The Group Innovation Center of Mizkan Holdings Co. and the Graduate School of Kagoshima University conducted the study together. They analyzed health check data from fiscal 2019 in Tarumizu, Kagoshima Prefecture, where many people consume natto. The study examined 616 individuals aged 65 or older, with 133 having MCI and 125 showing signs of depression.
Among those who ate natto two or more times weekly, 351 participants, 61 had MCI and 57 experienced depression. This group had approximately 37% lower chances of MCI and depression compared to those who consumed natto less than twice per week. Mizkan Holdings Co. acknowledged that other studies on natto and brain health have yielded inconsistent results.
They emphasized that natto may help reduce the risk of MCI and related issues but will continue researching. The research utilized data from just one year.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
