Nattokinase challenges what we thought about reversing arterial plaque
This is a remarkable finding that directly contradicts the idea that plaque cannot be broken down once it's in place. A clinical study in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine involving 1,062 participants found that nattokinase, a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from fermented soybeans, effectively managed atherosclerosis progression and high cholesterol when taken at 10,800 FU (fibrinolytic units) daily for 12 months. The results were impressive: carotid artery plaque size decreased by 36 percent, the thickness of the carotid artery wall decreased by 22 percent, and lipid profiles improved across the board (LDL cholesterol decreased by 18 percent, HDL cholesterol increased by 16 percent, and triglycerides dropped by 16 percent). What's especially interesting is that these benefits were enhanced by regular exercise and showed synergistic effects when combined with vitamin K2 and low-dose aspirin. The study also clarified an important dosing question: a lower dose of 3,600 FU daily was ineffective, suggesting that adequate dosing matters significantly. No adverse effects were recorded at the higher dose, which is especially exciting given the safety and affordability of nattokinase relative to conventional treatments for cardiovascular disease. This research opens the door to new possibilities for managing atherosclerosis through natural, evidence-based interventions.