Miso Soup Benefits
Some of the health benefits of miso soup include a lower risk of cancer, improved immune system, bone health and a healthy nervous system. It has anti-aging properties and helps in maintaining healthy skin as well. Furthermore, miso soup has radio protective properties. It also helps in blood pressure management and is a good source of various vitamins and minerals that are required for proper functioning of the human body.
What Is Miso Soup?
Miso soup is a delicacy that has been in existence for centuries and it is served alongside many other forms of Japanese cuisines. It is no longer restricted to any particular community, society, or class though. Miso is one of the key ingredients of miso soup which is made by fermenting soybeans, barley, rice, and the fungus kojikin. The content of this soup that consists mainly of a variety of foods makes it an ideal recipe for a quick health boost. Generally, the soup contains niboshi, which are dried sardines that have not matured yet, dried kelp, and pieces of smoked tuna, among others
It can also be prepared in a way that favors vegetarians. This preparation involves the use of vegetables, mainly carrots, potato, mushrooms, sea weed, onions, and negi, among other vegetables that are easy to get.
Nutritional Value Of Miso Soup
Miso soup is full of nutrients and minerals. Miso soup is made using miso, which contains water, energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fiber. It is a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. In terms of vitamins, it contains folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Miso soup also isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein. It also contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
Health Benefits Of Miso Soup
Miso soup has a great range of benefits including its ability to reduce the risk of cancer, keep the immune system stronger, improve your mood, among others.
Anti-aging Solution
A lot of emphasis is normally put on the creams, skin products, and other scientific or modern forms of treatment. What most people may not be aware of is that at times, these modes of treatment have some side effects that may be harmful to the user. This is not the case with Miso soup, which is mainly prepared using naturally acquired ingredients such as soybeans that exist in their natural forms. The anti-aging property of miso soup is attributed to its high content of antioxidants, which plays a major role in reducing premature aging. It also helps in maintaining healthy, glowing skin
Lowers Cancer Risk
The consumption of miso soup is beneficial for preventing breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also known as liver cancer. A study conducted by researchers from the National Cancer Center Research Institute, in Tokyo, Japan suggests that frequent intake of miso soup helps in reducing the risk of breast cancer. A research study conducted by Sharp GB et al., Department of Epidemiology, Radiation Effects Research Foundation suggests that consumption of miso soup may reduce HCC risk. Apart from breast and liver cancer, miso soup, due to its soy content, may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Studies suggest that increasing soy intake decreases the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in menopausal women.
Manages Blood Pressure
Hypertension is no longer associated with people of a given age bracket. This is why physicians and researchers advocate for a low-sodium diet such as miso soup, which benefits those who suffer from hypertension. Instead of using the usual table salt, this soup gives a better alternative to any person with salt-sensitivity conditions. Results of a study conducted to compare effects of miso and sodium chloride on blood pressure suggests that miso diet does not increase the blood pressure. Besides reducing hypertension, miso soup also lowers cholesterol and may reduce blood clotting due to the presence of isoflavones in it. This, in turn, helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Thus, inclusion of miso soup in your diet can help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of various heart-related ailments
Strengthens Immune System
The immune system plays a major role in protecting the body against bacterial, germ, and viral infections that exist in the surrounding environment. Miso soup offers the best solution when it comes to equipping the body with the right nutrients and vitamins. This property is contained in the alkali part of this soup that has a direct positive impact on the body. This alkalizing effect is what makes the body strong and able to repel diseases and infections. Eating a single bowl of this soup provides a person with the right quantity of the vitamins that fight foreign elements in the body.
Radio-protective Properties
Miso soup, made from miso (fermented soy bean paste), is also effective in protecting against radiation effects. A study conducted to investigate the radio-protective effect of miso suggests that long-term fermented miso is more effective in protecting against irradiation.
Improves Mood
The health benefits of miso soup include improving your mood. Intake of miso soup containing dried bonito is effective in improving mood conditions such as depression, anxiety, tension, fatigue, and lack of vigor. Studies have reported the beneficial effect of dried bonito miso soup on people with fatigue symptoms, tension, and anxiety.
Preparation Of Miso Soup
Various miso pastes are available on the market that can be used to prepare miso soups. One can use vegetables or meats, depending on the availability and personal choice. One can use dashi, tofu, fish, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes as the ingredients and prepare the soup in less time.
Promotes Digestion
Miso soup contains dietary fiber, which aids in maintaining good digestive health. The presence of Koji fungi, lactic acid bacteria, and other enzymes help in the absorption of the various nutrients, as well as in digestion.
Healthy Nervous System
The health benefits of miso soup also include a healthy nervous system. It contains vitamin B12, which is required by the body to maintain a healthy nervous system and to generate blood cells.
Maintains Nutritional Balance
The body requires a certain percentage of nutrients and minerals in order to operate at maximum capacity. It is due to this reason that people are choosing to opt for supplements that are sold in an artificial form. Although they could be of some assistance, these components are better consumed in their natural form. By eating Miso soup a person benefits from different minerals and nutrients that exist in a single serving. It also contains helpful bacteria and enzymes that assist in breaking down and facilitation of digestion and absorption of the consumed food.
Promotes Digestion
Miso soup contains dietary fiber, which aids in maintaining good digestive health. The presence of Koji fungi, lactic acid bacteria, and other enzymes help in the absorption of the various nutrients, as well as in digestion.
