5 Health Benefits of Miso

7:56:00 AM

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is a favorite ingredient of the Japanese due to its unique umami flavor. It is usually added to soups, stews, spreads, sauces, and dressings. Due to its hearty flavor, it is a great appetizer for dishes such as roasted meats and raw seafood. Couple it with seaweed, tofu, and rice, and you’ll have a delicious and easy meal to prepare. 

Besides being delicious, miso also offers these five health benefits to you and your family.


Photo grabbed from Shutterstock

Helps in Digestion

It is no secret that our gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions oShuttershockf bacteria. Some of these microorganisms are good while others are bad. Eating miso may help promote a balance of the bacteria in your gut, which gives you a healthier gastrointestinal tract.


Miso is rich in Aspergillus oryzae, a probiotic strain found in the paste. Studies have shown that this probiotic helps reduce digestion problems such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease.


Since miso is fermented, it helps reduce the antinutrients in your body. Antinutrients are compounds that reduce your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. In turn, miso helps your body absorb vitamins and minerals needed for your health.

A Good Source of Electrolytes

Miso is quite rich in sodium, so they are a potential source of electrolytes. Athletes and sports enthusiasts may add miso soup to their diets to replenish their electrolyte levels. Residents of Phirst Park Homes in Tanza, Cavite, may also cook miso soup to recharge their electrolytes after jogging or taking a morning walk in the village’s open space.

Boosts Your Immune System

The rich probiotic content of miso also helps boost your immune system. Eating miso not only balances the number of bacteria in your gut, but also reduces risks of inflammation and other digestive problems. The probiotics may also help people with allergies as they may prevent colds and triggers from resurfacing. In other words, eating miso helps you have a healthier body and stronger immune system.

May Reduce Risks of Cancers

Due to enhancing your immune system, adding miso to your soups, stews, and salads may also lower your risks of getting cancer. In a 2012 study, high-salt diets are linked to gastric cancer. Despite miso having high sodium content, it doesn’t have a link to increased cancer risks. A 2013 study supports this, suggesting that intaking soy products may counter the cancer-promotive factors of salt. The potential anti-cancer factors of miso are probably why many people who love to eat raw foods often eat miso soup and other dishes.

Enhances Brain Health

Miso is also rich in choline and B-vitamins such as niacin and folate. These nutrients support healthy brain function and development. They may also help improve mood, memory, and muscle control. Studies also show that the probiotics in miso may help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).


Overall, miso is a wonderful ingredient to add to your dishes. This fermented soybean paste adds great umami flavor to your food and gives you these five health benefits. Consider adding miso to your diet and enjoy hearty dishes and a healthier body.

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Youtube

Facebook Page

Instagram