Miso is widely used in soup and has several health benefits to its credit. Read on to know all about the health benefits of eating miso.

Benefits Of Miso

Miso is typically prepared by mixing cooked soybeans with salt and a starter, known as koji (yeast mold). However, it can also be produced from rice, barley or wheat. The freshly prepared mixture is placed into a sealed vessel and allowed to ferment. The fermentation time, ranges from weeks to years, depending upon the specific type of miso being produced. When higher quantities of koji are used as starter, the result is a miso that's sweet in taste and light in color. When higher quantities of salt are used, the result is a darker miso with a saltier taste. Besides the different varieties of miso available (white miso or shiromiso, red miso or akamiso, black miso or kuromiso, Hatchomiso), each with distinct flavor variations, there are dozens of ways to incorporate it into your diet. In addition, your body and taste buds will always be grateful to you when you enjoy miso in its many incarnations.
 
Miso can be regarded as a versatile condiment, which is quite popular as soup at many Japanese restaurants. It has a power to host variety of recipes and is available round the year in supermarkets. Surprisingly, a Japanese culinary staple, Miso originated in China during the 3rd century BC or even earlier andwas introduced in Japan at the same time as Buddhism i.e. in the 6th century AD. In the modern era, the industrial method of producing miso in large quantities was established and it became rare to make miso at home. This fermented food is also known as ‘Shi’. Miso has many health benefits to its credit, like its helps prevent many deadly diseases waging war upon our bodies. With this article, we will help you explore the benefits of miso in detail.
 
Health Benefits Of Eating Miso
 
  • Miso contains many trace minerals, including zinc, manganese, and copper, which help strengthen the immune system.
  • The high amount of nutrients present in miso helps boost energy and even protects bones and blood vessels.
  • The high content of zinc present in miso is valuable to immune function and wound healing.
  • A lot of organic compounds are found in miso, which can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  • Miso is often recommended to vegans, since it is naturally high in protein, vitamin K, and vitamin B12.
  • Miso is great for the digestive tract, as it is high in fiber and probiotics.
  • Miso is a dieter's dream food, since it has only 56 calories per one ounce serving and only two grams of fat. A cup of miso soup is both satisfying and filling, since it has a high moisture content that curbs appetite and overeating.
  • The combination of wakame seaweed and miso is said to be an effective fighter against nicotine-related disorders.
 
Caution
  • After eating miso, allergic reaction can occur in people who are allergic to soy foods. Miso is also not recommended to people how are on low sodium diets, as it is high in sodium.
 
Cooking Tips
  • Miso is widely used as soup, which is both quick and easy to prepare. It can be eaten at any time and is healthy.
  • For preparing miso soup, heat miso paste and water at low medium heat. It can be eaten as it is or after adding some traditional fixings, like scallions, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, tofu, burdock, and daikon radish.
  • Miso sandwiches can also be prepared, by spreading miso paste on a slice of bread and topping it with tahini. Sliced avocado can also be added to it, to add taste.
  • Carry dried miso soup packets and enjoy them as a pick-me-up coffee substitute.
  • Miso can be used as an ingredient in marinades, for cooking meat, fish, poultry or game.
  • Miso, when combined with olive oil, flax seed oil, ginger and garlic, results in Asian-inspired dressing that can be used on salads or cold grain dishes.  

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