Nutrition Content and Benefits of Miso Soup
Miso Soup
Miso soup is a type of soup paste that originated from Japan. There are many health benefits of miso soup that have made it not just a popular choice but also a healthy option. Since it is created with soy paste, rice with a vitamin B12 synthesizing fungus, and cooked soybeans, miso soup has been described as a good source of B12 vitamins. It is also rich in sodium and minerals like copper, zinc, and manganese.
Nutritional Values
A bowl of miso soup healthy recipe with watercrest and shiitakes from the New Mayo Clinic cookbook contains 98 calories, 8 grams protein, 7 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams monosaturated fat, 495 sodium, 1 gram fiber, less than 1 gram of saturated fat and total fat of 4 grams.
Supports the Immune System
Zinc, which is found in miso soup, has been proven effective in the promotion of good immune function. Zinc also promotes fast healing of wounds. On the other hand, copper and manganese are both important for energy production as well as boosting the body’s defense against oxidants. Copper also promotes lysyl oxidase activity for linking elastin and collagen, providing flexibility in the joints, bones, and blood vessels. Copper allows for the proper utilization of iron in the blood cells - particularly hemoglobin - which is the molecule in charge of the transport and release of oxygen in the body.
Against Breast Cancer
Miso soup has also been considered effective in decreasing risks of breast cancer. The theory stemmed from an observation that first-generation Japanese migrants who settled in Hawaii were about 60 percent less at risk of breast cancer compared to subsequent generations. A team from the University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted a study to prove their hypothesis that eating miso soup and other food from fermented soybeans contributed to the decreased risk of breast cancer. The study showed that animals who were fed with miso were less likely to get breast cancer than those who were not fed with miso.
Other Benefits
Miso soup assists in the maintenance of the body’s nutritional balance as it is rich in nutrients, enzymes, and beneficial bacterial. It has protein, vitamin E, vitamin K, linoleic acid, choline, lecithin, and dietary fiber. It also is high in the amino acid tryptophan, which induces better sleep.
Miso soup helps preserve skin moisture, and is rich in the linoleic acid that is essential for keeping skin soft and pigment-free. Miso soup is also recommended for women approaching their menopausal stage or women who are already experiencing menopausal problems. Soy, as the main ingredient of miso soup, contains isoflavones which facilitates maintaining balance when excessive levels of estrogen fluctuate during the menopausal stage. Isoflavones enhances estrogenic activity to prevent menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Summary
Miso soup, a Japanese -style soup made with soy, is loaded with health benefits. It boosts one’s immune system, facilitates faster wound healing, decreases the risk of breast cancer, promotes a good sleep, prevents menopausal manifestations like the hot flashes, and it keeps skin healthy and moisturized. These are the many health benefits of miso soup and the some good reasons why you should try this healthy soup.
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References
Mayo Clinic: Miso soup with Watercress and Shiitakes - https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-recipes/RE00045
World’s Healthiest Food: Miso - https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=114