An introduction to Miso
“Miso means ‘fermented beans’ in Japanese. In Japan, people begin their day with a bowl of miso soup, believed to stimulate digestion and energise the body.
A traditional ingredient in Japanese and Chinese diets, miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains and contains millions of beneficial bacteria. There are hundreds of different types of miso and different versions are linked with regional cuisines, identities and flavours.
The protein-rich paste is highly popular as it provides an instant flavour foundation. It adds the fifth taste, known as ‘umami’, to all sorts of dishes including soups/broths, salad dressings, vegetables, stews, glazes, and marinades.
Miso is rich in essential minerals and a good source of various B vitamins, vitamins E, K and folic acid. As a fermented food, miso provides the gut with beneficial bacteria that help us to stay healthy, vibrant and happy; good gut health is known to be linked to our overall mental and physical wellness.”
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-miso
One of the major factor for Japan’s long average life expectancy is the diet.
This chart was taken from Asahi Shinbun
A study by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare shows that people who consumed more miso soups daily had less chance of producing breast cancer (2003).
Miso soup intake frequency
