Is miso soup healthy? 

Miso soup, a traditional Japanese soup with a variety of ingredients, can be one of the many sources of your daily protein intake.

In this article, we will explore the health benefits of miso soup and why it should be a part of your diet.

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How is miso soup made?

Miso paste is the base of this soup. (Image via Pexels/Jenvit Keiwalinsarid)

Miso soup is made by combining miso paste with dashi, a Japanese soup stock made from dried fish and seaweed.

Other ingredients, like tofu, seaweed and green onions, are often added to the soup. Miso paste is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, a type of fungus.

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Is miso soup healthy?

Yes, miso soup is healthy. Here are some of the health benefits of miso soup:

#1 Good source of protein

Miso soup contains protein from the soybeans used to make the miso paste. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it's especially important for vegetarians and vegans who may have limited sources of protein in their diet.

#2 Rich in probiotics

Miso soup is low in calories. (Image via Pexels/Meka Food)

Miso paste is a fermented food, which means it's rich in beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics.

Probiotics help improve gut health by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut is important for overall health, as it can help boost the immune system, improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

#3 Low in calories

Miso soup is low in calories, making it a great option for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One serving of miso soup contains around 50-60 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

#4 High in antioxidants

Miso soup helps lower blood pressure. (Image via Unsplash/J LBXLlGI)

Miso contains high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body and contribute to development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

#5 May help lower blood pressure

Miso soup contains a high amount of sodium, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure. However, studies have shown that the probiotics in miso may help lower blood pressure by improving the balance of gut bacteria.

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How to make miso soup

Making miso soup is quite easy and simple. (Image via Pexels/Valeria Boltneva)

Miso soup is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of dashi stock
• 3 tablespoons of miso paste
• 1/2 block of tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup of sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup of dried seaweed

Instructions:

1. Heat the dashi stock in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed tofu and sliced green onions to the pot.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste and a small amount of the hot dashi stock until smooth.
4. Add the miso mixture to the pot; stir well, and cook over low heat for five minutes.
5. Add the dried seaweed to the pot, and simmer for a few minutes till the seaweed is soft.

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So, is miso soup healthy? Yes, miso soup is a healthy and delicious option that can be easily incorporated into your diet.

It's a good source of protein, rich in probiotics, low in calories and high in antioxidants, and may help lower blood pressure. So, give miso soup a try.