Hello everyone, it has been quite hot in August.
Miso soup is an indispensable part of the Japanese dining table. Did you know that this aromatic cup of miso soup may actually have a significant effect on cancer prevention? In this article, we will explain in detail the health benefits of miso soup, with a particular focus on cancer prevention.
Fermentation of miso is most advanced when the temperature is high = August. Let’s take a look at it together!
Nutritional Value of Miso Soup
Miso soup is made primarily from miso, a traditional Japanese fermented food.
Miso contains so many nutrients. For example, it contains high amounts of soy protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients. These wonderful nutrients bring various health benefits to our body.
It is a nice fact that “cancer prevention” is included among these health benefits!
soy isoflavone
Soy isoflavones in miso, also known as phytoestrogens, have antioxidant properties. It is believed that this antioxidant effect may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In particular, it has been linked to a decreased risk of breast and prostate cancer.
Nutritional Value Enhancement through Fermentation
Miso is a fermented food, and various nutrients are produced during the fermentation process. For example, B vitamins and vitamin K are increased, and these vitamins contribute to strengthening the immune system. A strong immune system plays an important role in the elimination of cancer cells. In addition to the elimination of cancer cells, a strong immune system also helps prevent a variety of other diseases.
Scientific Evidence for Miso Soup and Cancer Prevention
Several scientific studies have been conducted on the cancer-preventive effects of miso soup. You will be surprised to know that there are researchers, including myself, who have scientifically studied miso soup.
results of epidemiological studies
Large-scale epidemiological studies of Japanese people have reported that people who consume miso soup more frequently have a lower risk of certain cancers. For example, it has been suggested that it is associated with a lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.
laboratory studies
Laboratory-level studies have confirmed that components in miso are effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. In particular, components such as soy isoflavones and peptides have attracted attention.
Other Health Benefits of Miso Soup
In addition to cancer prevention, miso soup has many other health benefits.
- maintaining a healthy digestive system
The lactic acid bacteria and yeast contained in miso help regulate the intestinal environment. A healthy intestinal environment leads to a stronger immune system and indirectly contributes to cancer prevention.
- blood pressure control
Research has shown that miso has the effect of preventing high blood pressure. However, one must be careful about salt intake.
If you are concerned about the salt content of miso soup, choose low-sodium miso, as some miso products are low-sodium.
- antioxidant effect
Antioxidants in miso reduce oxidative stress in the body and help maintain cellular health. This leads to the prevention of various diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants play a major role in preventing cells from becoming cancerous.
Cautions in Consuming Miso Soup
While the health benefits of miso soup are enticing, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- salt intake
Miso is relatively high in salt, so one must be careful not to overconsume. It is important to consume an appropriate amount while taking into account your daily salt intake. 2.
- as part of a well-balanced diet
It is important to consume miso not only in miso soup, but also as part of a balanced diet as a whole. Combining miso soup with other healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help prevent cancer more effectively.
However, as many of you may have noticed, when making miso soup, instead of using miso alone, in many cases you will add other ingredients such as vegetables, wakame seaweed, and tofu.
Therefore, by making miso soup with many ingredients, you can aim for a well-balanced meal.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Miso Soup
Finally, here are some tips on how to make a tasty and healthy miso soup to maximize its cancer-preventive effects.
- choosing the right ingredients
Adding plenty of vegetables can further enhance the nutritional value of the soup. In particular, green and yellow vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are rich in antioxidants.
You can also add a variety of other ingredients such as carrots, radishes, wakame seaweed, onions, tofu, leeks, mushrooms, etc.
- how to choose miso
Choosing miso with a longer fermentation period will provide more nutrients and benefits from fermentation. Also, by choosing additive-free miso, you can avoid unnecessary additives.
Longer fermentation period miso has more nutrients as it ferments for one, two, or three years、、、、、、, but where you can buy it is limited.
It is not an exaggeration to say that in ordinary supermarkets, there are very few that have been issued for more than one year.
As the years go by, the color of miso will become darker and darker.
- cooking method
Adding miso last and avoiding boiling will minimize the loss of nutrients.
↑This may come as a surprise.
Summary: Daily habits build health.
The cancer-preventive effects of miso soup are an interesting topic that has received much scientific attention. The key, however, is to maintain a healthy diet that includes miso soup over the long term. Healthy habits that begin with a bowl of miso soup can reduce future cancer risk and lead to improved health in the future.
Why not incorporate a bowl of nutritious and delicious miso soup into your daily diet? It could be the first step toward a healthy future for you and your loved ones.