Miso Soup: Is It Good for You? (2024)

Miso soup comes from Japan and is a common companion to sushi and rice dishes.

Miso is made from soybeans, which are rich in protein and other important nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. It is the primary ingredient in miso soup, along with additions that help make the soup more flavorful, like salt, green onions, dried kelp or seaweed, and tofu.

Potential health benefits of miso soup are as follows:

Scientific research supports many of these health benefits, but additional research is required.

Nutrition Information

One serving of miso soup contains the following:

  • Calories: 40
  • Calories from fat: 14
  • Total fat: 2 grams
  • Saturated fat: 0 grams
  • Trans fat: 0 grams
  • Cholesterol: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 0.86 grams
  • Total carbohydrates: 3 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugars: 0 grams
  • Protein: 3 grams

Miso soup is also an excellent source of:

You can also find other nutrients in miso soup, including calcium, iron, B vitamins, and magnesium.

Potential Health Benefits of Miso Soup

Miso is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics, known as the gut’s “good bacteria.” Research has found a number of potential health benefits to consuming miso:

Healthier Digestive System

Miso soup is full of probiotics, which contribute to improved gut health. Miso soup contains the probiotic A. oryzae, which can reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and other problems with the digestive system.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

There may be a link between isoflavones, a type of chemical found in the soybeans used to make miso, and lowered risk of heart problems, though the research is still preliminary. One study showed that higher levels of these isoflavones correlated with lower risk of strokes and heart attacks in some Japanese women.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

One study showed that regular consumption of soybeans was correlated with a lower risk of stomach cancer, particularly among women.

Another study showed that consuming miso soup and other foods with soy may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a liver cancer.

Easing of Menopause Symptoms

Isoflavones also provide a range of health benefits, including the alleviation of hot flashes in women going through menopause. In addition, isoflavones can improve arterial health in these women.

Continued

Potential Risks of Miso Soup

Although miso soup has many health benefits and is a low-calorie, low-fat dish, there are a few potential risks:

Excess Salt Intake

Many preparers of miso soup add a good deal of salt. Eating too much salt can increase your risk of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Instead of loading your miso soup with lots of salt for flavor, enjoy the dish with healthier additives like vegetables and seaweed.

Thyroid Dysfunction

Another thing to be aware of is that soy products are goitrogens, which means they can affect how well your thyroid operates. However, when consumed in moderation, goitrogens are generally safe.

Miso Soup: Is It Good for You? (2024)

FAQs

Is it healthy to eat miso soup every day? ›

Miso soup is low calorie, low fat, and high in nutrient content, so it is safe to eat daily. However, it does have a high salt content. So, those on blood thinning medication or who have heart problems (including high blood pressure and heart disease) may want to limit their consumption of miso soup.

What does miso soup do for your gut? ›

Miso fermentation helps improve the body's ability to digest and absorb foods. The condiment also contains probiotics that can promote gut health and digestion.

Can miso soup replace a meal? ›

Miso Soup Serving Suggestions

Serve this miso soup recipe as a starter, side dish, or meal on its own. When I'm eating it as a main dish, I serve it with cooked rice or soba noodles. If I want to make the soup even heartier, I add extra veggies.

How many times a day do Japanese eat miso soup? ›

It is believed that over three-quarters of people in Japan consume miso soup at least once a day. The origins of this popular dish can be traced back to ancient times. It became a 'daily meal' for the samurais during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), and, during the age of Japanese civil wars.

Which type of miso is the healthiest? ›

If you want to avoid sodium, your choice should be White. If you don't need to avoid sodium intake, then Red is the most nutritious. The site says that White Miso makes you relaxed and gives you a good night sleep.

Is miso too high in sodium? ›

The one big concern that some people have when it comes to miso soup is the high sodium content; with the average teaspoon of miso featuring between 200 and 300 milligrams of this blood-pressure-raising element, it can easily scare away those struggling with high sodium levels.

Why do I feel better after having miso soup? ›

Strengthens immune system: The probiotics in miso soup also reduce the production of bad bacteria, improve blood circulation and ultimately boost your immune system. Probiotic-rich diets can also help you recover from infections faster and reduce the need for antibiotics.

Does miso soup detox your body? ›

Because it is a fermented food miso is probiotic and easily digestible, making it an ideal detoxing food for the gut. Miso can also help guard against cancer, heart disease and diabetes and it can strengthen the immune system.

Does miso lose benefits when cooked? ›

Miso is a fermented food, meaning it contains live, active cultures of bacteria—you know, like the good stuff that's also found in yogurt. Adding it to boiling water will kill the probiotics in the miso, nixing the health benefits it typically offers, like better digestive health.

Is store-bought miso soup healthy? ›

Is miso soup actually good for you? Miso soup contains several beneficial vitamins, minerals, and components that may improve your gut and heart health and may lower your risk of cancer. If you are on a low-salt diet, read the label on packaged miso soup to choose one that's low in sodium.

Does miso soup help you sleep? ›

Miso contains amino acids that can help boost the production of melatonin, a natural hormone that helpsmake you sleepy. Bananas: An excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which can help relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin.

What is the proper way to eat miso soup? ›

Traditionally, Japanese serve miso soup in a small bowl, but there is no soup spoon provided. It is expected that you drink from the bowl. The Japanese way to drink miso soup is to place a bowl in one hand, with four fingers supporting the base of the bowl, while the thumb rests comfortably on the side of the bowl.

How much miso can I eat a day? ›

For greatest benefit miso should be used in small amounts on a regular basis. One to two tablespoons per day would be average use. When seasoning soup, begin by adding a small amount of miso — one to two teaspoons per cup of liquid — add- ing more if needed. Miso soup should taste neither too salty nor too bland.

Is miso soup healthy for weight loss? ›

If you're looking to shed some pounds, you'll be glad to know that the nutritional profile of miso soup can support your weight loss goals. Not only is Miso soup great for digestive health but it is also low in calories, typically containing around 40-60 calories per serving.

What does I want to eat your miso soup everyday mean? ›

It's a staple of breakfast and dinner tables, especially when paired with rice (which is common, to say the least), and is a very traditional dish with a long history. It's such a big deal, even, that the question “I want to eat the miso soup you make every day,” is a stereotypically Japanese marriage proposal.

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