Miso: Gift from the Gods

According to Japanese mythology, miso is a gift from the gods. I tend to agree. Miso is very good for you and is widely used in Japan. I love it in Miso Soup and also as a quick Miso Sauce.

Although not well know in the West, miso has been a staple part of the diet in the Far East for centuries. Because it is a fermented, living food; its flavor improves in time, much like a fine wine.

Miso is:

a fermented paste of soybeans and either barley or rice with salt.
a cultured and fermented soy food that helps digestion by adding Lactobacillus acidophilus (the good kind of bacteria also found in yogurt).
full of lecithin, linoleic acid, and is high in protein.
is fermented with a B12-synthesizing bacteria making it great for vegans.
effective in treating some forms of cancer, heart disease and reducing the possibility of developing stomach ulcers, according to research.
can slow the aging process which may be one reason the Japanese are known for their longevity.
one of the foods useful in preventing radiation poisoning. See below under medicine.

Soybeans can be difficult to digest so miso’s fermentation process enables the soybean to be assimilated more easily by the body.

Miso Used As A Medicine:

“After studying the use of miso as a preventive medicine Dr. Sinchiro Akizuki of Nagasaki demonstrated that miso plays a part in protecting against the deadly effects of radiation. In 1972, this was confirmed upon discovery that miso contains dipicolonic acid which chelates (attaches to) heavy metals like radioactive strontium and discharges them from the body. Additional research has also shown miso to be effective in treating some forms of cancer, and heart disease. Hatcho miso was imported by the truckloads to areas surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident.” -Sundance Natural Foods Online

1 of 3

Read more: Basics, Eating for Health, Food, Vegan, Vegetarian, miso, radiation

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Brandie L.

5:56PM PDT on Apr 5, 2012

great info...thanks

send a green star

J.L. A.

7:15AM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

good to know

ii q.

10:14AM PST on Feb 10, 2012

medicinal???

Michele W.

9:47AM PST on Feb 10, 2012

Thank you

Danuta W.

12:46AM PST on Feb 10, 2012

thanks for the info

3:42PM PST on Feb 9, 2012

KS G.

12:30AM PST on Feb 9, 2012

Thanks for the article.

Isabel M.

1:29PM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

When you buy miso, how long is it good in your fridge once it is opened? I bought some, and then didn't use it all, and threw it away after a month. But now I am inspired to try it again.

Mike O.

4:52PM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

Here is a link to a good miso noodle soup recipe http://followfoodchain.blogspot.com/2011/07/miso-noodle-soup-serves-1.html

Lika S.

2:03AM PDT on Jul 3, 2011

Oh, I love the bold flavor of the darker miso, though I love the red miso also. You can also make salad dressings with the miso, also, and I love it.