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Miso soup offers a range of health benefits, from improving skin conditions and regulating blood pressure to providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and enhancing mental health and sleep quality. Incorporating miso soup into your diet could be a simple yet effective way to boost your overall health.
Miso soup, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybean paste, has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. Recently, scientific research has begun to uncover the potential health benefits of this savory soup. This article explores the various health advantages of consuming miso soup, supported by findings from multiple research studies.
Skin Health Benefits
One of the notable benefits of miso soup is its positive impact on skin health. A study investigated the effects of miso soup consumption on skin conditions in women. Participants who consumed three bowls of miso soup daily for two weeks showed significant improvements in skin moisture, elasticity, and texture compared to those who consumed a non-miso soup. The study also found that miso extracts increased the synthesis of ceramides, which are essential for maintaining skin hydration and barrier function1.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Miso soup may also play a role in regulating blood pressure. A study involving subjects with high-normal blood pressure or stage I hypertension found that long-term intake of miso soup significantly decreased nighttime blood pressure without affecting daytime blood pressure or pulse rate. This effect was attributed to the natriuretic and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory properties of specific types of miso used in the study2. Another study supported these findings, showing that low-sodium miso could reduce diastolic blood pressure in older adults4.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Miso soup has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A clinical trial evaluated the acute effects of a novel miso-type sauce enhanced with carotenoid-rich fruit extracts on postprandial biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. The results indicated that consumption of the enhanced miso sauce significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity and reduced LDL-cholesterol levels. Additionally, it attenuated the increase in triglycerides and decreased serum aggregation, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits3.
Mental Health and Sleep Quality
The consumption of miso soup may also contribute to improved mental health and sleep quality. Research has indicated that a diet including rice and miso is associated with better sleep quality and reduced impulsiveness and depressiveness. The study suggested that the combination of rice and miso could positively impact mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining overall well-being6 7.