Top 10 health benefits of miso

April 23, 2024

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<p class="p1">Interested in trying our FREE 7-day healthy diet plan? Click <a href="/health/health/healthy-diet-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">here</span></a> and choose between our meat eaters, vegetarian or vegan meal plans.</p>
<h2 class="p1"><b>What is miso?</b></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><a href="/glossary/miso-glossary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miso</a></span> means ‘fermented beans’ in Japanese. A traditional ingredient in both Japanese and Chinese cuisine, miso paste is made from fermented soybeans and grains and contains millions of beneficial bacteria.</p>
<p class="p1">There are many different types of miso, with versions linked to regional cuisines, identities and flavours. This protein-rich paste adds the fifth taste, known as ‘umami’, and can be used in all sorts of dishes, including soups or broths, salad dressings, vegetables, stews, glazes and marinades. The length of time the paste ferments may affect flavour, producing a sweet to salty, rich taste.</p>
<p class="p1">Benefits of miso include:</p>
<ul>
<li class="p1">Source of protective antioxidants</li>
<li class="p1">May support gut health</li>
<li class="p1">May promote vitamin levels</li>
<li class="p1">May help in the fight against cancer</li>
<li class="p1">May support immune function</li>
<li class="p1">May support brain health</li>
<li class="p1">May help alleviate menopausal symptoms</li>
<li class="p1">May support cholesterol balance</li>
<li class="p1">May support heart health</li>
<li class="p1">May support bone health</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1"><b>Discover our full range of</b> <a href="/howto/guide/collection/ingredient-focus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>health benefit guides</b></span></a> <b>including the health benefits of </b><a href="/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-soya#" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2"><b>soya</b></span></a><b>, </b><a href="/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-tofu" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2"><b>tofu</b></span></a><b> and </b><a href="/howto/guide/health-benefits-tempeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2"><b>tempeh</b></span></a><b>. Get inspired with our collection of</b> <a href="/recipes/collection/miso-recipes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>miso recipes</b></span></a><b>,  from our</b> <a href="/recipes/miso-aubergines" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>miso aubergine</b></span></a> <b>to our delicious alternative to cheese on toast,</b> <a href="/recipes/miso-spinach-toast" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"><b>miso &amp; spinach toast</b></span></a><b>.</b></p>
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<h2 class="p1"><b>Different varieties of miso</b></h2>
<p class="p1">The most common type of miso is made only from soybeans but the variety and ratio of the raw ingredients can vary. Some miso pastes are made from cultured wheat or millet, or combinations of different grains and beans. The colour is a fairly good indicator of the strength of flavour and the texture may vary also, with miso made from wholegrains typically saltier than that made from a hulled grain.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>White miso (shiro)</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Made from soybeans and rice and fermented for no longer than two months. Shiro (‘white’ in Japanese) is light in colour and sweet to mildly salty. Shiro is a great ‘gateway’ miso – it’s very versatile, providing a bit of oomph to salad dressings or fried vegetables.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>Yellow miso (shinsu)</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Another mild version that is fermented for slightly longer than white miso. Yellow miso is adaptable in a wide range of recipes.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>Red miso (aka)</b></h3>
<p class="p1">If a recipe calls for dark miso, you’ll want to use an aka or red miso. Russet in colour, this type is made from a higher proportion of soybeans, fermented for up to three years and has a saltier and deeper flavour. It is best used in hearty dishes like stews and tomato sauces. Use with caution because its flavour can overpower other ingredients.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>Barley miso (mugi)</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Made from barley and soybeans, mugi miso usually has a longer fermentation process than most white miso. It has a strong barley aroma, but is mild and slightly sweet in flavour.</p>
<h2 class="p1"><b>Nutritional profile of miso</b></h2>
<p class="p1">1 tbsp (15g) of miso provides:</p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">30kcal / 128kj</li>
<li class="li1">2.0g protein</li>
<li class="li1">0.9g fat</li>
<li class="li1">3.5g carbohydrate</li>
<li class="li1">0.63mg iron</li>
<li class="li1">0.49mg zinc</li>
<li class="li1">5mcg folate</li>
<li class="li1">1.37g salt</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">When buying miso, choose the unpasteurised, live, enzyme-rich product that will need to be stored in the fridge – this version is loaded with beneficial microorganisms. After opening, the texture, colour and flavour may change, however, some can be kept for quite a long time without any concerns or variations to quality.</p>
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<h2 class="p1"><b>Top 10 health benefits of miso</b></h2>
<h3 class="p1"><b>1. Source of protective antioxidants</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Soya beans, from which miso is made, contain natural compounds called <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10552547/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">isoflavones</span></a><span class="s1">.</span> These are categorised as a type of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25489400/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">antioxidant</span></a> and as such help minimise the damage known as oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals. It’s this oxidative stress which is involved in both <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5927356/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">aging</span></a> and the onset of chronic disease.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>2. May support gut health</b></h3>
<p class="p1">The fermentation process, necessary to produce miso, promotes levels of beneficial bacteria. These bacteria are thought to help <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28945458/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">a range of health issues</span></a>, including digestion and gut health.</p>
<p class="p1">By incorporating a variety of fermented foods in your diet, you may help promote levels of good bacteria and enzymes in your gut, which may in turn improve the balance of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5050011/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">microbes</span></a> as well as the function of your digestive system. When buying miso, choose the unpasteurised, live, enzyme-rich product that will need to be stored in the fridge.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>3. May promote vitamin levels</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Studies in <a href="https://journals.lww.com/eurjcancerprev/Abstract/1997/03001/Intestinal_flora_and_endogenous_vitamin_synthesis.9.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">1997</span></a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24251697" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">2013</span></a> have confirmed that good bacteria in the gut manufacture vitamins (primarily <a href="/howto/guide/what-vitamin-k" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">vitamins K</span></a> and <a href="/howto/guide/what-vitamin-b12" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">B12</span></a>) as a by-product of their metabolism. This means that by improving the balance of your gut microbes you’ll also benefit from a better nutritional status.</p>
<p class="p1">The process of fermentation also<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723656/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1"> reduces toxins and anti-nutrients</span></a>, such as phytic acid in miso, which means we can absorb and use more of the nutrients available to us.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>4. May help in the fight against certain cancers</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Regular miso consumption is thought to potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers, including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12813174/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">breast cancer</span></a>, especially in post-menopausal women. This is thought to be thanks to the paste’s isoflavone content. Miso is also a rich source of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1333523/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">other antioxidants</span></a> which may further support its protective role in this area. However, more studies are needed to clarify and confirm these benefits.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>5. May support immune function</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Being a rich source of beneficial bacteria, miso may support immune function and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21901706/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">help fight infections</span></a>. Regularly consuming a variety of fermented foods, like miso, may minimise your need for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21901706/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">antibiotic therapy</span></a><span class="s2"> </span>when fighting infection. That said, many of these studies used probiotic supplements rather than fermented foods and more research is needed to assess the benefits of specific strains of bacteria, including those most commonly present in miso.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>6. May support brain health</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Recent advances in our knowledge and understanding of gut-brain connectivity supports a role for diet and in particular the consumption of fermented foods in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5216880/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">cognitive health</span></a><span class="s2">, </span>including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27413138/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">anxiety</span></a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23497650/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">depression</span></a>. Although much has been learned, there is still more to discover before we can definitively define the bacterial strains that may be of most value.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>7. May alleviate menopausal symptoms</b></h3>
<p class="p1"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37282758/#:~:text=Daidzein%2C%20genistein%2C%20and%20glycitein%20in,estrogenic%20activity%20against%20Y187%2D%CE%B2%CE%B2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">Soya isoflavones</span></a> (<i>daidzein and genistein)</i> have attracted a great deal of attention because they are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12787551/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">phyto-oestrogens,</span></a> plant compounds that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26565435/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">mimic a weak form of the hormone oestrogen</span></a>. Some women find including these in their diet helps with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5713750/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">peri-menopausal symptoms</span></a>, including poor mood and hot flushes. However, genetics, your <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28778332" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">gut microbiota</span></a> and environmental factors all play a part in how your body reacts to certain foods, so as yet, we can’t say whether a diet rich in phyto-estrogenic foods is beneficial for all women or not.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>8. May support cholesterol balance</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Soya beans contain <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8585698" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">phytosterols</span></a>, these plant compounds are structurally similar to cholesterol and work in the body by inhibiting cholesterol absorption. This explains why regularly eating foods made from soya has been associated with reduced cholesterol levels. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17413118/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">Studies</span></a> also suggest this includes a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the type often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>9. May support heart health</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Regular consumption of legumes, and products made from them, has also been linked to a lower risk of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23398387/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">heart disease;</span></a> this is thought to be because they are a rich source of phytochemicals as well as fibre.</p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>10. May support bone health</b></h3>
<p class="p1">Soya foods may be a beneficial inclusion for mid-life women, this is because lower levels of oestrogen after the menopause may lead to a greater reduction in calcium levels in the bone. Some studies suggest that including 40-110mg of soy isoflavones each day may reduce this bone loss and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27465911/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">improve bone mineral density</span></a>. From a practical perspective, this would be the equivalent to eating 35-100g of cooked soya beans or <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/soy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s2">3-4 tbsp of miso</span></a> each day, in reality this is best achieved by eating a variety of soy foods daily, given miso’s high salt content.</p>
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<img class="wp-image-882536 align size-full image-handler__image image-handler__image–full no-wrap js-lazyload" srcset="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" data-src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/04/Miso7003-a9ef495.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C310" width="700" height="350" alt="Miso in a ramen" title="Top 10 health benefits of miso">
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<h2 class="p1"><b>Is miso safe for everyone?</b></h2>
<p class="p1">Miso is generally recognised as safe for most people, unless you follow a low-salt (sodium) diet, then you may wish to limit your intake because miso has high levels. There are some other considerations relevant for certain people, these include:</p>
<ul>
<li class="p1">Some people may have an allergy to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15113974/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">soy protein</span></a> and will therefore need to avoid miso and other soy-based foods.</li>
<li class="p1">Soybeans are considered to be goitrogenic. This means if you have a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7282437/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">thyroid issue</span></a> you may be advised to minimise your intake. This is because these foods may interfere with the absorption of iodine, which is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that you would need to eat a reasonable amount, and on a consistent basis, for this to be an issue.</li>
<li class="p1">Those with coeliac disease must check labels to ensure the miso product is appropriate for them, including having been made in a suitably gluten-free environment.</li>
<li class="p1">If you are on blood-thinning medication such as <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/warfarin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="s1">warfarin</span></a>, your GP or dietitian may suggest you monitor vitamin K-rich foods like miso in your diet to ensure you eat similar amounts consistently. If in doubt, consult your GP before making any significant changes to what and how much you eat.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="p1"><b>Overall, is miso healthy?</b></h2>
<p class="p1">Being made from soya beans, miso offers an array of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, including isoflavones. The fermentation process used to produce miso may be especially helpful as it helps support digestion and may enhance immunity. However, those following a low salt diet, are on prescribed blood thinners or who have a thyroid condition may choose to limit their intake.</p>
<h3>Miso recipes to try</h3>
<p>Miso soup can provide a tasty base to add other ingredients:<br>
<a href="/recipes/miso-chicken-rice-soup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miso chicken &amp; rice soup</a><br>
<a href="/recipes/salmon-miso-vegetables" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Salmon with miso vegetables</a></p>
<p>Miso makes a delicious marinade:<br>
<a href="/recipes/miso-marinated-salmon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miso-marinated salmon</a><br>
<a href="/recipes/miso-glazed-tofu-steaks-beansprout-salad-egg-strands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miso-glazed tofu steaks with beansprout salad &amp; egg strands</a></p>
<p>It can also be used to add depth and distinctive flavour to vegetable dishes:<br>
<a href="/recipes/miso-aubergines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miso aubergines</a><br>
<a href="/recipes/saucy-miso-mushrooms-udon-noodles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saucy miso mushrooms with udon noodles</a></p>
<h3 class="p1"><b>Enjoyed this? Read more…</b></h3>
<p class="p1"><a href="/howto/guide/spotlight-cholesterol" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 ways to lower cholesterol</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/eat-beat-menopause#" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eat to ease the menopause</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/what-are-probiotics-and-what-do-they-do" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What are probiotics and what do they do?</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/how-does-diet-affect-gut-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How does diet affect gut health?</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/collection/ingredient-focus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All our health benefits guides</a><br>
<a href="/howto/guide/digestive-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digestive health recipes and tips</a></p>
<hr>
<p class="p1"><i>This article was reviewed on 28 March 2024 by Kerry Torrens.</i></p>
<p><em><a href="/author/jolewin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jo Williams</a> is a registered nutritionist (RNutr) with the Association for Nutrition with a specialism in public health.</em></p>
<p><em>All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact  your local health care provider. See our website <a href="https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terms and conditions</a> for more information.</em></p>


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