18 Feb Miso – rich in flavour & improves health!
In honour of our new product, the Mushroom Miso Pancake, we are highlighting the special and very healthy ingredient: miso! A paste made of fermented soya beans and sea salt, miso has been consumed in Japan for thousands of years and boasts many health benefits. It is an excellent alkaliser and helps to promote proper metabolism. Moreover, it’s medicine for anaemic and arthritic people and well valued for its beneficial effects on intestinal bacteria.
Before we start, we want to clarify that soya beans are not recommended as a bean dish, despite their high protein content. This is because they contain a certain acid which can be eliminated only through extensive and elaborated cooking methods or through a fermentation process using traditional methods. For this reason, tofu, tamari, soya sauce, tempeh, natto and miso are considered healthy and they become a power house for health!
Health benefits of miso
So, what can miso do for you? First of all, it can help to regulate digestion, assimilation of food and intestinal functions. Secondly, it can help to lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Thirdly, it can lower inflammation which is known to be the cause of many illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis. Lastly but not least taking all of the above into account, it will maintain our blood alkalised providing or improving resistance to many sicknesses.
A healthy body always begins with a healthy gut, so if you have a good stomach, you’re well on your way to health and happiness!
“What about the salt content?” you ask. Surprisingly, there’s no need to worry about the salt content. Studies show that the negative effects of salt are negated by the positive effects of the soy. In fact, its anti-hypertensive effects override the effects of salt and even lowers blood pressure. https://nutritionfacts.org/video/is-miso-healthy/
How to cook with miso
Laura’s Idea – Mushroom Miso Pancake
Miso can be a great and very nutritious addition tor any dish, especially for vegans and vegetarians who are looking to enjoy plant-based umami. The soya bean paste adds a lot of delicious, rich flavour to any dish and it can be added to soups, sauces and marinade. Top tip: remember not to boil as it will kill the beneficial qualities. Also, we always advise to look for organic and GM-free miso products!
In our case, we used it to flavour the mushrooms and broccoli in our new Mushroom Miso Pancake. It’s also a secret ingredient in our detoxifying Beauty Soup. Check to see where you can grab one of our many healthy dishes in the UK here.