Miso soup is the Japanese version of chicken soup - a combination soul food and comfort food. It is traditionally eaten at breakfast in Japan as a daily staple. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans, and is full of antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as protective fatty acids. It's healthful and delicious, and the Japanese say that the linoleic acid in miso promotes soft skin. The soybeans miso is made from also contain isoflavones and other elements that may provide protection against some forms of cancer. To preserve these properties, miso should not be boiled. Add it to a soup after it has been removed from direct heat.

Food as Medicine

Miso is a particularly valuable food for vegans. The bacteria in miso synthesize vitamin B12, a difficult nutrient to obtain from diets that contain no animal products. Miso is a concentrated protein source, with just one tablespoon containing a full two grams. Miso and other fermented soy foods may also help lower the risk of breast cancer; a team of researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that laboratory animals whose diets were enhanced with miso had a lower incidence of breast cancer and a slower growth rate of cancer cells. Cabbage, in addition to being high in vitamins K and C, is also high in cholesterol-lowering fiber - the four cups in this recipe provide almost 15 grams of fiber - making this soup a heart-healthy choice.

See how to make Miso Soup

Bright ideas at an $80 value.
See brilliant results with Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Bright Skin tone correcting serum. Although it's not the same as a medical treatment, 83% saw a visible reduction in the appearance of dark spots. And for all its potency - it's safe & gentle on all skin tones. For a limited time only, get a Skin Brightening Facial Kit featuring Dr. Weil's best-selling brightener for just $45 (an $80 value).