Finding Balance with Miso: Powerful Food Of The Samurai Warrior And A Probiotic

When we step out of our routines, we may feel out of balance. For example, around holiday time we often indulge in more dessert and enjoy richer foods. Whether you feel a little "off," due to travel, too many dinners out or large holiday meals, you can bring yourself back into balance.

One of the things I learned in my training as a Holistic Health Coach at the Academy of Healing Nutrition, was how to do just that. I find that a simple way to restore my energy and good digestion is to make a miso soup. Our teacher, Roger Green, used to remind us that miso was the "food of the Samurai," the warriors of pre-modern Japan.

Miso is traditionally a Japanese food that consists of soy bean and a grain such as rice or barley and a fermentation starter (koji), that becomes a paste. It is aged from 3 months to 3 years. This process of fermentation is very beneficial to our digestion, making miso a powerful probiotic food. Miso not only helps with digestion but is detoxifying and can strengthen the intestines, liver and kidneys.

Simple Miso Soup: (One Serving)

• One cup of water or broth (vegetable or chicken)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Miso Paste (I like Miso Master's Organic Mellow White or Sweet White)

• 1/2 teaspoon chopped scallions (optional)

• Heat water or broth just to a boil and bring to a low simmer. Scoop out 1/4 cup water into a bowl and stir in

• 1 1/2 teaspoons of miso paste until fully dissolved.

• Pour miso mixture back into pot and simmer for 1-2 minutes.

• Remove from heat and pour into bowl or coffee mug.

• Sprinkle in scallions (if using) and enjoy!

*It's important not to boil the miso soup because this will diminish its probiotic properties.

*If you're using a different flavor of miso with a higher sodium content, I suggest decreasing the amount of miso paste by 1/3 teaspoon per cup.

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