In a new study published in the journal Nutrients, scientists compared the efficacy of traditional and commercial Doenjang in reducing menopause symptoms.
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause cause symptoms like:
Sleep disturbance
Insomnia
Sweating
Nervousness
Vertigo
Fatigue
Headache
Hot flashes
Tingling of peripheral nerves
In Asian countries, soy consumption is very common and it can be used as a natural substitute for HRT.
Doenjang was present long before miso paste, which started off in China and then spread to Japan. It is one of the oldest fermented foods in Asia, approximately 2000 years old.
Doenjang takes more time to mature as compared to miso paste. Peeled soyabean is used in miso, it gets fermented in a few weeks. Unpeeled soyabeans are used in Doenjang and it might take up to 2 years to ferment.
Both can be served as a flavoring agent in various dishes.
Traditional doenjang consists of fungi like Aspergillus oryzae and beneficial microbes like Bacillus subtilis, which are involved in the Meju fermentation process.
Doenjang is salty like miso, as it is fermented with salt. This can be a concern for heart health.
Currently, there’s a great deal of interest in the benefits of fermented foods, and it does seem that they might support our gut and overall health. For now, though, there isn’t enough evidence to show they can ease menopausal symptoms, specifically. As with almost all aspects of female health, we need much more research.Sarah E. Berry, Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences (King’s College London)
Three types of Doenjang were taken in the study. The first two were traditionally produced in one containing a low dose of microbes and one containing higher.
The efficacy was compared to commercially produced Doenjang which contain more healthier microbes than the traditional one.
The menopause symptoms were tracked using the Kupperman index.
In both types of Doenjang, the level of Bacteriodetes increased with the highest level of beneficial microbes. Although Bacteriodetes are beneficial for the gut they can cause serious infection in other parts of the human body.
Changes in obesity, inflammation, and levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) were also assessed. While there was no effect on obesity and inflammation, lower LDL was observed in participants consuming the traditional doenjang.
Kupperman index was observed to be low in all three types, but the doenjang with the lowest level of beneficial microbes proved most effective at reducing menopause symptoms.
According to the authors, incorporating fermented foods into healthy diet can help ensure exposure to different probiotic strains and offer more comprehensive health benefits.
Some experts noted various limitations of this study.
"Study’s outcomes may have been influenced by a lack of control over participant's diet, activity, exercise, and lifestyle choices. The group that consumed traditional doenjang saw the greatest reduction in Kupperman scores, but they also had the highest scores to begin with.Sarah E. Berry, Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences (King’s College London)
We aren’t at the stage yet where we can confidently predict which ones will have the most beneficial effects on our health. Research suggests that addressing gut microbiota imbalances could help modulate the gut-brain axis and improve mood in middle-aged and older women.Kelsey Costa, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Founder of Dietitian Insights
"There is no control group — all participants received doenjang. This makes it difficult to interpret the results, as sometimes, simply being involved in an experiment can make people feel better.""Sarah E. Berry, Associate Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences (King’s College London)
"Participants alter their behavior because they know they’re being observed, possibly impacting the study’s results.”Kelsey Costa, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Founder of Dietitian Insights
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Dr. Pragati Priya/ MSM)