Now you will likely have heard about the benefits of bone broth, this plant based healing, warming, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant rich, gut pleasing broth is suitable for everybody, and that means without the bones. Instead, we use umami rich shiitake mushrooms, kombu seaweed and miso paste, all of which have many health benefits. Shiitake mushrooms have been shown to provide immune supporting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-carcinogenic properties. They may also support cardiovascular health via cholesterol lowering actions and support bone health due to their vitamin D content. Kombu seaweed, also known as a sea vegetable, is a rich source of iodine, necessary for metabolism and infant brain development (via breast milk). Australian soils are low in iodine; therefore, it is commonly added to table salt. Seaweed also contains the amino acid tyrosine, required for thyroid hormone production along with iodine. Kombu contains iron, folate, calcium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin K, in addition to antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Miso is a fermented probiotic food; this means it is a source of beneficial bacteria that supports the health of your gut. A healthy gut promotes many positive health outcomes due to reduced systemic inflammation. Now if you are worried about missing that meaty flavour, fear not. The naturally occurring glutamate in kombu paired with the naturally occurring nucleotides in shiitake, result in that satisfying umami flavour, complemented by the umami miso. There is no word in the English language synonymous with umami – but it’s that rich and delicious savoury flavour that leaves you wanting more!
