A recent study delving into the effectiveness of a traditional Korean soybean paste called doenjang in mitigating menopausal symptoms has yielded promising results.

Doenjang, dating back over 2,000 years, is among the oldest fermented foods in Asia, boasting a rich history preceding the popularization of miso paste. Unlike miso, which is made from peeled soybeans and ferments over several weeks, doenjang matures over a period of weeks to years, crafted from fermented, unpeeled soybeans. Its complex flavor profile, characterized by subtle tanginess and robust umami notes with hints of nuttiness and earthiness, distinguishes it from the milder and sweeter miso.

The recent investigation into doenjang's potential benefits aligns with ongoing research exploring the impact of fermented foods on the gut microbiome. The study, published in nutrients, aimed to ascertain whether the abundance of beneficial microbes in doenjang correlated with enhanced efficacy in alleviating menopausal symptoms.

Researchers evaluated three variations of doenjang: two traditional samples, differing in microbial content, and a commercially produced variant boasting higher microbial levels. Remarkably, both traditional samples exhibited an increase in Bacteriodetes microbes, known for their positive influence on gut health, although their presence elsewhere in the body can lead to severe infections.

Despite expectations, the traditional doenjang with the lowest beneficial microbe concentration proved most effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, as indicated by participants' Kupperman index scores. Additionally, only traditional doenjang consumption correlated with lowered LDL cholesterol levels, a key marker for cardiovascular health.

The study underscores the potential health benefits of fermented foods, extending beyond traditional Asian fare to include Western staples like sauerkraut and kefir cheese. Sarah E. Berry, PhD, an associate professor at King’s College London, emphasized the burgeoning interest in fermented foods' health benefits, albeit cautioning the need for further research to corroborate their efficacy in easing menopausal symptoms.

Despite the study's intriguing findings, limitations such as the absence of a control group and the Hawthorne effect, where participants may alter behavior due to being observed, underscore the necessity for future investigations. Moreover, disparities in baseline Kupperman index scores and factors like diet and lifestyle choices may have influenced the study outcomes.

While the study underscores the potential of doenjang in ameliorating menopausal symptoms, researchers and experts alike advocate for further exploration to elucidate its mechanisms and therapeutic potential fully.