Miso is mainly a fermented paste made from soybeans that has a salty flavor and a buttery texture. Not only soybeans, miso is now also made from a variety of other sources such as barley, rice and wheat. What originated in Japan as a popular ingredient in different types of meals, is now also becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Miso may vary in color from white to brown. The lighter varieties of miso are less salty, but the darker varieties are richer in flavors than the lighter ones. A dish that has made this healthy food so popular is the traditional miso soup. This is a mild-flavored and light soup, that has a broth like texture. It is prepared with the addition of other ingredients such as tofu, scallions, mushrooms, fish, and seaweed. These add to the many health benefits that miso soup is already enriched with. Moreover, the calories in this delicious soup are low and healthy. Calories The calories may vary depending on the ingredients added to it. For instance, mushrooms, seaweed, tofu, fish, clams, spinach, garlic, carrots, etc. will increase the calorie count of this soup. These however are healthy calories, and you needn't worry about them. They contain minimal traces of fat. Nutritional Benefits Though miso soup is extremely healthy, nutritionists argue that the high levels of sodium in it can prove harmful over time. Thus, the consumption of this soup should be suitably regulated. However, the advantage of this soup should be taken because of all the other benefits it provides, and with the calories in miso soup being so low, why not relish it without feeling guilty? Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for the advice of an expert.