A nourishing and warm bowl of soup offers something for both our taste palate and mind. With the best of both worlds, this Turmeric Lentil Soup packs a punch with its powerful ingredients containing plenty of beneficial nutrients.
It’s a bit of comfort after a tough day or a bit of warmth during the cold winter months.
Personally, I love a good soup with a side of grilled cheese. This is the ultimate comfort meal. And yes, it can be beneficial for our mental well-being. So, if you love spice and are craving a warm bowl of something, this turmeric lentil soup has got it all.
Below, we offer up the recipe (and it’s ultra-easy!), as well as the benefits these ingredients have for your mental health.
Turmeric is one of those spices that isn’t considered a superfood just because of a few research studies.
Overall, the research on this spice is pretty bottomless. Plus, it’s got thousands of years of use to back it up. So… we’d be crazy not to include this spice in our diets every now and again (of course, unless you have allergies or some kind of intolerance to it).
So, let’s get cooking. Then, we’ll take a look at how this soup offers heaps of goodness, on top of its stellar flavor.
Incorporating Turmeric Lentil Soup into your diet can be a delicious and nurturing way to support mental health. It offers up a natural pathway toward better mood, cognitive function, and emotional balance. Not convinced? Well, we have eight reasons why you might want to make this soup for your next meal.
If you haven’t heard, turmeric is basically a superhero spice of sorts… Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety—not to mention its impact on overall physical health.
Thus, by reducing inflammation, turmeric may help alleviate some symptoms associated with these conditions and guide you toward better overall health and mental wellness.
Both turmeric and lentils are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Lentils, in particular, are home to a specific group of antioxidants called polyphenols. And these nutrients can have many positive effects.
Antioxidants can neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting brain cells and potentially improving mood and cognitive function. In turn, this helps lower oxidative stress—which is implicated in the development and progression of mood disorders and cognitive decline.
Lentils provide a steady supply of complex carbohydrates, which are crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This can prevent the ups and downs of the dreaded blood sugar rollercoaster (something that is all-too-common in our very processed food-driven society).
As a result, you can experience steady blood sugar levels and a more balanced mood. Inevitably, other things come into play when it comes to blood glucose. But incorporating more complex carbs, such as various veggies in this recipe, can be a great start.
Lentils are an excellent source of various B vitamins, particularly folate (B9) and B6.
These are essential for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine; these chemicals in the brain play a significant role in regulating mood. Thus, getting sufficient vitamin B9 and B6 is inevitably invaluable as you navigate your mental wellness.
Fiber is one of the most powerful nutrients you can include in your daily diet. And lentils are full of ‘em!
Fiber contributes to good gut health, and emerging research suggests a strong connection between gut health and mental health, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.
Surprisingly, a healthy gut microbiota can influence the production of neurotransmitters and mood-regulating chemicals, potentially improving mental well-being (or, in the absence of a healthy gut microbiota, hindering it).
Yet, including this lentil soup in your regular meals can help up your fiber intake, leading to not only better mental health but also easier weight maintenance, better heart health, and more!
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Lentils also contain magnesium and zinc - minerals that have been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Magnesium, in particular, plays a role in regulating the body's stress-response system. Meanwhile, zinc is crucial for neural function.
Lentils provide essential amino acids, the building blocks for neurotransmitters. For example, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, often dubbed the feel-good neurotransmitter. Adequate levels of tryptophan can support mood regulation and overall mental health.
Beyond the biochemical benefits, there's the undeniable comfort food factor of a warm, spiced bowl of soup. The act of preparing and enjoying a comforting meal can further have a soothing and therapeutic effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.
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This soup is one worth making. Enjoy it with family and friends for even more of a mental boost. After all, we need human connection for our overall health and wellness (And research shows this to be true!).
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