Lentil soup is not only a delicious and comforting dish, but it’s also packed with amazing nutrients our bodies need. Lentils are legumes that come in different colors and sizes, and they have a slough of health benefits for your body and mind. Here are some of the reasons why you should include lentil soup in your diet.
- Lentils are high in protein, which is essential for building and maintaining your muscles, bones, and skin. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, which can support weight loss and appetite control. One cup of cooked lentils provides about 18 grams of protein, which is comparable to the amount in a serving of meat.
- Lentils are rich in fiber, which helps improve your digestion and lower your cholesterol levels. Fiber also helps regulate your blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes that can affect your mood and energy. One cup of cooked lentils contains 16 grams of fiber, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake.
- Lentils contain antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases. Antioxidants help fight off these harmful agents and support your immune system. Lentils have more polyphenols than other legumes, such as green peas and chickpeas.
- Lentils are good for your heart health, as they can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Lentils contain magnesium, which helps relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow. They also contain folate, which helps lower homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease.
- Lentils are a source of complex carbohydrates, which provide you with a steady and sustained source of energy. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest than simple sugars, so they keep you feeling full and energized for longer. They also help fuel your brain and nervous system, which can improve your cognitive function and mood.
Those are some pretty compelling reasons to be adding lentils into your diet. If you needed any more reasons to add in plant based products like Lentils, let's chat briefly on their effect on the gut microbiome. Our stomachs have an intestinal mucous layer that separates the gut microbiota from the rest of our bodies. When we do not have enough plant fiber in our diets this mucous layer breaks down, causing disease. Getting more plant fiber is crucial to keep our bodies functioning properly. Lentils are just one of a whole host of plant based ingredients that offer a complex nutrition profile that has a positive impact on health.
A great way to incorporate lentils into your diet is through Lentil Soup. With Lentil Soup you get the added benefit of adding any other veggies you like to the pot. Vegetables add more vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals to your soup, as well as more flavor and texture.
One of the best things about lentil soup is that it is easy to make and customize according to your preferences. You can use any type of lentils you like, such as brown, green, red, or black. You can also season it with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, onion, cumin, turmeric, or curry powder. You can make it creamy or chunky, thick or thin, spicy or mild.
We have two great recipes that include lentils for you to make at home. The first one also has a fermented ingredient. This Lentil Soup with Miso is vegan and uses chickpea miso to be soy free. The best part about making soups at home is you get to experiment and add all different veggies in, give it a whirl.
Our other favorite recipe is the Lentil Soup with Greens. We're always advocates for getting dark leafy greens in with every meal! Lentil soup is not only a tasty meal, but also a healthy one. It can help you meet your nutritional needs and support your overall well-being. Try making some lentil soup today and enjoy its benefits.
Pro tip: If you are someone who eats less plants and more meat start by replacing 4 meals a week, just 4, with one of our high protein plant based soups and see the difference.