Smriti Irani’s ‘dal ka soup’ helped Mira Kapoor with anaemia: ‘Saw a difference in my blood reports’

Mira Kapoor recently shared on Instagram a conversation she had with former Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani on a flight, where Irani suggested a simple soup recipe that helped her manage her anaemia. Kapoor recounted how she had been struggling with the condition for years, but after incorporating the soup into her daily diet for three months, she noticed a significant improvement in her blood reports.

The soup, which required only half a cup daily, was made with common Indian ingredients like drumstick leaves, masoor dal, onion, ginger, tomato, and spices. Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explained that the soup could be a healthy addition to one's diet, particularly for improving iron intake due to the presence of iron-rich drumstick leaves, plant-based iron and protein from masoor dal, and vitamin C from tomatoes to enhance iron absorption.

However, Raj cautioned that the soup should not be considered a treatment for diagnosed anaemia, as the iron intake from one serving may not be sufficient to correct significant deficiencies. Instead, people with confirmed iron-deficiency anaemia may require iron supplements or treatment for the underlying cause under medical guidance.

Raj also emphasized that iron is essential for making haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and its deficiency can lead to various symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, poor concentration, and pale skin. To maximize the benefits of the soup, Raj recommended incorporating other iron-rich foods like lentils, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and vitamin-C-rich fruits and vegetables in one's diet.

It was also advised to avoid drinking tea or coffee immediately after consuming iron-rich meals, as compounds in these beverages can hinder iron absorption.