Coconut Chickpea Curry
A gluten and dairy free Coconut Chickpea Curry is an excellent dinner for supporting hormonal & nervous system balance, brain & cognitive health, and gut & digestive support—making it highly suitable for “Burnout to Balance” and functional medicine strategies for stress recovery. Here’s how it meets these goals
Nutritional Benefits
Hormonal & Nervous System Balance
Chickpeas are rich in plant-based protein, B vitamins (including folate and B6), magnesium, zinc, and iron—all crucial for hormone synthesis, adrenal health, and nervous system function. Their low glycemic index helps maintain steady blood sugar, supporting mood and hormone stability 5.
Coconut milk provides healthy fats, especially medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which stabilize blood sugar and support adrenal hormones. MCTs also provide quick, efficient energy for the brain and body 2,5.
Spices like turmeric (with curcumin) and cumin have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting hormone balance and reducing stress-induced inflammation 5.
Brain & Cognitive Health
Chickpeas offer complex carbohydrates for sustained brain energy, as well as vitamins and minerals essential for neurotransmitter production and cognitive function 2,5.
Coconut milk’s MCTs are rapidly converted to ketones, offering an alternative energy source for the brain that supports mental clarity and focus 2.
Turmeric and other spices in curry are neuroprotective, helping reduce oxidative stress in the brain and supporting cognitive function 5.
Gut & Digestive Support
Chickpeas are high in prebiotic fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. This supports digestion, regularity, and gut barrier integrity 3,5.
Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which is converted to monolaurin—a compound with antiviral and antibacterial effects that helps maintain gut health by reducing harmful microbes 3.
The dish is naturally gluten and dairy free, minimizing common gut irritants and supporting those with sensitivities 1,4.
Functional Medicine & Stress Recovery
The meal is anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and blood sugar balancing—key principles in functional medicine for stress recovery.
It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and can be paired with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and minerals 1,5.
Summary:
Gluten and dairy free Coconut Chickpea Curry is among the best dinner choices for hormonal and nervous system balance, brain and cognitive health, and gut and digestive support—especially for those focused on stress recovery and functional medicine strategies. Its combination of plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and anti-inflammatory spices makes it a deeply nourishing, restorative meal for “Burnout to Balance” living 1,3,5.
Citations:
https://glutenfreealice.com/2023/01/04/coconut-chickpea-curry-gluten-free-dairy-free-vegan/
https://healthandyum.ca/recipes/easy-and-healthy-brain-boosting-tofu-chickpea-curry/
https://plantbasedrdblog.com/2021/04/chickpea-coconut-curry/
https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/recipes/chickpea-curry
https://www.tiktok.com/@syncwithlinn/video/7319599670899150126
https://www.balancewithmariana.com/blog/2017/3/6/easy-vegetable-chickpea-curry
https://www.joyoushealth.com/27506-blog-chickpea-coconut-curry
https://myotahealth.com/blogs/news/chickpea-and-vegetable-coconut-curry
https://muneezaahmed.com/coconut-chickpea-curry-with-cauliflower-and-peas/
https://www.thedoctorskitchen.com/recipes/coconut-chickpea-daal
