Hi Friend,
Are you looking for ways to naturally boost your mood and emotional wellbeing? Are you interested in making healthy choices now that will benefit your health in the future?
Nutritional Psychiatry focuses not only on how specific foods help improve our mood and reduce stress, but also how we can use food to impact our cognitive ability and memory as we age.
Simple adjustments can slowly but steadily become habits you can incorporate for the rest of your life in order to create lasting mental fitness. Each week, I’ll share recommendations here using foods you can add to your diet to support your mental health.
I love bringing you the latest in Nutritional Psychiatry each week to boost your overall well-being. My new book Calm Your Mind with Food is a revolutionary full-body approach to relieving anxiety, including anti-anxiety recipes and meal plan guidelines.
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MOOD FOOD of the Week: Tofu
Mood: Memory
Food: Tofu
Research has shown that tofu can help calm the mind because…
It is rich in isoflavones, a plant compound with protective health benefits including supporting brain health with age.
Tofu is also loaded with calcium, a vitamin that supports healthy blood flow to the brain to maintain cognitive function.
It is also an excellent source of manganese which protects the brain from damaging free radicals and supports neurotransmitter function to delay the onset of cognitive decline.
How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:
Tofu is a wonderful source of protein for those following plant-based diets, as well as anyone looking to increase their protein intake while reaping the benefits of eating plants! I love seasoning or marinating firm tofu on the air fryer to enjoy on its own or on top of a big leafy green salad. It is delicious cubed and simmered in your favorite sauce with a variety of spices and other veggies. Silken tofu can be added to smoothies to add extra protein and creaminess! If you are storing unused tofu, always be sure to store it in water to prevent it from drying out. This week I am sharing a recipe for Crispy Tikka Masala Tofu as part of my premium subscription. Give it a try!
How to buy tofu:
Tofu can be found in the refrigerated sections of grocery stores as well as many Asian markets. Try to find organic non-GMO varieties. You can buy different textures including: firm, extra firm, super firm, or silken depending on your preference and what recipe you make! Many stores will also sell pre-seasoned tofu or tofu that already comes marinated but be sure to read the ingredients list and choose varieties without added sugars or seed oils. I recommend opting for organic tofu when accessible to reduce the amount of potential herbicides and pesticides.
Wishing you a joyful & calm week,
Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Well+Good: On Well + Good, I talk about how eating is a powerful tool that supports one’s physical and mental well-being, and nurtures our relationships with others. Read more here.
Keeping It Real with Jillian Michaels: Check out this podcast where I talk with Jillian Michaels about the worst offending foods and added ingredients that exacerbate anxiety and depression, as well as the most powerful foods and nutrients to optimize focus, contentment, and calm. Plus, top foods to boost libido!
5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods To Eat For A Younger, Healthier Brain: Take a look at this list on mindbodygreen of the top five "anti-aging" foods I recommend to help protect your brain from damage over time.
Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: I join CNN’s Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his podcast to talk about how to build a strong brain and keep it sharp. Listen in here.
This Week’s Recipe: Crispy Tikka Masala Tofu
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