A Simple Veggie with Surprising Mood & Health Perks
Plus - are your symptoms ADHD or Perimenopause?
Hey MoodFoodie,
I am excited to share that I decided to partner with Outro Health as their Lifestyle Medicine advisor.
Did you know that now remain on antidepressants 2–10x longer than recommended? Outro Health is the only science-backed program that helps you taper off of medication safely and successfully with hyperbolic tapering. Hyperbolic tapering reduces dosages relative to brain sensitivity.
To kick off this partnership, I will be joining one of Outro’s clinicians for a Free Webinar on World Mental Health Day! Register here and be sure to submit your questions in advance!
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Each week, I’m here to share recommendations on which foods to incorporate into your diet and how to do so for optimal mental health. Also, paid subscribers will get access to my Culinary Psychiatry Corner where I share exclusive content each week!
MOOD FOOD of the Week: Zucchini
MOOD FOOD of the Week: Zucchini
Mood: Anxiety
Food: Zucchini
Research has shown that zucchini can help calm the mind because…
It is an excellent source of magnesium, manganese and vitamin B6, nutrients that have been shown to regulate the central nervous system and calm the mind when feeling stressed or anxious
Zucchini is rich in polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and prevent cellular damage in the brain that can lead to inflammation associated with stress
It is also a great source of dietary fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut for reduced inflammation and increased focus
How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:
Zucchini is a versatile veggie that shines in both sweet and savory dishes. Enjoy it raw in a colorful salad, roasted alongside your favorite clean protein, or threaded onto skewers for summer cookouts. Its hearty texture also makes it a cozy addition to winter soups and stews.
For those following a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle, zucchini can be spiralized into “zoodles” as a pasta alternative. You can even fold shredded zucchini into oats or quinoa at breakfast for an easy boost of fiber and nutrients.
How to buy (and grow!) zucchini:
You’ll find zucchini year-round in grocery stores and it tends to be abundant at farmers markets. While it comes in different colors, the flavor is similar across varieties, so feel free to experiment! And if you have a garden, zucchini is an easy and generous crop to grow, often producing plenty to share with friends and family.
Wishing you a joyful & calm week,
Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD
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In The News
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