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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 exclusive recipes each week that utilize those foods!
MOOD FOOD of the Week: Bell Peppers
MOOD FOOD of the Week: Bell Peppers
Mood: Depression
Food: Bell Peppers
Research has shown that Bell Peppers can help calm the mind because…
They are rich in vitamin C which can help support healthy levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine.
Bell peppers are also high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy nervous system and emotional balance.
They also contain a variety of polyphenols, like luteolin and quercetin, which reduce inflammation in the brain for improved mood.
How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:
Bell peppers are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed either raw or cooked. Simply chopped or sliced in a colorful salad is an easy way to enjoy their crunch. I also love cutting them into strips to dip into healthy dishes like my avocado hummus (page 250 of This is Your Brain on Food). This makes a great after school snack for the kids too! Bell peppers are also delicious roasted with avocado oil and spices for a nutritious addition to tacos, or can added to a warming soup or stew. They come in a variety of colors so you can play around with flavors and textures to find your favorite! (Mental fitness tip: red bell peppers, specifically, are the richest dietary source of mood boosting vitamin C, one cup contains about 50% the RDV of vitamin C!)
This week, as part of my premium subscription, I am excited to share my recipe for my Crunchy Kaleidoscope Salad, which gets its crunch from bell peppers!
How to buy Bell Peppers:
Peppers are widely available in grocery stores, produce markets and farmers markets and are available to be purchased fresh or pre-chopped and frozen.They are also quite easy to grow at home for those who live in a climate that would permit such. When accessible, I recommend looking for organic varieties as bell peppers are commonly included in the “Dirty Dozen” list, meaning that they are high in pesticides which can be damaging to mental fitness.
Wishing you a joyful & calm week,
Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD
Take control of your mental fitness with my master course, This Is Your Brain on Food!
Here’s what you’ll gain when you enroll:
Science-backed guidance to nourish your mind and body.
6 months of access to video lessons, practical tools, and resources.
Strategies to feel calmer, sharper, and more in control of your well-being by understanding better the gut-brain connection.
In The News
Oprah Daily: How does digestive health impact your life? Learn more here!
CNBC: Add these foods to your diet this winter for immune health!
CNN: Comfort foods are discomforting to the brain - learn why here!
MindBodyGreen: Reverse your brain age with these 5 anti-inflammatory foods!
This Week’s Recipe: Crunchy Kaleidoscope Salad
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