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MOOD FOOD of the Week: Black Pepper
Mood: Memory & Cognition
Food: Black Pepper
Research has shown that black pepper can help calm the mind because…
It is loaded with piperine, an antioxidant that works to combat the damage caused by free radicals that may lead to neurodegeneration over time
Black pepper also has anti-inflammatory effects which can help to relieve the neuroinflammation that is linked to brain fog.
It has been shown to act as a prebiotic which promotes a healthy gut microbiome which can support optimal brain health.
How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:
Black pepper is a culinary staple that most people already have in their homes! It’s flavor easily compliments many other spices making it a versatile option. You can use it to spice veggies or your favorite clean proteins before roasting them, in a homemade salad dressing, added to eggs however you like to cook them and in soups and stews. It is a great addition to warming winter beverages like hot chocolate or a golden chai latte. In my first book, This Is Your Brain on Food, I share a recipe for Cinnamon Black Pepper Hot Chocolate on page 269!
Did you know that when you combine piperine from black pepper with turmeric it makes the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, 2000% more effective in reducing inflammation?
This week, as part of my premium subscription, I am excited to share my recipe for Golden Chai Latte!
How to buy black pepper:
Black pepper can be purchased in grocery stores and spice markets as it is a generally very accessible ingredient. You can find it already ground or sold as peppercorns. It is most commonly added to recipes as ground black pepper but some soups and broths call for whole peppercorns so be sure to read your recipes! If you have peppercorns on hand rather than ground black pepper, you can always use a mortar and pestle or a pepper mill to grind it fresh!
Wishing you a joyful & calm week,
Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD
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In The News
MSN: Food really can transform your mental health. I explain how in this article!
HuffPost: Looking to reduce stress? Start by removing these comfort foods from your diet!
Lose It!: These healthy habits are key for dementia prevention!
MindBodyGreen: What’s the key to productivity? It may just be in your beverage choices!
This Week’s Recipe: Golden Chai Latte
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