Mood Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo MD

Mood Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo MD

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Mood Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo MD
Mood Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo MD
Cannellini Beans

Cannellini Beans

Plus - Join me this weekend in NYC!

Feb 21, 2025
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Hey MoodFoodie,

The weekend I will be participating in The Flourishing Mind Symposium with my friends at The Swell! This will be an afternoon of illuminating conversation where we’ll dive deep into the science behind emotional well-being and human flourishing, exploring what it is to be human.

This gathering will be tomorrow, February 22nd at 1 - 5 PM in NYC and will feature other renowned psychologists, neuroscientists and wellness practitioners. We will go beyond conventional discussions and delve into topics like the neuroscience of stress, the psychology of happiness, and the transformative power of emotional agility.

You can find more information and purchase tickets here!


Have you read my latest book, Calm Your Mind with Food? Calm Your Mind with Food is a revolutionary full-body approach to relieving anxiety and includes anti-anxiety recipes and meal plan guidelines. 

If you haven’t gotten your copy already, get yours here: 

US Edition: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Books-A-Million | Target | Walmart

UK Edition


Thank you for being a subscriber of my MOOD FOOD Newsletter!

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: Cannellini Beans

a bag filled with beans sitting on top of a table
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Mood: Depression

Food: Cannellini Beans

Research has shown that cannellini beans can help calm the mind because…

  • They are loaded with dietary fiber which helps to nourish the microbiome for reduced inflammation. Dietary fiber consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of depression

  • Cannellini beans are also a great source of folate, an important B vitamin that regulates neurotransmitters for optimal mood

  • They also contain the minerals zinc, copper and manganese, the deficiencies of which have all been associated with an increased risk of depression

How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:

Cannellini beans, which may also be referred to as white beans, are a versatile legume that can add both protein and plant fiber to the diet. You can not eat beans raw but, once cooked, they can be eaten as is with a pinch of salt and pepper, added to a leafy green salad, roasted veggies, or roasted on their own in avocado oil for a crunchy snack! They can also be the base for an alternative version of hummus or homemade bean dip. I love preparing a large pot of nourishing soup or stew with a variety of veggies, herbs, spices and legumes like cannellini beans.

This week, as part of my premium subscription, I am excited to share my recipe for Creamy Cannellini and Beans Soup!

How to buy cannellini beans:

Cannellini beans are typically an accessible and affordable food item that can be found in most grocery stores and markets. They can be purchased dried which require cooking, or already cooked and canned! I recommend looking for BPA free canning if you opt for this version, as this chemical found in the lining of some cans is a noted neurotoxin. If possible try to get the organic canned variety and always rinse your canned beans before consuming.

Wishing you a joyful & calm week,

Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD


Take control of your mental fitness with my 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.

👉 Enroll Now!


In The News

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!

USA Today: Curious about a vegan diet? Learn more here!


This Week’s Recipe: Creamy Cannellini Bean and Greens Soup

This week’s recipe to accompany our Mood Food is available to premium subscribers. Upgrade now to never miss a recipe or other exclusive content in your inbox!

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