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
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Ginger

Plus - why do we need omega-3's?

Apr 25, 2025
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Hey MoodFoodie,

Do you know just how important omega-3 fatty acids are for brain health? Do you know how to add them to your diet? (keep scrolling, I am sharing an omega-3 rich recipe for premium subscribers!)

Omega-3’s are a staple in a brain healthy diet that can drastically reduce inflammation and ward off chronic illnesses, as well as the development of mental health conditions.

Check out my latest YouTube video to learn more and don’t forget to subscribe to my page - I will have new videos posted weekly!


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: Ginger

white cream on brown wooden table
Photo by Lawrence Aritao on Unsplash

MOOD FOOD of the Week: Ginger

Mood: Anxiety

Food: Ginger

Research has shown that ginger can help calm the mind because…

  • It contains gingerol, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory to help prevent damage associated with oxidative stress in the brain that can lead to increased stress and anxiety.

  • Ginger is rich in antioxidant Vitamin C which helps to support focus by relieving brain fog.

  • Ginger is also a good source of magnesium, a nutrient that has been shown to help support a healthy nervous system and stress response.

How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:

Ginger is a spicy root that adds a flavorful kick to foods and beverages. The root itself can be sliced and added to beverages for a soothing drink, or grated into sauces, soups and stews. It can be used to season clean proteins like salmon or chicken and the root can be pickled in a way that is similar to what’s typically served with sushi. For South Asian curry dishes, ginger is sometimes ground into a soft pulp and added to the base along with onions, tomatoes and other condiments. For this reason, I keep a glass jar of freshly ground ginger root in my fridge at all times. You may prefer to use the dried powdered version in place of the root with any of these foods but note that the processing involved in turning ginger root into dried ginger reduces its nutritional benefits and that the powdered version is more concentrated so you won’t need as much!

This week, as part of my premium subscription, I am excited to share my recipe for Salmon Burgers with Ginger Scallion Sauce!

How to buy ginger:

Ginger root can typically be found in grocery stores wherever you shop for your fruits and veggies. It is often available in the produce section near where the garlic and onions are sold. The powdered version can be found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores and markets, as well as specialty spice shops.

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.

👉 Enroll Now!


In The News

Forbes: Here’s what you need to know about preparing for perimenopause.

Oprah Daily: How does digestive health impact your life? Learn more here!

AOL: Curious about ginkgo biloba? I discuss the benefits here!

MindBodyGreen: Do you know the benefits of guarana seeds? Let me explain.


This Week’s Recipe: Salmon Burgers with Ginger & Scallion Sauce

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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