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
Mung Beans

Mung Beans

Plus - a special announcement!

May 02, 2025
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Hey MoodFoodie,

Next week I will finally be sharing a really exciting new project that I know you will all love!

On Tuesday, May 6, I will be sharing it here first along with exclusive discount codes you don’t want to miss.

Here is a sneak peak, can you guess what it is? Let me know what you think on my pinned Instagram post!


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: Mung Beans

green and white round beads
Photo by Mockup Graphics on Unsplash

MOOD FOOD of the Week: Mung Beans

Mood: Depression

Food: Mung Beans

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

  • They contain folate, an important vitamin for brain health as it helps to regulate neurotransmitters. A deficiency of folate has been linked to increased risk of depression.

  • Mung beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber which is essential for balancing the microbiome and reducing inflammation that may contribute to depression.

  • They are also loaded with antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids which help to reduce the impact of oxidative stress on the brain that can lead to low mood.

How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:

Mung beans are a lesser know green legume that pack a real nutrient punch. They can be enjoyed similarly to most other beans and actually have a slightly sweet taste. Mung beans must be cooked prior to preparing them in order to soften the texture. This can be done by simply boiling them until they are tender. You can add them to savory dishes like soups, stew and curries or simply sauteed with your favorite herbs and spices. Mung beans can also be sprouted which makes for a crunchy and nutritious addition to salads or sandwiches, or toasted and enjoyed as a crunchy salad topping!

This week, as part of my premium subscription, I am excited to share my recipe for Mung Bean Tofu Scramble!

How to buy mung beans:

Mung beans are widely available at grocery stores and health food markets, particularly those specializing in Asian foods. You can find them in their whole form or split. Split mung beans do not have their skin and tend to cook faster. Always be sure to wash your mung beans or mung bean sprouts thoroughly prior to enjoying!

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.

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This Week’s Recipe: Mung Bean Tofu Scramble

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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