Hey MoodFoodie,
I recently had the privilege of being a guest on the Mighty Pursuit podcast where we discussed a range of topics related to food and mood. One of these was the fascinating role the the vagus nerve plays in connecting the gut and the brain. Our discussion of the research being done on the relationship between gut health and schizophrenia, specifically, got a lot questions and comments on Instagram.
Did you know that I have an entire mini-course focusing on how to utilize nutrition and lifestyle to better manage symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia? Check it out here!
This is just one of many courses that I offer! Learn more about the courses and enroll 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
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: Parsley
MOOD FOOD of the Week: Parsley
Mood: Anxiety
Food: Parsley
Research has shown that parsley can help calm the mind because…
It is rich in luteolin, a flavonoid, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that has been linked to reduced anxiety, including that related to PTSD.
Like other leafy greens, parsley is high in folate, which supports healthy neurotransmitter function for improved energy and focus.
Parsley is loaded with Vitamin K, which has been linked to more stabilized blood sugar and reduced anxiety.
How to add this MOOD FOOD to your diet:
Like other herbs and leafy greens, parsley is super versatile! You can chop up fresh parsley and add to a colorful kaleidoscope salad (like the one on page 254 of my book, Calm Your Mind with Food), garnish a soup or stew, mix into a whole grain like quinoa, add a twist to a pesto or add flavor to clean proteins like salmon or a frittata! You can add it to homemade salad dressing, marinade or your favorite sauce. If you like the flavor, a handful of parsley leaves can also be added to your morning green smoothie for added nutrients.
This week, as part of my premium subscription, I am excited to share my recipe for Baby Spinach Chimichurri!
How to buy parsley:
Fresh parsley can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores, as well as many farmers markets. You can also find it dried in the seasoning aisle along with many other mood boosting herbs and spices which tends to be a more accessible means of adding parsley to your cooking! Chef’s Tip: add half the amount of dried herb or spice as it’s more concentrated than the fresh version.
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!
WCVB: Looking to manage your mood with food? Look no further!
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: Baby Spinach Chimichurri
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!
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Mood Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo MD to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.