Edamame

Overview

Edamame (young soybeans) provides nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a direct NAD+ intermediate, plus complete plant protein and isoflavones. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a direct NAD⁺ intermediate in salvage pathway found in edamame, broccoli, cucumber, and avocado.

Recipes

no recipes found

Substances

3 substances in this food

Genistein

Soy isoflavone; ECS modulation via FAAH inhibition; anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective

Iron

Oxygen transport; dopamine synthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase cofactor)

Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)

One-carbon metabolism; methylation; homocysteine recycling

Preparation Notes

• Can be consumed steamed or boiled
• Part of diverse plant protein strategy
• Supports mitochondrial NAD+ availability
• Pair with grains if needed for amino acid balance

Biological Target Matrix

Biological Target	Substance	Contribution Level	Therapeutic Areas	Mechanism of Action
Gut–Brain Axis & Enteric Nervous System (ENS)	Genistein	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	—
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress	Genistein	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory properties; reduces neuroinflammation
Metabolic & Neuroendocrine Stress (HPA Axis & ANS)	Genistein	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base	—
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Genistein	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	—
Methylation & One-Carbon Metabolism	Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease	Essential cofactor in remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, which is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe); SAMe fuels synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin and drives phospholipid methylation in neuronal membranes
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Genistein	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	—
Mitochondrial Function & Bioenergetics	Iron	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Critical for oxygen delivery to the brain via hemoglobin; supports mitochondrial function and energy production
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Genistein	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Enhances endocannabinoid activity; modulates dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling pathways
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Iron	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of tyrosine to dopamine; critical for catecholamine synthesis
Neurotransmitter Regulation	Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF)	Contextual / minor contributor	ADHD, Anxiety & GAD, Depression & MDD, Postnatal Depression (PND / PPD) — Evidence Base, Alzheimer's Disease, Bipolar Disorder	Supports neurotransmitter synthesis through methylation; cofactor for dopamine synthesis alongside iron, B6, and omega-3s

References

• Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Direct NAD⁺ intermediate in salvage pathway - Edamame, broccoli, cucumber, avocado