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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endocannabinoid System (ECS) | Genistein | Contextual / minor contributor | Inhibits fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), preserving anandamide levels and enhancing ECS tone; modulates dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling | |
| Inflammation | Genistein | Contextual / minor contributor | Anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory properties; reduces neuroinflammation | |
| Methylation | Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF) | Contextual / minor contributor | 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 Support | Iron | Contextual / minor contributor | Critical for oxygen delivery to the brain via hemoglobin; supports mitochondrial function and energy production | |
| Neurochemical Balance | Genistein | Contextual / minor contributor | Enhances endocannabinoid activity; modulates dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling pathways | |
| Neurochemical Balance | Iron | Contextual / minor contributor | Essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of tyrosine to dopamine; critical for catecholamine synthesis | |
| Neurochemical Balance | Vitamin B9 (Folate; 5-MTHF) | Contextual / minor contributor | Supports neurotransmitter synthesis through methylation; cofactor for dopamine synthesis alongside iron, B6, and omega-3s | |
| Oxidative Stress | Genistein | Contextual / minor contributor | Prevents neuronal death; increases hippocampal glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); lowers lipid peroxidation, ROS, and nitric oxide production |
References
- Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Direct NAD⁺ intermediate in salvage pathway - Edamame, broccoli, cucumber, avocado