What Foods Are High In Nad?
We are all becoming more health-conscious these days. While this notion is admirable, we face a growing problem of not having access to nutritionally dense foods. Our soil is stripped, we are using chemicals to mass-produce food that leaves it void of nutrients, and as a result, we are left with little to fuel our cells with.
When our cells are not getting the fuel we need for proper function, it can manifest in our bodies as chronic illness and disease. When cells are properly fed a diet of vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, our body retains the optimal function it was designed to do.
What is Nad+?
NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a critical enzyme found in almost every cell in your body. It is responsible for regulating hundreds of metabolic processes, and the lack of NAD can, over time, cause some serious health problems.
Scientists first discovered NAD in 1906, and since its discovery, a myriad of studies have been done on its critical role in maintaining our health. NAD acts as a carrier enzyme, helping other enzymes to function more efficiently at a cellular level. Unfortunately, we do not have an inexhaustible supply of NAD in our bodies; our levels naturally decline with age. We need to get additional NAD from foods that contain amino acids that are precursors to NAD.
The contribution that NAD plays in creating vibrant health
Every living mammal on this planet has NAD in their cells, and its existence has a direct impact on the way we age. While natural levels of NAD decline as we age, it is possible to artificially raise our levels by taking supplements and eating certain foods that trigger its production. NAD facilitates the transfer of energy in the form of glucose and fatty acids to our cells via a process called oxidation. Our obsessive search for the fountain of youth might just be within our reach if we learn to supplement our diet and incorporate these foods, known to be high in NAD:
Cow’s milk is an excellent source of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), which is a precursor to NAD. It delivers its own powerful dose of anti-aging goodness, keeping your bones strong and healthy and floods your cells with enzymes that begin the process of cellular regeneration. It really does a body good.
While it does have a strong odor and a softer texture than some might like, fish is consumed around the world as an excellent source of NAD+. Tuna, salmon, and mackerel are just a few of the delicious varieties that can be consumed and enjoyed while gaining up to 20 milligrams of NAD per serving.
Can you believe it? Beer is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and drinking it could benefit your health! The yeast in the fermentation process is responsible for delivering the NAD to you, so responsible drinking of this beverage can actually turn back the clock. Cheers!
4. Crimini mushrooms
Mushrooms can be assimilated into almost any dish. Soups, salads, stews, hot dishes—-the mushroom lends itself well to soaking up flavors around them and adding extra volume and meatiness to any dish prepared with them. Crimini mushrooms, in particular, have a high concentration of NAD per serving.
Whether grilled, roasted, or stewed, chicken is one of the tastiest and healthiest meats that we consume on a regular basis. One 4-oz serving contains almost 10 mg of NAD; don’t pass up on those tenders, you could be getting a little younger with every bite.
An essential compound used to make all baked goods, yeast also contains both NR and NAD. Whether you are munching on bread, bagels, or even cake, you could benefit from high concentrations of both in every delicious bite.
7. Green veggies
Mama was right—there are a lot of health benefits in every bite of those green vegetables. Spinach, kale, peas, asparagus, and broccoli all contain powerful NAD; stocking up on these power-packed, colorful wonders will add life to your years and years to your life.
We just may have found what Juan Ponce de Leon was looking for when he went searching for the fountain of youth–through the use of supplementation and eating these power-packed, nutritious foods, you can turn back the clock and improve your quality of life. Bon Apetit!