The 7 Best Foods for Boosting Your Nucleic Acids

Food plays an essential role in your body’s ability to fight diseases and keep your body healthy as you age. Nucleic acids are the vital compounds in your RNA, which you can also get from food in your diet. Here are the seven best foods that are rich in nucleic acids—and exactly how much of these helpful compounds they contain per serving!

1) Lean meat

This is one of your best bets for getting a healthy dose of nucleic acids. Whether you choose to eat fish, poultry or red meat, these can all be healthy additions to your diet as long as you are careful about portion sizes and don’t overdo it with frying or breading. Lean cuts contain a good amount of both protein and nucleic acids. They also tend to be much higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk.

2) Beans and legumes

Beans and legumes are naturally a rich source of nucleic acids they contain three times more than milk or yogurt. In addition to being a good vegetarian protein option, beans and legumes can also serve as an important nutrient-rich food in your diet. They're available dried or canned, so it's easy to keep them on hand. Kidney beans, lentils, black beans and pinto beans are some of your best bets when it comes to boosting your nucleic acid levels.

3) Liver

The liver is known as one of nature’s best natural sources of nucleic acids. A single serving of chicken liver contains over 5,000 milligrams, which is near twice as much as what you would find in a steak! This powerhouse food contains high levels of tryptophan and riboflavin. The amino acid tryptophan can help you feel happier after meals, while riboflavin aids your body in metabolizing carbohydrates and fats—helping keep your energy up throughout the day.

4) Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the best food sources of nucleic acids. This probiotic dairy product contains a type of nucleic acid called inosine monophosphate, or IMP. It also contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus. Choose organic plain yogurt to get more probiotics, as well as live cultures that aid in digestion. (1) A 2007 study published in The Journal of Applied Nutrition found that yogurt consumption improves bowel health by improving intestinal flora. (2) A 2003 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found similar results. It found that consuming about 3 cups per day of low-fat yogurt for 12 weeks improved intestinal flora, which helped reduce risk factors associated with colon cancer. (3) Yogurt can be used to make savoury sauces and spreads; sweet treats like smoothies, pies and cakes; dips; marinades; creamy salad dressings; tangy fruit salads; vegan cream cheese; ice cream sundae toppings...the list goes on! Be sure to check out our collection of Healthy Homemade Frozen Treats! (4)

5) Eggs

The white and yolk of eggs contain high concentrations of nucleic acids, which play a vital role in DNA replication. Although you may be aware that eggs are high in protein and fat, they’re also one of your best sources of nucleic acids. (1) A study showed that healthy women who consumed two egg whites daily experienced significant increases in muscle mass after 12 weeks, as well as improved bone health. (2) Eggs are also an excellent source of antioxidants known as choline and lutein.

6) Dairy products

Be sure to stock up on dairy products. Not only are they rich in nucleic acids, but they’re also a source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. A serving of milk can give you around 0.3 grams of nucleic acids, depending on its fat content. Adding whole milk will boost your intake even more.

7) Wheat germ

Wheat germ is an excellent source of phosphorus, which your body uses to form bones and teeth. A wheat germ supplement can provide a good source of vitamin E as well. However, if you are allergic to wheat or gluten, consult with your doctor before taking any wheat germ supplements as these may have adverse effects on your health. As always, check with your doctor before adding wheat germ to your diet and be sure not to exceed recommended dosages of any dietary supplements you are taking.

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