Nutritional
yeast has been used by humans for thousands of years as a food
supplement. It contains B vitamins, minerals, protein, and more.
Nutritional yeast is made from a single-celled organism, Saccharomyces
Cerevisiae, which is grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and
dried with heat to kill or “deactivate” it. Because it’s inactive, it
doesn’t froth or grow like baking yeast does so it has no leavening
ability. Don’t worry; no animals are harmed in this process because
yeasts are members of the fungi family, like mushrooms, not animals.
Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast that is grown on molasses and other sugars instead of grains. It is often added to soups, salads, and sauces because it adds a savory flavor without adding calories.
Yeast has a history that dates back as far back as the ancient
Egyptians, at least in terms of food preparation. When most people think
of yeast, they are referring to the active form of yeast used to leaven
bread. Nutritional yeast is different in that it’s heated and inactive.
In this blog, we’ll share 5 amazing benefits of nutritional yeast that
you may not know.
5 Amazing benefits of nutritional Yeast
1. Vitamin
B-12
Since most sources of B-12 tend to come from red meat, animal products,
sardines, and tuna, the vegan and vegetarian community particularly
welcome nutritional yeast. While it doesn’t naturally contain B-12, some
brands are fortified with it. All you need is one tablespoon of this
seasoning to get your daily dose of vitamin B-12, which is responsible
for regulating your nervous system, maintaining your digestive system,
increasing energy, and protecting against breast, colon, and stomach
cancer.
A deficiency in B12 can be identified by symptoms of fatigue, vision
problems and soreness of the mouth. B12 helps create strong hair, nails
and skin and it helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. B12
reduces fatigue and regulates our central nervous system, minimizing
stress. As with other B vitamins, your gut can manufacture and
synthesize missing components of the complex when your inner ecosystem
is balanced with a healthy ratio of probiotics.
Also Read : How to Cook The Healthy, Delicious Mushroom Recipes
2. Protein
Nutritional yeast is a complete protein containing at least nine of the
18 amino acids that your body cannot produce. This is great news,
especially for vegans and vegetarians who may struggle to find enough
protein sources in the diet.As a protein food, nutritional yeast
benefits the entire body.
Just two tablespoons of nutritional yeast provides a whopping nine grams
of protein. You would have to consume one ounce of beef, one large egg,
or over a cup of whole milk to get that same amount elsewhere.
3. Aids a Healthy Pregnancy
Nutritional Yeast contains folic acid, which is a type of B vitamin,
helps your body produce and maintain cells. It also keeps your colon
healthy, regulates your cholesterol levels, potentially reduces your
risk of stroke, and may even impact DNA synthesis and repair, which may
prevent certain diseases. Since nutritional yeast is a great source of
folic acid, it can benefit you in a number of ways.
One tablespoon of nutritional yeast contains 1,059 micrograms of folate.
Pregnant women need 400 to 800 micrograms of folate daily — the
synthetic version is called folic acid. So one tablespoon of the cheesy
yeast meets more than 100 percent of your daily needs.
4. Minerals
Nutritional yeast is a good source of several minerals that also
contribute to healthy blood sugar, including magnesium and zinc. This
powerhouse nutrient is involved in almost 400 different reactions in the
body and is crucial to maintaining good heart, metabolic, mental, bone,
and digestive health. Nutritional yeast contains 24 milligrams of
magnesium which is decent for such a small serving, but zinc is the real
mineral star found in nutritional yeast. This is incredibly important
for not only your blood sugar, but also your overall energy, immune
health, and weight. Nutritional yeast contains 20 percent of your daily
zinc needs, boasting 3 milligrams in just 2 tablespoons.
5. Improves Digestion
German monographs indicate nutritional yeast as a medicinal choice for
diarrhea and loss of appetite, and studies showcase the digestive system
benefits of nutritional yeast. The probiotics in nutritional yeast have
shown positive effects on diarrheal patients, and although more
research is needed, it may help cure diarrhea.
In addition, nutritional yeast is helpful for those who suffer the
symptoms of lactose intolerance since it does not contain any dairy
products.
Some Extra Tips
Boost Immunity. Nutritional yeast also helps boost immunity. This means that nutritional yeast will help prevent colds and flu. In fact, some studies show that people who consume nutritional yeast regularly have fewer colds than those who do not.
Fight Cancer. If you’re looking for ways to improve your mood, nutrition is one of the easiest things you can do. Many foods contain nutrients that can help with depression, anxiety, stress, and other common symptoms of low mood.
Reduce Inflammation. One of the most well-known benefits of nutritional yeast is its ability to reduce inflammation. This means that people who consume it regularly will likely see less pain and discomfort when they suffer from an injury or infection. In addition, it helps boost immunity, making it easier for the body to fight off infections.
Prevent Heart Disease. Another benefit of nutritional yeast is that it can help prevent heart disease. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition, people who eat foods rich in vitamin D tend to have lower levels of cholesterol. Vitamin D also helps regulate blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.