Benefits Of Nutritional Yeast

You might have heard doctors falling short of words when explaining about nutritional yeasts. It is no wonder that they describe it as a super food; it is a rich and healthy nutrition package which provides vitamins, proteins and other important elements. A deactivated form of yeast saccharomyces cerevisiae, nutritional yeast is flavoured with a light cheesy aroma and taste. People use it by adding it to foods such as eggs or gravies to enhance its flavour. Known as ‘vegetarian’s protein’, nutritional yeasts are grown on molasses and sugar; they are harvested, washed, dried and sold in the form of flakes or powder. Available in yellow or brown colour, it tops the list of nutritional favourites among the vegetarians. Though this ‘super food’ was first used in 1550 B.C in Egypt, it is only a few decades back that its benefits became known to public. Read on to know more about nutritional yeast and its benefits. 

Constituting of 55% high quality protein, nutritional yeast is rich in 15 minerals and 18 amino acids which also provide proteins to repair muscles and tissues, produce blood cells and regulate the transportation of the nutrients all through the body. There is no better meal than yeast for vegetarians as it forms an excellent substitute for dairy products and meats. An ounce of nutritional yeast constitutes of 79 calories and 14 grams of proteins.

Nutritional yeast has ample amount of B complex vitamins, including B1 (Thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) and B9 (folic acid). These B complex vitamins help maintain a good metabolic rate and also reduce stress levels, ensure a healthy skin and prevent pancreatic cancer. Nutritional yeast is also rich in vitamin B12 which is added to it separately to boost its health benefits. These B12 vitamins enhance the production of red blood cells and maintain myelin sheath which insulates the nerve cells that are considered vital for the functioning of the nerves. Deficiency of B12 leads to anaemia and low energy.

Nutritional yeast consists of chromium, an essential mineral, which is also known by the name, Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). Intake of nutritional yeast is effective for treating diabetes and low blood pressure and it is also rich in other minerals such as lithium, manganese, copper, vanadium, molybdenum, zinc and copper.

Nutritional yeast consists of Beta-glucan, a non-digestible sugar which boosts the immune system and also possesses anti-oxidant properties. It stimulates the secretion of protective substances from the immune system and activates macrophages which are those white blood cells that engulf and digest the pathogens and debris.

One ounce of nutritional yeast contains seven grams of fibre and a regular intake of nutritional yeast reduces cholesterol, constipation, colon diseases, etc. it acts as a great protective mechanism against diabetes, heart diseases and high blood pressure. Nutritionists strongly recommend including nutritional yeast in the meals so as to increase the amount of fibre in the body.

An excellent low-sodium alternative, nutritional yeast forms the perfect intake item for those who want to keep an eye on their sodium consumption. A low-sodium diet prevents heart diseases, boosts weight reduction and controls blood pressure.

Nutritional yeasts constitute glucamic acid which is a natural form of amino acid which is found in vegetables, meats and fungi. Glucamic acid acts as a main component in cellular metabolism and serves as neurotransmitters which send out signals to a target cell from neuron.  

Nutritional yeast is rich in Glutathione, an anti-oxidant which naturally detoxifies and protects the cells from free-radicals. 

Regular intake of nutritional yeast defends you from ageing as it is rich in nucleotides which are molecules that build the structural units of DNA and RNA. These also enhance memory, vision, reduce hair loss, curb arthritis and also ensure a healthy skin.

Considered among one of the best nutritional items for vegetarians, nutritional yeast is a wholesale package of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Make it part of your meal and stay healthy!