Do you love cheese? If so, you’ll love nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a type of fungi that is grown on molasses and then harvested and dried. It has a cheesy, nutty flavor and is often used as a cheese substitute in vegan recipes. But beyond its delicious taste, nutritional yeast offers many health benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the 9 benefits of adding nutritional yeast to your diet.
Fortified Nutritional Yeast
Fortified nutritional yeast is a complete protein that is also high in vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. Additionally, it provides all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. This makes it an ideal food for vegans and vegetarians who may otherwise lack these nutrients in their diet. Fortified nutritional yeast is also a good choice for those who are looking to add more protein to their diet without increasing their intake of animal products. It can be used as a condiment on foods such as popcorn and potatoes, or it can be added to soups, sauces, and dips.
Unfortified Nutritional Yeast
Unfortified nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is popular among vegetarians and vegans for its cheese-like flavor. It is an excellent source of B-vitamins and protein, and it can be used as a condiment or ingredient in many dishes. Because it is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, unfortified nutritional yeast does not provide the same nutritional benefits as fortified varieties. However, it is still a valuable addition to any diet. When choosing an unfortified nutritional yeast, be sure to select a brand that is certified organic and non-GMO. You can find unfortified nutritional yeast in the bulk section of most health food stores.
9 Potential Health Benefits Of Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast flakes are a popular health food. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, and they have a variety of potential health benefits. For example, nutritional yeast flakes can help boost your energy levels, improve your digestion, and even help to fight off infections.
Here are 9 potential health benefits of nutritional yeast:
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Some people believe that nutritional yeast may have various health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels. A few small studies have examined the effects of nutritional yeast on cholesterol levels. One study found that taking nutritional yeast daily for eight weeks can significantly lower cholesterol levels (LDL) in people with high cholesterol. Another study found that taking two tablespoons of nutritional yeast per day for six weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels in people with moderately high cholesterol. Additionally, a review of several studies concluded that nutritional yeast may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 25%.
Improves Red Blood Cells
Nutritional yeast is often fortified with vitamin B12, which is important for red blood cell production. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia. Therefore, nutritional yeast may help improve the production of red blood cells. Additionally, nutritional yeast is a good source of iron, which is another essential component of red blood cells.
Boost Immune System
Nutritional yeast contains immune cells that help to protect the body against infection and disease. Additionally, it helps to increase the production of antibodies, which can further protect the body against illness. As a result, nutritional yeast may be an effective way to keep the immune system strong and healthy.
Improves Digestive Health
Nutritional yeast has nutrients that can help improve digestive health. This is due to the fact that nutritional yeast contains prebiotics, which is a type of dietary fiber that helps to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. In addition, nutritional yeast also contains B vitamins, which are essential for a healthy digestive system. While more research is needed to confirm these effects, nutritional yeast may be a helpful addition for those looking to improve their digestive health.
Provides Complete Protein
Nutritional yeast is a complete protein, providing all 18 essential amino acids needed for proper cellular function. It is also rich in B-vitamins, including B12, which can be lacking in vegetarian and vegan diets. In addition, nutritional yeast is a great source of fiber and minerals like iron and zinc.
Provides Antioxidants
One potential benefit of nutritional yeast is that it provides antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to several chronic diseases. By providing antioxidants, nutritional yeast may help to reduce the risk of these diseases.
Aids Healthy Pregnancy
Nutritional yeast supports a healthy pregnancy by providing important nutrients like folic acid and B-vitamins. Additionally, nutritional yeast may help to boost the immune system and fight fatigue.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar Level
Potential health benefits of nutritional yeast include stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system. Nutritional yeast is rich in B-vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent supplement for people who are deficient in these nutrients.
Boosts Energy Levels
According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, nutritional yeast can help to boost energy levels. The study found that people who consumed nutritional yeast experienced increased levels of ATP, the energy molecule that fuels the body. In addition, the study found that nutritional yeast can help to improve blood sugar levels and reduce fatigue. As a result, nutritional yeast may be an effective way to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
How To Consume Nutritional Yeast
You can find nutritional yeast in the bulk section of most health food stores. Keep in mind that it’s not the same as baker’s yeast or brewer’s yeast, so don’t try to use it in baking or brewing. When you’re ready to use nutritional yeast, add it to soups, stews, sauces, salad dressings, or any other recipe where you want a boost of cheesy flavor. You can also sprinkle it on popcorn or roasted vegetables.
If you’re new to using nutritional yeast, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you get the flavor you desire. Nutritional yeast is a healthy way to add flavor to your food, so don’t be afraid to experiment with it in your cooking.
Side Effects Of Nutritional Yeast
While nutritional yeast is a great source of vitamins and minerals, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. For example, avoid consuming too much nutritional yeast if you are taking blood thinners or anti-coagulants. Nutritional yeast can also cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating and gas in some people. If you have a candida overgrowth, avoid nutritional yeast as it can exacerbate the problem.
Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to nutritional yeast, so it’s best to start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Overall, nutritional yeast is a healthy addition to your diet, but be aware of potential side effects before consuming it.
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, nutritional yeast can be a great addition to your diet. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, and it has a pleasant, nutty flavor. Remember that nutritional yeast is a concentrated source of nutrients, so don’t go overboard – a little goes a long way.
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