When you hear the word yeast first thing that comes in your mind is bread. Yeast is commonly used in baking especially in bread-making. Benefits of yeast play an important role in bread because it serves as a leaving agent for the dough to expand and become lighter and softer. There are types of yeast used in baking such as active dry, fresh or cake, liquid, and instant. These types of yeast are used in baking acts as leavening agents during the fermentation process of bread. The types of yeast used in cooking are nutritional yeast and yeast extract. This kind of yeast is used as a flavoring. The last type of yeast is the yeast used in brewing such as top-fermenting yeast, and bottom-fermenting yeast. This kind of yeast is responsible for making beers.
Nutritional yeast is usually used for cooking purposes that looks like a ground coarse flour. It is usually used in vegan recipes and used as a topping or seasoning for foods. You can see nutritional yeast in the market in the form of granule, flake, or powder form. It is deactivated yeast that’s grown on molasses and then harvested, washed, and heated.
There are two types of nutritional yeast. The unfortified yeast is the most natural form that doesn’t contain any added minerals or vitamins. The other one is the fortified nutritional yeast that contains synthetic vitamins that are usually added during processing to boost the nutrient content of a food.
Health benefits of nutritional yeast contain Vitamin B12 that one of the essential micronutrients that needed for the formation of red blood cells. Benefits of yeast are it is also an excellent source of fiber and protein that the body needs to maintain good health and prevent diseases. It also has antioxidants, glutathione, and selenomethione that are responsible for protecting the cells from damage and helps the body to eliminate toxins.
1. Nutritional Yeast Boost Energy
Nutritional yeast benefits are for energy-boosting because it contains Vitamin B12 that is essential for energy, metabolism, and red blood cell formation. When the Vitamin B12 in the body is insufficient, you will experience fatigue. It is also a great source of high-quality protein and protein provides energy and stamina that the body needs.
2. Skin, Nails, and Hair Health
One of the health benefits of nutritional yeast is for skin and nail health. Nutritional yeast can prevent skin problems, hair loss, thinning hair, and brittle nails. There is a study that shows various types of nutritional yeast that may help to combat hair, skin, and nail problems.
3. Nutritional Yeast May Help Lower Cholesterol
The benefits of yeast are it may help lower your cholesterol. Nutritional yeast contains two types of carbohydrates such as beta-glucan and alpha-mannan. The beta-glucan content of nutritional yeast can lower cholesterol. There is a study conducted in men that consumed 15 grams of nutritional yeast every day. The data showed that the total cholesterol level of men that consumed nutritional yeast every day decreased by six percent.
4. Nutritional Yeast May Protect Against Cancer
Nutritional yeast benefits as a powerful source of antioxidants like selenium. Selenium is a kind of antioxidant that can fight against cancer cells. There is a study that shows an insufficient amount of selenium in the body may increase the risk of cancer, particularly in men.
5. Nutritional Yeast Strengthens Your Immune System
One of the health benefits of nutritional yeast is it can strengthen the immune system. It is made from the yeast strain called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This yeast strain can support your immune system, help ward off intestinal ailments, and reduce inflammation. There is a study that shows nutritional yeast has a probiotic-like effect on the intestine that helps to prevent some gastrointestinal infections caused by E. coli and Salmonella.
6. Nutritional Yeast Support a Healthy Pregnancy
Nutritional yeast benefits contain folic acid. Folic acid is from the Vitamin B group and it is very important especially for pregnant women. Folic acid is vital during the early development of the fetus because it helps prevent major birth defects in the brain and spine. It also helps to maintain the blood pressure of pregnant women especially for those pregnant with pre-eclampsia conditions.
