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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Health Food >>  Nutritional Yeast

Health Benefits Of Nutritional Yeast


Nutritional yeast is a great supplement; it is a protein by itself and a favorite amongst vegetarians who do not consume animal products. Besides being a protein it contains other nutrients like vitamins and minerals as well. It has a nutty and creamy flavor and is a welcome addition on soups, salads, and even popcorn.

Nutritional yeast health benefits are manifold. Nutritional yeast contains fifteen minerals such as phosphorus and minerals like zinc, iron and chromium. Chromium in turn contains the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which works with insulin in the body to bring down high blood sugar levels.

Diabetic persons will therefore benefit from the consumption of this nutritional yeast. It also helps control low blood pressure

  • Allergies: It's uses for allergies helps the body build a stronger immune system and therefore fight off other allergies.
  • Celiac Disease: It's benefits for celiac disease are that it is gluten free and can be easily consumed by people with this digestive disorder. Nutritional yeast is grown on beet and sugar molasses. Once it is grown and fermented, the yeast is then harvested, washed and dried. This makes it free of gluten and other yeast strains that cause infection. The multitude of vitamins and minerals it contains, add to the nutritional yeast health benefits.
  • Menstrual Cramps: For women who experience menstrual cramps on a monthly basis, nutritional yeast can help provide strength and improve ability to fight weakness. Therefore, consumption of nutritional yeast for relief from menstrual cramps is another advantage of this product.
  • Infections: Yeast has however been touted to cause several infections. As yeast belongs to the fungi group, consuming more than required can cause it to multiply in our bodies. Some people are also sensitive to yeast and therefore react badly after consuming it. Nutritional yeast, however, is good and does not contribute to yeast infections, as it is not a live yeast cell. It is deactivated yeast that is washed, dried and packaged for your consumption. It is also free of the bad yeast, candida albicans, and therefore can be enjoyed even by people who are sensitive to yeast. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming nutritional yeast, if you are allergic to it.
  • Skin Problems: Nutritional yeast for skin care has been tried and tested with positive results. Great importance has been placed on looks in today’s world. Expensive treatments and solutions for better skin seem to be the norm for today’s youth. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive and effective solution for skin problems, especially acne.
  • Acne: Studies have shown that nutritional yeast can treat acne because it is rich in vitamin B and riboflavin. Most skin problems are caused by deficiencies in B vitamins. Nutritional yeast for skin care can also cure conditions like dermatitis and eczema by correcting the vitamin B deficiencies in the body. A tablespoon of nutritional yeast can be taken everyday either as powder/flakes or in the liquid form. Acne treatment using nutritional yeast can bring a lot of positive changes to your skin. You can start by having a teaspoon of nutritional yeast a day. Once your body is used to it, you can increase your daily intake to about two tablespoons a day.
  • Wrinkles: You could also make a face pack with nutritional yeast, though direct intake is recommended and more effective. It also improves the elasticity of the skin and prevents wrinkles.
  • For Hair Care: Additionally, there are nutritional yeast benefits for hair care as well. The nutrients included in the yeast are important for strong and healthy hair. A nutrient called biotin, included in the yeast, helps to build and strengthen protein structures of the hair. Riboflavin, an element in vitamin B, contributes to hair and nail growth. Nutritional yeast also contains folic acid, the deficiency of which causes grey hair, and selenium, which helps hair to be glossy and strong. Therefore, there are many advantages to using nutritional yeast for skin care and hair care.
  • Candida: On the other hand, there is a dreaded yeast infection called candida. It is a term used for the over production of yeast in the body. This can cause vaginal infection in women, abdominal pain, fatigue, and skin infections. If you have the infection, it is advisable that you consult your doctor about nutritional yeast for treating candida. Overall, nutritional yeast has many benefits and can be included in our diet to give our bodies the required vitamins and minerals.


Nutrients In Nutritional Yeast


The far reaching benefits of nutritional yeast have only recently been discovered. It is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. Nutritional yeast nutrition includes proteins, complex vitamin B, and minerals like zinc, selenium, and chromium. Let’s take a closer look at the nutrients in nutritional yeast:
  • It is a source of complex B vitamins, especially B12 and folic acid. When the yeast is being grown and harvested, many manufacturers add strains of vitamin B so that the final product is rich in this vitamin. Vitamin B12 is vital for the replenishment of red blood cells that are carriers of oxygen to different parts of the body. It also helps in strengthening our immune system. Also read about yeast free diet.
  • It is a complete protein by itself as it has eighteen amino acids. Amino acids are an important constituent of protein and help the body to repair and grow its tissues. This is an important source of protein for vegans and vegetarians who do not consume animal products. Two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contains almost eight grams of protein.
  • It contains a trace element called selenium. This is an essential component as it is present in every cell in our body and is also an antioxidant.
  • It is also low in sodium and fat content.
  • It is a good source of fiber for the body.
  • A common misconception is that nutritional yeast may contain sugar as it needs molasses to grow. The yeast uses sugar as a source of energy to grow and contains a tiny one gram sugar in a serving of sixteen grams.

Calories In Nutritional Yeast


Calories in nutritional yeast are about 50 calories in two tablespoons of the yeast. Nutritional yeast nutrition is therefore wholesome and good for our bodies. The fact that it tastes cheesy also adds to its delectability.

Tips To Include Nutritional Yeast In Food

Including yeast in your food is a great way to consume the healthy product. Soups will receive a creamier texture with yeast added in. Vegetable salads become more appetizing with the cheesy taste of sprinkled yeast. Be quick and smart to add yeast into your children’s fun foods like sandwiches and popcorns.

Submitted on January 16, 2014