Nutritional yeast, a type of inactive yeast, is quite popular among vegans because of its incredible taste. But only a few know about its nutritional value and health benefits. It is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and protein. It contains vitamin B6 and B12, carbohydrates, and other trace elements that boost immunity, strengthens your nails and hair, protect DNA, and regulates metabolism. Let’s delve deep into the health benefits of nutritional yeast.
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Strengthens Immunity
Since nutritional yeast is made from a specific yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a probiotic-like effect on the digestive system. As a result, it strengthens your gastrointestinal tract and protects against infections such as E.coli.
Boosts Energy
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B12. People with a deficiency of Vitamin B12 experience fatigue and get tired easily because this vitamin is responsible for creating red blood cells. Since this vitamin is typically found in animal products, most people who follow a vegan diet lack this vitamin. Nutritional yeast is the only plant-based source of vitamin B12. A tablespoon of most fortified nutritional yeast brands may serve up to more than six times the daily requirement of vitamin B12. So adding nutritional yeast to your diet boosts energy by fulfilling your daily vitamin B12 requirement.
Improves the Health of Your Skin, Nails, and Hair
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of protein. One tablespoon of nutritional yeast contains five grams of proteins (which is almost equivalent to the protein value of egg). This high protein content improves the health of your skin, nails, and hair.
May Protect Against Cancer
Nutritional yeast is rich in antioxidants, especially selenium. When you consume enough antioxidants in your diet, it allows your body to fight the free radicals that attack your body every day. These free radical result in inflammation and chronic inflammation leads to cancer. Since selenium is an important antioxidant that combats free radicals, regular consumption of nutritional yeast can reduce your risk of cancer.
Helps Reduce Cholesterol
Nutritional yeast is not only an excellent source of vitamins and proteins, but it also contains specific types of carbohydrates that may help lower cholesterol. Nutritional yeast has two major types of carbohydrates called alpha-mannan and beta-glucan. According to research, beta-glucan helps lower cholesterol.
Bottom Line
Nutritional yeast, which is often the perfect ingredient to sprinkle over your soups, salads, turn in to a mac and cheese sauce, and brings numerous health benefits. So if you are a vegan or are inclined towards healthy eating, nutritional yeast is a perfect addition to your diet.
