What Is Nutritional Yeast?
Although becoming a vegan can have numerous health benefits, there is a high risk of missing out on key nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc. Taking supplements daily can replace these nutrients that vegans tend to need the most.
If you want a tasty alternative to taking vitamin supplements or to add even more nutrition to your diet, you should consider nutritional yeast.
- CHEESE SUBSTITUTE – For any vegan who ever craved a cheesy sauce, cheesy popcorn, cheesy kale chips, the list goes on and on
- GLUTEN FREE – Gluten-free and vegan
- LARGE FLAKE NUTRITIONAL YEAST – High in B Vitamins and packs a cheesy flavor
- CHEESE SUBSTITUTE – For any vegan who ever craved a cheesy sauce, cheesy popcorn, cheesy kale chips, the list goes on and on
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is the same yeast species used for brewing beer and baking bread. The scientific name for yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, this yeast is processed and prepared in a way that makes it a unique product altogether.
The primary difference between nutritional yeast and brewer’s or baker’s yeast is that nutritional yeast spores are made dormant during manufacturing.
This kind of yeast is used mainly for cooking purposes and can be described as having a nutty or cheesy flavor that makes food more appetizing. This is especially true for vegan dishes. It can add that “meaty” flavor to foods that make them tasty for vegetarians and vegans.
Nutritional yeast can be added to many other kinds of foods, not just vegetarian or vegan dishes. It can also be taken by itself as a vitamin supplement.
Benefits of Nutritional Yeast
- High in nutrients: Nutritional yeast is a source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, as well as important minerals such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium. It is also a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
- Boosts immune function: The beta-1,3 glucan present in nutritional yeast has been shown to enhance immune function and improve the body’s defense against infections.
- Supports healthy digestion: Nutritional yeast contains fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. It also contains digestive enzymes that can help break down food and improve nutrient absorption.
- Promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails: The vitamins in nutritional yeast are essential for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. They help improve the strength and appearance of these tissues.
- Supports brain health: Nutritional yeast is rich in B-vitamins, particularly B12, which are important for maintaining brain health and function. B-vitamins play a key role in producing neurotransmitters responsible for communication between brain cells.
- Provides energy: Nutritional yeast is a great source of B-vitamins, which are involved in energy production. Consuming nutritional yeast can help boost energy levels and improve overall vitality.
- Enhances mood: The B-vitamins in nutritional yeast also play a role in regulating mood and reducing symptoms of depression. They are involved in producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which are responsible for mood regulation.
- Supports a healthy weight: Nutritional yeast is low in calories and fat, making it a great addition to a weight management plan. It is also rich in fiber, which helps promote feelings of fullness and can aid in weight loss.
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians: Nutritional yeast is a popular substitute for cheese due to its savory, cheesy flavor. It is a great way for vegans and vegetarians to add a cheesy taste to their dishes without using dairy products.
- Versatile and easy to use: Nutritional yeast can be added to various dishes, such as pasta, soups, salads, and roasted vegetables. It can also be sprinkled on top of popcorn, used as a seasoning, or blended into smoothies and sauces. Overall, it is a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient.
Adding Nutritional Yeast to Food
You will love the cheesy flavor that nutritional yeast will add to your meals if you are vegan. Nutritional yeast is a gluten-free food, much to the delight of those who are allergic to gluten. It can be used as a topping for imitation pasta dishes that are much healthier.
An example of this is zucchini and squash noodles. After preparing your favorite squash and zucchini recipe, sprinkle a little nutritional yeast on top for a flavor that can easily replace the flavor of Parmesan cheese.
Use nutritional yeast to season your all-natural mashed potatoes. Instead of adding milk and cheese, add a good sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead. If you use olive oil or some other healthy oil of your choice, you will not miss out on the flavor of rich, creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Yeast as a Health Supplement
Nutritional yeast is very high in protein and contains at least fifteen different minerals. These include zinc, selenium, and iron. It includes all the eighteen amino acids crucial for digesting food, repairing bodily tissues, and building muscle.
If you take B vitamins, you should know that nutritional yeast can provide you with a naturally occurring B-vitamin complex.
You can easily make yourself a warm tea made with nutritional yeast for a healthy boost in the morning, day, or night.
Boil enough purified water to fill your teacup.
Add two tablespoons of nutritional yeast to the hot water and squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the mixture.
Stir and enjoy it while it’s warm. If you want to, you can add a spice like cayenne pepper to make it more interesting.
As you get used to consuming nutritional yeast, you will find more inventive ways of consuming it.
