Nutritional Yeast is now a hot topic among health influencers around every nook and corner for its potential health benefits. Let’s know what is the hype about it and whether or not it’s worth to be eaten.
What is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional Yeast is simply an inactive form of yeast that is usually used in baking. Nutritional yeast is manufactured using a special process that kills the yeast. It has a strong cheesy flavour which is why used as an alternative to cheese in vegan cooking.
Nutrition Facts of Nutritional Yeast
As the name suggests, nutritional yeast yields many nutrients that can be beneficial for your health. Nutritional yeast is valued for its impressive protein content, and B vitamins considering it’s a vegan source.
Just 15g of nutritional yeast contains:
- Calories: 75
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fibre: 3 grams,
- Thiamine (B1): 11.9 mg 992% of DV
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 9.7 mg 746% of the DV
- Niacin (vitamin B3): 46mg 288% of the DV
- Biotin: 5.9mg 347 % of the DV
- Folate (vitamin B9): 59% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 17.6 mcg 733% of the DV
- Iron: 1 mg 6% of the DV
- Potassium: 25 mg 1% of the DV
Benefits of Nutritional Yeast
As a Good Protein Source
A teaspoon of nutritional yeast has approximately 3 grams of protein. It is a very good protein source for a vegan lifestyle. As you know, the adequate Intake of Protein is important for muscle development and many crucial bodily functions.
Source of B Vitamins
A teaspoon of nutritional yeast is all you need for your daily dose of B vitamins. The vitamins that makeup B complex are thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9), and cobalamin (vitamin B12). B vitamins are important for cell development and red blood synthesis.
As a Cholesterol reducer
Nutritional yeast naturally contains a soluble fibre called beta-glucan. Several Studies suggest that taking beta-glucan regularly can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Lowering cholesterol levels is good for your health.
Finally, considering all the goodness of Nutritional yeast, it is recommended for daily intake in a balanced diet.