If you don’t know what nutritional yeast is, it is also commonly referred to as inactive yeast which is derived from sugar cane and molasses. It is most commonly uses as an additive to various meals in the form of a condiment.
Nutritional yeast has an almost nutty flavor that makes it great for soups, sauces and other complimentary ways to enrich the flavors of the dish being served. It is commonly added to dishes not only for its flavor, but for its nutritional benefits as well.
What Benefits Will I See from Eating Nutritional Yeast?
1-Can Improve Immune Function and Maintains Immunity
Nutritional yeast contains compounds that improve immunity, reduce cholesterol levels and reduces the chances of getting cancer as well. Nutritional yeast is very popular in Europe, particularly in Germany. It is commonly prescribed to fight minor infections that result from cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Nutritional yeast is also very effective in fighting off yeast infections, which many people wouldn’t believe given its name. Although nutritional yeast and yeast infections like candida come from the same family, they aren’t exactly the same. In fact, nutritional yeast itself is very effective in fighting off the candida yeast infection.
2-Improves Digestive Functioning
Studies have also shown that nutritional yeast can help improve digestion as well, particularly in slowing down bowel movements. When we have diarrhea not only is it unpleasant, it can result in the loss of nutrients and water leading to deficiency and dehydration.
On top of that, the diarrhea is just a symptom itself of an underlying issue, more often than not the result of inflammation. Nutritional yeast also helps to improve immunity which will reduce the inflammation and quick bowel movements that come from it.
Another useful attribute of nutritional yeast when it comes to digestion is that it helps people who are lactose intolerant better digest dairy products.
3- Contains Essential Amino Acids That the Body Needs
Essential amino acids are called essential because we need them to properly function. Our body does create some of these amino acids on its own however many of them we must get from our diet. Nutritional yeast contains at least half of these essential amino acids that we need.
Getting all of the essential amino acids from our diet can be difficult especially for vegans and vegetarians because most plant based food doesn’t have a full amino acid profile.
Making sure that you get all of the necessary amino acids ensures that the body is going to function properly. Some things that can occur due to amino acid deficiencies include:
-Slow metabolism
-Decreased cognitive ability
-Inability to control mood
-Slower healing
-Difficulty building muscle mass
-Low immunity
How Can You Get Nutritional Yeast?
Many of us have never seen nutritional yeast sold in stores so naturally we want to know where to get it from. While you can grow and make some of your own, the easier route is to find an online retailer that you can buy from. If you really want to make some yourself though, there is a process in which you can do so.
The first thing you need to do is to seed your plant, preferably in a sterile environment. Grow the plant inside if at all possible so that you have more control over the process. Inside you don’t have to worry about things like the weather and pests.
Second you have to cultivate the yeast, which is done by controlling the temperature and pH of the soil in which it is being grown. Make sure you are maintaining the proper pH levels and temperatures to ensure that your plant will grow and flourish.
Third step in the process is the most difficult part if you are trying to do this on your own. The yeast must ferment and then you can harvest, which is done through processing to condense the yeast which produces a cream.
Fourth the cream then goes through pasteurization, which inactivates the yeast. This is the step where various vitamins and minerals are added to fortify the yeast. This provides the yeast with all of the necessary ingredients it needs to be that healthy additive we want it to be.
Finally the yeast is then dried in to flakes which end up looking like meal or cereal, and is ready for use.
If this process seems like it is way too much, pick some up at your local health food store which is sure to have it.
