Nutritional yeast may seem like an unlikely ingredient to add to your pantry, but it actually offers a variety of health benefits. Not only is it vegan-friendly, but nutritional yeast also contains a unique blend of B vitamins and other essential minerals. Keep reading to learn more about the surprising benefits of nutritional yeast.
Nutritional yeast is made from deactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which are grown on molasses and then harvested and dried. It has a mild nutty flavor with a hint of cheese; making it extremely popular among vegetarian and vegan communities as an animal product-free alternative for recipes such as macaroni and cheese or cheesy sauces. Nutritional yeast also boasts important nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc, selenium, manganese, protein and fiber, which all contribute to its health benefits.
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast that provides many health benefits. It is high in protein, B vitamins and minerals. Not only does it provide essential nutrients to support overall health, but it can also be used as a condiment to add flavor to dishes.
Benefits & Vegan Source of Vitamin B12
Nutritional yeast is an excellent vegan source of vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy red blood cells and nerves. It also contains folate that helps break down proteins, carbohydrates and fat for energy production. The riboflavin in nutritional yeast helps regulate metabolism by converting food into energy while the thiamine supports digestion, muscle function and nervous system activity. Additionally, it may help reduce cholesterol levels because of its high fiber content.