Yeast Derived from Brewing: Nutritional Advantages and Culinary Applications
Brewer's yeast and nutritional yeast are two distinct types of yeast, each with their unique flavours and culinary uses. While brewer's yeast is often used in brewing beer and has a more bitter taste, nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavour and is commonly used as a seasoning or vegan cheese substitute.
Brewer's yeast, however, has found a niche in the vegan community due to its natural source of vitamin B12 and its ability to lend a cheesy flavour to plant-based dishes. This versatile ingredient offers more than just flavour—it's packed with nutrients that can benefit your health in various ways.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Brewer's yeast is rich in a variety of nutrients, including B vitamins, protein, and fibre. These nutrients can help improve the health of your skin, support your immune system, and aid in digestion.
The B vitamins found in brewer's yeast help convert carbohydrates into energy and support strong bones and immunity. The protein and fibre content can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing cravings and aiding in weight management.
Brewer's yeast also contains beta-glucans and alpha-mannan fibres, which serve as prebiotics to promote healthy gut bacteria and digestion. Additionally, beta-glucans in brewer's yeast can boost antioxidant levels, helping to prevent cell damage from free radicals and supporting overall immune health.
Culinary Delights
Brewer's yeast offers a unique flavour and nutritional boost to savoury snacks and hearty dishes. It can be used in various creative ways in cooking, such as adding it to salad dressings, seasoning blends, popcorn, dips, roasted vegetables, pizza dough, and energy balls.
Its nutty, cheesy taste makes it a popular ingredient in vegan cooking, where it's often used in vegan mac and cheese recipes. Brewer's yeast can also be added to soups and stews to enrich flavour and texture, or sprinkled on popcorn and roasted vegetables as a savoury topping.
Health Benefits
Brewer's yeast benefits the immune system by providing beta-glucans, which activate white blood cells and enhance the body's natural defenses against infections. It also contains chromium, which supports maintaining a balanced immune response.
Moreover, brewer's yeast has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and irritation on the skin. Studies have shown that brewer's yeast can increase metabolism and help you burn calories more efficiently.
Brewer's yeast is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it provides essential nutrients that support overall health. It can be consumed in tablet form, powder, or as a cooking ingredient.
In summary, brewer's yeast is a nutrient-dense supplement that supports immune function, aids digestion, and offers a unique flavour for culinary adventures. Its versatility and health benefits make it a valuable addition to any diet.
[1] Nutrition and You. (2021). Brewer's Yeast Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits. [online] Available at: https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/brewers-yeast.html
[3] Healthline. (2021). Brewer's Yeast: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/brewers-yeast
[4] Vegan Recipes. (2021). 20 Delicious Brewer's Yeast Recipes. [online] Available at: https://veganrecipes.com/brewers-yeast-recipes/
[5] Healthline. (2021). What Are Beta-Glucans? [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/beta-glucans
