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nutritional yeast
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So, is nutritional yeast really good for your health?
Each brand of nutritional yeast is slightly different from each other, but most share similar nutritional statistics.
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for 2 tablespoons of Bragg Nutritional Yeast, a super popular brand with over 26,000 reviews on Amazon.
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Calories: 40
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Fat: 0g
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Sodium: 20mg
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Carbohydrates: 3g
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Dietary fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 0g
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Protein: 5g
Like Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast (including Bob’s Red Mill), it is fortified with high amounts of B vitamins, including vitamin B12. “If you add vitamin B12, it becomes a good source of vitamin B12,” says Angelone. “However, even when not fortified, they are an important source of other B vitamins and some trace minerals.”
For example, one serving of Bragg Nutritional Yeast provides the following benefits:
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630 percent of your daily vitamin B12 needs
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90% of your daily folate needs
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420 percent of your daily vitamin B6 needs
It also provides small amounts of iron (6 percent of your daily recommended amount) and potassium.But what does this mean? you inevitably? Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits.
What are the benefits of nutritional yeast?
Thanks to an impressive nutrition label, this cheesy can benefit plant eaters and omnivores alike.
1. Complete protein promise.
Most plant-based protein sources are “incomplete” proteins. This means that it does not contain all nine essential amino acids found in animal protein. But nutritional yeast is one of the few vegan options that qualify as a complete protein, says nutritionist Elizabeth Hurley, RD.
2. You can ingest dietary fiber.
An equivalent amount of grated parm is advertised as having zero grams of fiber (according to the USDA), but nutritional yeast contains about 4 grams per serving. Fiber not only makes you feel full, but also promotes digestive health, Hurley says.
3. MSG free.
Because nutritional yeast has a strong umami flavor, many health-conscious people were turned off by the myth that it contained synthetic monosodium glutamate (MSG), which enhances the flavor, McGlenn said. says.
“Umami is typically associated with products containing MSG,” she explains. But when it comes to nutritional yeast, its flavor is caused by a naturally occurring compound called glutamic acid.
4. Provides necessary vitamin B12.
As mentioned earlier, nutritional yeast is rich in vitamins, including vitamin B12. This nutrient is critical to producing red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system, and a deficiency can put you at risk for anemia.
Vegans and vegetarians are often deficient in vitamin B12, Palinksi-Wade says, because we typically get our vitamin B12 from animal foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and dairy products. That’s where nutritional yeast comes into play. He only needs one dose every few days to meet the needs of a person who does not eat animal products.
5. May help lower cholesterol.
“Nutritional yeast contains beta-glucan, a type of fiber that has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels,” says McGrane.
Known for its heart-healthy benefits, beta-glucan is also found in certain whole grains, such as oats and barley.
6. Rich in antioxidants.
McGlenn says nutritional yeast contains high concentrations of antioxidants, particularly glutathione, which are “essential for protecting cells from damage and removing toxins from the body.”
As we age and antioxidant production declines, it becomes increasingly important to keep enough glutathione in the body.
7. Can stabilize blood sugar levels.
Nutritional yeast is a low-glycemic food, so it helps regulate blood sugar levels. This means less appetite, improved energy levels and sleep, and a lower risk of metabolic disease.
Are there any disadvantages to nutritional yeast?
“While nutritional yeast can be a healthy addition to an otherwise healthy plant-based diet, it’s not a silver bullet,” Cassetti says. Macaroni and cheese may contain a lot of refined grains and therefore may not be as healthy. ”
Nutritional yeast also contains a significant amount of fiber, which Angelone says can cause gas and bloating in some sensitive people if consumed in excess.
And of course, avoid this cheese-flavored condiment if you have allergies or are sensitive to yeast, Ramsay adds.
How to use nutritional yeast.
You can also sprinkle it on popcorn or chips to add a cheesy flavor, but this ingredient also helps boost the flavor of the vegetables. Angelone says, “It’s delicious when added to mashed cauliflower or potatoes.” She also likes adding it to scrambled eggs and tofu.
If you want to get really creative, Cassetti says you can also combine nutritional yeast with other ingredients (like soaked cashews) to make a plant-based “cheese” sauce.
check out some W.H. Test your kitchen’s favorite ways to cook with this ingredient: