Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is made from a single-celled organism called Saccharomyces Cerevisiae that’s grown on molasses, cane sugar or some other medium. Once it’s harvested, it’s washed and dried then
deactivated with heat so the yeast stops growing. It does not have leavening abilities like baking yeast since it’s deactivated during processing. After it’s treated with heat, it’s crumbled or flaked and
packaged for use.

DOES NUTRITIONAL YEAST CONTAIN MSG?

No, it does not contain MSG. It does naturally contain glutamic acid (glutamate) but it’s bound to other amino acids or proteins and is processed differently in the body than the glutamate in MSG, essentially the body can control how much is absorbed and the rest canbe passed off as waste rather than stored.

Nutritional yeast offers many health benefits, especially in a vegan diet, making it not only a delicious addition to any meal but a great way to increase its nutritional value.

Nutritional yeast is just deactivated yeast, often a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, usually sourced from molasses or wood pulp. When it’s packaged and sold, it’s usually fortified with tons of vitamins you need—B12 included.

While B12 is naturally found in soil and could be obtained by eating plants that have some leftover dirt on them, today we know the importance of washing our veggies before eating them. Therefore, vegans should either take B12 supplements or eat foods like nutritional yeast that are high in the vitamin.

Just a quarter cup of nutritional yeast over the course of a day gives you 290 percent of your daily value (DV) of vitamin B12! But that’s not all—it also provides nine grams of protein, 790 percent DV of vitamin B1, 570 percent DV of vitamin B2, 300 percent DV of vitamin B6, 230 percent DV of vitamin B3, 270 percent DV of vitamin B9, 20 percent DV of zinc, and 16 percent DV of fiber. 

(Weird fact: Nutritional yeast is so nutrient-dense it’s even been used to help prevent vitamin deficiency among prisoners of war. I mean, it says “nutritional” right there in the name.)

Nutritional Yeast also provides the compounds beta-glucan (more on that in a second), trehalose, mannan, and glutathione, all of which are associated with enhanced immunity, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced cancer risk.

It May Improve Your Mood and Make You Feel Less Stressed

In a study of athletes who consumed nutritional yeast, participants who had just a tablespoon of nutritional yeast a day reported a significant boost in their “vigor,” as well as feeling less tense, fatigued, confused, and angry. Researchers think this is because the yeast counteracts the negative effects of stress on the immune system. Another study on the beta-glucans in yeast found they helped improve respiratory symptoms and mood in stressed women. 

Because of its immune-boosting properties and nutrient density, it makes sense that nutritional yeast has been proven to help athletes recover from intense workouts. In an article published in Nutrition Science News, Dr. Alan Christianson, ND, notes that nutritional yeast helps repair cell damage, aids tissue regeneration, improves wound healing, and prevents iron deficiency, thanks to its high levels of selenium and zinc.

And remember the study that found nutritional yeast improves mood in athletes? It also confirmed nutritional yeast improves recovery time and increases resistance to illness after intense workouts.

It May Actually Help Prevent Yeast Infections

Consuming nutritional yeast is one of the best ways to remedy and prevent chronic candida symptoms, due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. 

It Can Help an Upset Stomach

Though more research is needed, probiotics found in nutritional yeast have been shown to help with upset stomach, diarrhea, and lactose intolerance—though vegans don’t have to worry about the last one!A full spectrum of B vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, B6, pantheonic acid, folic acid, niacin.
Important minerals like chromium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium and magnesium a complete source of protein, good source of fiber, good source of protein. low in fat, gluten-free, low in sodium, soy-free, no artificial flavors or colors and vegan