Are you part of the 'nooch' fan club?
If you’re like me, nutritional yeast is a staple in your cupboard at all times.
I am often surprised at how many people have no clue what it is.
So, I am going to tell you what this delicious sprinkle is and why it's good for you.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast, often referred to as “nooch,” is a deactivated form of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is the same yeast used to make bread, but since it is deactivated, it won’t work well or taste right if you actually try to make bread with it.
It is a super popular food among vegans as it has a cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor which can be a great substitute for cheese in recipes.
Nutritional yeast is grown on a food source, such as beet molasses, and then it is harvested, washed, and dried, which deactivates the yeast.
It’s then crumbled or ground into a powder or flakes that can be sprinkled on or mixed into food.
Nutritional yeast is packed with nutrients!
Nutritional yeast health benefits
It’s packed with B vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is often lacking in vegetarian or vegan diets. It is also a good source of zinc, potassium, and manganese.
It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, which is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans. I love this health benefit as I am always working towards getting more protein in my diet.
Nutritional yeast is low in fat and calories, making it ideal for those trying to manage a healthy weight.
It is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Wait, there’s more!
It contains antioxidants like glutathione and selenomethionine, which help to protect your cells from damage by free radicals.
Nutritional yeast has compounds, such as beta-glucans which are known to enhance the gut microbiome, which can boost immune health.
Some studies suggest that nutritional yeast can help lower cholesterol. In one study, men who already had high cholesterol and consumed 15 grams of yeast-derived beta-glucan per day lowered their cholesterol by 6%.
Nutritional yeast is a unique and tasty addition to any diet, but it is still important to consume a variety of foods to ensure that you get a well-rounded range of nutrients. Variety wins with nutrition!
Some different ways to use nutritional yeast
- Sprinkle on popcorn
- Jazz up your salad with a sprinkle on top
- Add to a pasta dish instead of parmesan
- Make a ‘cheesy’ pasta sauce
- Top off scrambled eggs with it
- Give your veggies some extra flavor by sprinkling it on top. If you have every made kale chips with nutritional yeast, you know how good it is on veggies!
You can get pretty creative with it. Try it anywhere you might use cheese or seasonings.
If you have a yeast allergy, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating nutritional yeast into your diet.
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