Nutrient-dense Fast Food for Young & Old
What Is Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is considered as one of the most valuable super foods on earth. It is specifically grown to be used as a health food product. To produce nutritional yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are grown on sources like molasses, whey and sugar beets. The yeast is then deactivated by pasteurization, then harvested, washed, dried, crumbled and packaged for distribution.
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What Makes Nutritional Yeast Healthy?
Nutritional yeast gets its name from the protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it contains.
- Containing 18 amino acids, it is a high-quality, plant-based complete protein, which provides more protein than meat and is much more bio-available. Rich in lysine and tryptophan, it is the perfect complement for use with grains; it has no arachidonic acid cascade as found in animal proteins.
- It is an excellent source of B vitamins; packed with thiamine, folate, B-6, niacin, Vitamin B-12, folic acid, and etc. Vitamin B-12 is especially important for vegans because it is usually found in animal products, such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy but it does not typically occur in plant foods.
- Rich in trace minerals. Nutritional yeast provides 15 bioavailable minerals. It is possibly the best natural food form of minerals available.
- Rich in glutathione, an antioxidant that helps boost liver and immune system function.
- Contains both prebiotics and probiotics, which support the gut and aid digestion.
- Contains glucose tolerance factor (GTF) that helps to regulate blood sugar.
Benefits
- Powerful Antioxidants.
Nutritional yeast contains the powerful antioxidants glutathione and selenomethionine, both of which help protect the body against chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress, such as heart disease, cancer and macular degeneration.
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels.
The beta-glucan found in nutritional yeast may also lower cholesterol. In one study, men with high cholesterol who consumed 15 grams of beta-glucan derived from yeast daily for eight weeks lowered their total cholesterol levels by 6%. Another study found that mice fed beta-glucan from yeast had significantly lower cholesterol levels after only 10 days.
- Repairs Cells and Tissues.
An article by Dr. Alan Christianson, N.D., published in Nutrition Science News, reports that nutritional yeast provides a significant dose of minerals, such as iron. This is especially useful for athletes who train more than four hours per week, as it can help prevent iron deficiency. Nutritional yeast also contains selenium which repairs cell damage, and zinc which aids in tissue repair, wound healing, and maintains our senses of taste and smell.
- Holds Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties.
Dr. Seymour Pomper, an expert in yeast, explains that nutritional yeast has not been associated with the Candida albicans strain related to yeast infections, and on the contrary has proved to be one of the best remedies for chronic candida symptoms. It has also shown profound effects on E.coli, salmonella and staphylococcus.
- Improves Digestion.
German monographs indicate nutritional yeast as a medicinal choice for diarrhoea and loss of appetite, and studies showcase the digestive benefits of nutritional yeast. The probiotics in nutritional yeast have shown positive effects on patients with diarrhoea. In addition, nutritional yeast is helpful for those who suffer the symptoms of lactose intolerance. One study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that Saccharomyces cerevisiae expresses significant sucrase and some isomaltase activity but no lactase activity, and it has been proposed to improve malabsorption in patients with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency who intentionally or unintentionally consume sucrose.
- Supports Immunity.
Research has shown that nutritional yeast can support the immune system and reduce inflammation resulting from bacterial infections.
- Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails.
Some research suggests that nutritional yeast can combat brittle nails and prevent hair loss. It may also help acne and improve other common skin problems associated with adolescence.
- Supports Healthy Pregnancy.
Nutritional yeast is a useful supplement for pregnant women as it is rich in folic acid. Folic acid supports the growth of the foetus and helps prevent congenital abnormalities.
- Prevents Protein Deficiency.
As a complete protein food, nutritional yeast benefits the entire body. Protein deficiency can lead to:
- A sluggish metabolism
- Trouble losing weight
- Difficulty building muscle mass
- Low energy levels and fatigue
- Poor concentration and trouble learning
- Mood swings
- Muscle, bone and joint pain
- Blood sugar changes
- Slow wound healing
- Impaired immunity
Who Will Benefit from Nutritional Yeast?
Nutritional yeast is naturally low in sodium and calories. It is fat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and suitable for vegans. As a result, it can be a useful supplement for people with food allergies or sensitivities, as well as those on restricted diets.
Nutritional yeast is also a versatile, nutrient-dense food that works for any age. It is recommended for every member of the family, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies, elderly and those who are physically weak or ill.
It has a savoury, nutty, cheesy flavour. It can be used to replace cheese in pasta, pizza, popcorn or bread; sprinkled on oats, salads, tofu, and rice; and even added to sauces or soups.
NewLifeTM Unsalted Organic Nutritional Yeast
- It is derived from pure strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown on mineral-enriched molasses, which are not contaminated and do not contain accidental wild strains. It is guaranteed Candida albicans negative.
- Carefully dried on roller drums to preserve the nutritional quality.
- Non-GMO.
- Gluten-free.
- Contains no sugar, artificial colourings or flavourings.
Some wonderful recipes using NewLifeTM‘s Unsalted Organic Nutritional Yeast:
Creamy Cheese-less Cheese Sauce
(8 servings)
Ingredients
1/2 cup Nutritional Yeast
1/2 cup unbleached white all-purpose flour or
gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour
1 tsp sea salt
2 cups cold water
¼ cup Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or unsalted butter
1 tsp dried mustard
Instructions
- Whisk together Nutritional Yeast, flour, and salt in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan.
- Place pan over medium-high heat and whisk in cold water.
- Continue whisking as sauce thickens, bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat, cook 1 minute, remove from heat.
- Whisk in butter or oil and mustard.
- Sauce will thicken as it cools, but thins down when heated. Serve this creamy cheese-less cheese sauce over steamed vegetables or pasta.
Sesame Yoghurt Dip*
(2-3 servings)
Don’t let the lack of colour and appearance fool you. Assembled with humble ingredients, this dip is creamy, slightly tangy and has a slight hint of crunch from the sesame seeds. The secret to this dip is the nutritional yeast and the amount of sesame seeds added, feel free to adjust the amount as desired. Try using this dip as a spread for your sushi rolls*!
Ingredients
1/3 cup yoghurt, strained for 30 minutes
1-2 tsp Nutritional Yeast
1 tsp Pure Raw Honey
¼ cup white sesame seeds, lightly roasted
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add in the yoghurt, sesame seeds, honey and Nutritional Yeast.
- Stir to combine.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with more sesame seeds and enjoy.
*These recipes are taken from the Food That Feeds recipe book. Available for purchase at all NewLifeTM Branches & Business Centres.