Nutritional yeast is a popular condiment in plant based cooking.
The Latin name for nutritional yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and is in the same family of yeast that is used in baking and brewing. Nutritional yeast however is quite different from other varieties of yeast in that it is grown specifically as a food. The yeast cells are killed off (humanely of course?) during the manufacturing process meaning that nutritional yeast is a non active yeast.
To manufacture nooch, yeast cells are grown on a sugary substrate like molasses. The yeast is then heated, harvested and dried to create the final product. Typically you can buy fortified or unfortified versions of nooch, with the fortified yeast having a variety of vitamins added to the mix. Either way it is vegan and gluten free with a nutty sort of cheesy flavour.
In terms of nutrition, nooch is a good source of protein, B vitamins and trace minerals.
Some benefits of nutritional yeast are:
- Nutritional yeast contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein.
- Fortified nutritional yeast is a source of B vitamins, rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
- Nutritional yeast contains zinc, selenium, manganese and molybdenum.
Vitamin B12 is important for our overall health and is one of the vitamins that can be a challenge when eating a plant based diet, so consuming nutritional yeast can be an effective way to supplement your B12 intake. It makes sense to read the labels as there are many brands of nutritional yeast. Choose one that tastes good and offers all the benefits that you’re looking for.
Nutritional yeast contains glutathione and selenomethionine, which both have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Combined with diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains, nooch may help prevent some chronic diseases.
Various studies show that nooch may also ward off common infections like E. coli and Salmonella and may even lower cholesterol, although more work needs to be done to prove this conclusively.
Remember any time you’re trying a new food, go easy at first. If you are allergic or sensitive to yeast then don’t try nooch without consulting a doctor. Likewise those who have trouble digesting folic acid should also consult a physician before digging into nutritional yeast.