Summary

Nutritional yeast, known as "nooch," is a nutrient-rich food product with numerous health benefits, particularly for vegans and vegetarians, and can be used in various culinary applications.

Abstract

Nutritional yeast, commonly referred to as "nooch," is an inactive form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, widely favored in vegan cuisine for its cheese-like flavor. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, rich in B vitamins including B12, and a source of minerals like zinc, potassium, and manganese. Nutritional yeast is also low in fat and calories, gluten-free, and contains beneficial antioxidants and beta-glucans that support immune health and may help lower cholesterol. It is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for sprinkling on popcorn, salads, or using as a cheese substitute in pasta dishes and sauces.

Opinions

The author is an advocate for nutritional yeast, considering it a staple in their diet.
They believe nutritional yeast is an excellent addition for those looking to increase their protein intake, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
The author suggests that nutritional yeast is a healthier alternative to cheese and other seasonings.
They imply that nutritional yeast is a valuable ingredient for people managing their weight due to its low-fat and low-calorie content.
The author is enthusiastic about the versatility of nutritional yeast, encouraging creativity in its use.
They recommend consulting a healthcare professional for individuals with a yeast allergy before consuming nutritional yeast.

Nutritional Yeast 101: What It Is, Health Benefits, and How to Use It

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 in 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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