Nutritional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is undoubtedly the most important deactivated yeast widely used in the form of powder, granules, or flakes (yellow color). Nutritional Yeast benefits are good for appetite, antidiabetic, and antioxidant.
It is derived from expired yeast or dust yeast (by heat killing). This yeast is available in various forms and commonly used as wine yeast, brewer’s yeast, distiller’s yeast, baker’s yeast, single-cell protein, vitamin production, synthesis of recombinant proteins, and biological control (1).
In 1850, commercial use of yeast for baking purposes started and since then, yeast technology has grown into a highly productive and economic industry after discovered in the last century by Pasteur (2).
High Economical value of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a high economic value and used for the annual production of an estimated 60 million tons of beer, 30 million tons of wine, 800,000 tons of single-cell protein, and 600,000 tons of baker’s yeast (3). Here are two primary sources from which nutritional yeast is grown
1) Brewer’s yeast is grown from hops (a by-product of brewing beer)
2) Primary grown yeast is grown from whey, blackstrap molasses, or wood pulp.
Nutritional value of Nutritional yeast
The taste of nutritional yeast is nutty, cheesy, and creamy flavors which make it popular as an ingredient in cheese substitutes (4).
Nutritional yeasts are an excellent source of amino acids, single-cell proteins, several minerals such as chromium, selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and the B vitamins (5).
| Compound | Amounts/100 g |
| Energy | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 53.33 g |
| Total lipid (Fat)s | 3.33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33.33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 20 g |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 6.67 mg |
| Potassium | 1760 mg |
| Sodium | 167 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Niacin | 306.66 mg |
| Riboflavin | 64.66 mg |
| Thiamin | 79 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 39.33 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 117.33 µg |
Health benefits of Nutritional yeast
1. Nutritional yeast is rich in nutrients
Nutritional yeasts are favorable for vegans, vegetarians, athletes as well as young people during the puberty period. It contains a high amount of nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B12, which is an essential part of vegans diet and spread over children’s meals (e.g., pasta, soups) for an additional source of zinc intake which attracts modern’s consumer shopping basket (6).
2. Immune boosting nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of β-glucans, nucleic acids as well as mannan oligosaccharides which are known as immunostimulating compounds and enhance immune function (7).
3. Increase appetite
Nutritional yeast improved nutrient (protein) digestibility which further enhancing feed intake due to increased fish appetite and improves growth (8).
4. Manage diabetes
Nutritional yeast is a rich source of B vitamins and nutrients, especially chromium and selenium which are beneficial for the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels and enhance immunity (9).
5. Antimicrobial properties
A research study suggested that nutritional yeast can be used as a natural and safe agent to increase the growth of good bacteria and reduce harmful coliform bacteria growth in the intestine. Thus, the use of yeasts arises as a natural and safe for the biocontrol of bacterial growth alternative (10).
6. Having nutritional yeast in pregnancy is beneficial
Vitamin B12 found in nutritional yeast is an essential nutrient for infant growth and development. Thus pregnant and lactating vegans should be advised to consume an adequate amount of vitamin B12 in their diet (11).
7. Nutritional yeast is rich in antioxidants
Nutritional yeast may synthesize bioactive compounds such as glutathione and selenomethionine can act as natural antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and slow down the progress of many chronic diseases (12).
The side effect of Nutritional yeast
The nutritional yeast has no side effect because practically No clinical study has reported, therefore it is safe, and no one really knows its long-term effects on a person’s health.
How to use nutritional yeast?
Well as we know that nutritional yeast is a high protein and energy source, can be used in the place of cheese because of its nutty, cheesy, and creamy flavors for many hot and cold dishes such as pasta, soup, bread and sprinkle over popcorn to make it delicious. It can also be used as an instant energy source and mixed with dog’s or cat’s food to provide extra nutrients.
Where to buy nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is widely available in conventional supermarkets or grocery stores, healthy food shops as well as online like Amazon, 1mg, or iherb.