Nutritional Yeast Flakes

As most of us know, yeast is a member of the kingdom of fungi. Mostly uni cellular, with some of them multicellular, yeast is a prominent feature of the diverse fungal species found in the ocean. However, there is a species of yeast which is most used and is beneficial and does not harm, even if it is in the food. This is called the Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has been used in baking and fermentation since ages, which perhaps is a pointer to benefits of nutritional yeast flakes.

What are Nutritional Yeast Flakes?
Normal yeast, when used in nutritional supplements, which is quite popular with the vegetarians, it is commonly referred to as nutritional yeast. Commercially, this yeast is available in the form of flakes. Nutritional yeast is quite akin to what is called as brewer's yeast and is a deactivated yeast. It is mostly in the form of flakes or in the form of a powder. It is derived from processing or culturing yeast with a mixture of sugarcane and beet molasses. In the powdered texture, it is similar to cornmeal and is very widely available in stores. For the vegans or vegetarians, it serves as a supplement for a lot of essential nutrients, which are present in the non vegetarian food stuffs. In addition to that its creamy, cheesy and nutty flavor is what makes it a hit amongst the vegetarians. So what is that makes nutritional yeast flakes and makes them a good choice for health freaks? Let us see...

Nutritional Yeast Flake Benefits
Health Benefits

• Nutritional yeast is a great source of proteins and vitamins, and more so B-complex. It is a complete protein as well, because it has 18 amino acids.
• These are also naturally low in sodium and fat.
• If you want to be on a low cholesterol and high protein diet, and are a vegetarian, then nutritional yeast flakes are the best bet.
• B-complex vitamins help in reduction of stress and act as energy boosters. These vitamins also help in regulating mood.
• In case you are a diabetic or you have a tendency of a high sugar level, nutritional yeast has a substance called chromium. Chromium is a trace mineral, known for glucose tolerance factor or GTF.
• Consuming nutritional yeast flakes regularly is beneficial for fluctuating blood sugar levels.
• Having nutritional yeast flakes also protects against pancreatic cancer.
• For those who want to have a glowing skin, well, nutritional yeast flakes can help you achieve that!
• Nutritional yeast also contains folic acid and essential fatty acids.

Culinary Uses

• The most popular and favorite usage of nutritional yeast flakes is a topping or addition to snacks. Its cheesy and buttery flavor adds that special tang to the snacks. Popcorn tastes best, when sprinkled with yeast flakes according to those who swear by the succulence of nutritional yeast flakes. As, it is more nutritious than butter or salt.
• Most of us know the use of yeast in making beer, bread and wine.
• When preparing any food where you are going to use this yeast, add it at the end, so that the vitamins are not broken down from the food.
• These yeast flakes are also used as dressings along with olive oil and other things for salads and in soups as well.
• As mentioned earlier, because of its cheesy and buttery taste, it is also used as a substitute for cheese.

Nutritional yeast flakes are available in different brands as well, and some who do not like the taste, but want to have its health benefits, also consume pills of this yeast.

Finally, we can safely say that there is a good deal of nutritional advantages of this nutritional yeast, so have you yeast at every meal!