Brewer's yeast, increasingly used as a food supplement, is a derived product that comes from the fermentation of cereals, mainly barley, necessary to obtain beer. That solid residue, which remains after the fermentation process, is the yeast that, properly treated, has different food applications given the beneficial properties it can bring to the body. In its composition, the presence of a good amount of fiber stands out along with vegetable protein, minerals and vitamins, something that has made it an ideal complement in numerous diets. Do you want to know what brewer's yeast is for? In this article we tell you the great benefits of brewer's yeast for our health.
Source of energy and care of muscle mass
It is not strange that brewer's yeast is a common supplement in the diet of an athlete, because its rich composition means that, on the one hand, it provides the necessary carbohydrates (about 36 grams / 100 grams) and, on the other hand, provides a good amount of protein (almost 28 grams / 100gr,) essential to keep the muscles in good condition. Gaining extra energy to cope with intense physical and mental activity and protecting muscle mass from possible loss or deterioration are two important functions to which brewer's yeast can contribute. In temporary episodes of tiredness, decay or asthenia, its energy contribution can be of great help to ‘lift the mood'.
Complete food, especially useful in vegan diets
It is not only the amount of protein that brewer's yeast provides to the body, but the quality of it. It is a vegetable protein of high biological value, that is, it contains all the essential amino acids that the body needs for its daily activity and vital functions. Its richness in protein, together with the B vitamins, makes it a frequent food supplement in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Rich in fiber
It is another of the important benefits of brewer's yeast, since its high fiber content favors the correct intestinal transit, being effective to avoid episodes of constipation. In addition, given the satiating power of fiber, it is considered that it can be used even in weight control diets. The fiber of brewer's yeast is soluble fiber, beneficial when it comes to taking care of the digestive system and the intestine for its prebiotic effect, which takes care of the intestinal flora.
Cholesterol, under control
Although research continues, it is estimated that the fiber contained in brewer's yeast can help maintain correct blood cholesterol levels, slowing the absorption of the bad (LDL), through the intestine, without causing the good (HDL) to decrease. For this reason, it could be an ally to take care of cardiovascular health.
Here are some tips on how to lower cholesterol naturally.
Correct blood glucose levels
It is important to make it clear that there are no definitive scientific conclusions to support the possible benefits of brewer's yeast in controlling glucose levels, something especially important for people suffering from some type of diabetes. Even so, it is known that among the micronutrients provided by this yeast, chromium is included, a mineral that, it is estimated, acts favorably in the metabolism of glucose and in the control of glycemia.
Health & Beauty
Selenium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and B vitamins are some of the components of brewer's yeast that make it a source of health and beauty. As an example, we must highlight the contribution in iron, essential to combat anemia, and also the rest of minerals that are basic to keep hair and nails in good condition. In addition, we must remember the presence of another important substance, glutathione, a compound of different amino acids that make it a powerful antioxidant when it comes to curbing free radicals avoiding premature deterioration at the cellular level.
We recommend you read these other articles about How to drink brewer's yeast for hair loss and how to make masks with brewer's yeast.
How brewer's yeast is taken
The good properties of brewer's yeast make it an interesting addition to the diet for multiple reasons, from sports activity to the desire to strengthen hair.
In any case, you can find it in the form of supplements in pills and also with powdered texture or flakes for culinary use. In this case you can use it to enrich juices or vegetable smoothies, sprinkle it directly on a pasta dish or include it as an ingredient in a rich Bolognese sauce.
If you prefer, you can also add a few flakes to a yogurt or a glass of milk. Powdered, brewer's yeast admits to use it and take it almost as if it were a spice or a light flour that you can pour into soups or stews.
The only precaution you should have been to start taking it in small doses, to check for any possible unwanted effects and consult with the doctor if you suffer from any ailment or pathology. Also, if you don't know much about the taste, brewer's yeast may be a bit bitter.
Now that you know all these benefits of brewer's yeast and how to take it, we recommend you to know what are the contraindications of brewer's yeast.
