The Health Benefits of Brewer's Yeast

The Health Benefits of Brewer's Yeast
Page content

Brewer’s yeast (or saccharomyces cerevisiae) is used in the beer making process to ferment sugars to alcohol. This one celled fungus is grown on molasses or sugar beets and is loaded with minerals, amino acids, trace mineral, protein, and many of the B complex vitamins. In fact brewer’s yeast contains all of the essential amino acids, 14 minerals, and 17 vitamins.

With so many powerful nutrients, the discussion of all of the health benefits of brewer’s yeast would be long. Let’s take a look at some of the most important health benefits this amazing all natural yeast offers.

Brewer’s Yeast and Minerals

  • Chromium

Brewer’s yeast is one of the richest sources of the essential trace mineral chromium. An essential trace mineral is a mineral our bodies need for daily function that has to be ingested; in other words, the body can’t make this mineral on its own. Chromium is one such trace mineral and is used for a wealth of functions in the body. Chromium is an antioxidant and fights free radical damage in the body.

The chromium found in brewer’s yeast is an organic compound called GTF or glucose tolerance factor.

One of the most important functions of chromium (GTF), especially with the drastic rise in diabetes, is helping the body to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Chromium causes the body to use insulin more effectively. Insulin is essential for the cells of the body to properly use carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy. Without insulin, glucose levels in the blood stay elevated and the liver, muscles, and fat tissues are unable to appropriately store or convert glucose to energy.

Continued high levels of glucose in the blood leads to a host of problems; when blood sugar levels remain elevated, insulin resistance can develop, and this is the precursor to diabetes.

Chromium deficiencies can lead to insulin resistance. Insuring adequate levels of this essential trace mineral can combat insulin resistance and possibly diabetes type II.

  • Selenium

Selenium is also plentiful in brewer’s yeast. Selenium is another essential trace mineral and is used to produce antioxidant enzymes. These antioxidant enzymes are shown to prevent cell damage. Selenium is also needed for proper immune system function and thyroid function.

It’s also theorized that selenium stimulates antibodies, helps boost fertility (especially in men), and protects the body from damage from heavy metals.

The B Complex Vitamins and Health Benefits of Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is full of the B vitamins; you’ll find high amounts of B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), and B9 (folic acid) in this inactive yeast.

This vital complex of B vitamins is essential for almost every body function including; breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy in the body. The B vitamins also support the nervous system and maintain digestive muscles.

The B complex promotes healthy skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. It’s important to get not just a few of the B vitamins but the entire complex in adequate amounts. These B vitamins work in synergy; when one vitamin is deficient it impairs the function of the rest of the B vitamins, as well as adversely affects the bodies’ ability to use other vital nutrients. Brewer’s yeast provides this complex.

Protein and Brewer’s Yeast

High in protein, brewer’s yeast contains all of the essential amino acids and has almost ten times as much protein as whole wheat flour.

Protein is essential in the all cells of the body. Protein helps to build and repair tissues, muscles, bones, skin, blood, and cartilage. It plays a vital role in chemical production in the body, including enzymes and hormone production.

Proteins are the foundation of any living body, essential for life. Brewer’s yeast offers a power pack of this building block ingredient the body needs for life.

Getting the Health Benefits of Brewer’s Yeast into Your Diet

Now that you know how much of a health value brewer’s yeast carries you may be wondering how to get it into your daily diet. There are many options.

Brewer’s yeast is available as:

  • Powder
  • Flakes
  • Tablet
  • Liquid

Brewer’s yeast shouldn’t be confused with nutritional yeast, baker’s yeast, or other yeast products which are not high in chromium. This yeast is bitter tasting and is best mixed with spices and savory or sweet foods.

Add brewer’s yeast in powder form (generally two tablespoons is a good guide) to:

  • Popcorn. Sprinkle on popcorn with salt, garlic, and other spices
  • Tomato juice
  • Water
  • Juices of any kind, especially sweet tasting ones
  • Soups
  • Shakes and smoothies
  • Casseroles
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Sauces

With its bitter taste, adding a bit of the yeast with other spices helps to combat the bitterness while adding a nutty flavor. Brewer’s yeast has been used to treat loss of appetite.

If you have yeast allergies or are prone to yeast infections avoid brewer’s yeast. Side effects are generally minimal but it can cause gas and bloating.

If you’re on the MAOI’s or taking Demerol you should also stay clear of this yeast. Ask your doctor if you take any medications before adding brewer’s yeast to your diet.

Brewer’s yeast is one of the most potent sources of essential chromium, the B complex vitamins, and proteins. Incorporating this yeast into your diet can have a positive impact on your health in countless ways.