Brewer’s yeast: what it is and how to take it

We are going to solve common questions about brewer’s yeast: is it really that healthy? So rich in nutrients? Is nutritional yeast much better? I will try to make it much clearer to you when you finish reading this article.

What is brewer’s yeast?

Brewer’s yeast is a product derived from the fermentation of cereals such as barley or wheat, thanks to a microorganism called Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The resulting product is dried, cleaned and pasteurized before it is sold in the form of flakes or powder. is marketed also in the form of capsules or tablets, as a nutritional supplement.

Most of the brewer’s yeast that is sold has also gone through a process to remove the original bitter taste. For this reason, in many packages it says that it is debittered yeast.

What is the difference between brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast?

The beer yeast is a by-product of the brewing industry, so it is a sustainable and reusable food.

The call nutritional Yeast, instead, it is manufactured expressly and is made from molasses, usually beetroot or cane. That is why it does not present the characteristic bitterness of traditional yeast.

Both yeasts start from the same strain, from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Although it is common to find lists of benefits of nutritional yeast Regarding the beer, the truth is that it is more of a marketing exercise than anything else, since the former is much more expensive. All the affirmations on the “contamination” or on effects in the health of one and of another, do not have any scientific support.

It is said, for example, that nutritional yeast is “deactivated” and does not ferment, but the truth is that they have all gone through a heat and pasteurization process, which kills microorganisms. The one that does ferment would be the bakery yeastwhich contains the same microorganism but alive, not the beer one.

The only reason to prefer nutritional is the taste. Although it is true that there are beer yeasts that are quite bitter, others are not at all. It is a matter of trying several brands to find the one we like the most.

So, what are the properties of brewer’s yeast?

Brewer’s yeast is rich in protein. Although there are variations from one to another, it is around 45-50 grams of protein per 100 grams of product. It also has a good amino acid profile, which is undoubtedly a high protein value.

It is true that we must bear in mind that the consumption ration is small, but even so, we would have 4 grams of protein in just 8 grams of nutritional yeast (which would be around a tablespoon), an amount that is not bad at all for a seasoning.

Two tablespoons can be a not inconsiderable protein contribution to the dietespecially on those days when, due to rushing or eating out, we have fallen short in the consumption of protein foods.

In addition, brewer’s yeast provides minerals and vitamins. Specifically, it is rich in zincin folic acid and, in general, in all group B vitaminsexcept the B12.

When a brewer’s yeast carries B12 It is because it has been added to enrich it, like any other fortified food, not because it naturally contains this vitamin in its active form. Nutritional yeast is often added during production.

How to take brewer’s yeast

You can use brewer’s yeast as seasoning in all kinds of dishes: salads, creams, stews, soups, toasts, smoothies, pasta… It also often replaces cheese, both alone and mixed with other ingredients, such as ground nuts, or in vegan cheese recipes.

It’s definitely a great option. better than industrial vegan cheeses made from poor quality starch and fats.

With all this, we must not forget that brewer’s yeast is one more food, and as such, totally dispensable. It is true that due to its nutritional profile, its uses in the kitchen and the sustainability of its production, it is a interesting and recommended foodbut it is by no means going to fix an improper diet.