yeast
super food
Nutritional By Alexis Weilbaecher, RD
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ou may have heard of nutritional yeast, or even tried it, but what exactly are the benefits of this food product? Nutritional yeast is derived from a strain of yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which comes from sugar cane or beet molasses. The yellow flaky appearance is produced through the heat treat-
ment process. Although the name may seem unappealing, nutritional yeast is a quick, easy and delicious way to add extra nutritional value to your meal. Think of nutritional yeast as being a healthier “cheese-like” substitute. This flaky product has a cheesy, nutty flavor that won’t disappoint your taste buds. Anyone can benefit
from adding nutritional yeast into their daily meal plan, but especially vegetarians or vegans (those who need more animal-based protein and B vitamins). Nutritional yeast is a complete protein, providing 18 amino acids, nine of which are essential amino acids that your body cannot produce. Just two tablespoons provide only 50 calories, 5 grams of
carbohydrates, 4 grams of dietary fiber, 0 grams of sugar, 8 grams of protein and 130 percent B12 (B12 is a vitamin typically found in animal-based foods, such as red meat and eggs). If you don’t consume much of these nutrients, nutritional yeast would be a great alternative. You can find it at any health food store as well as some grocery stores.
Easy ways to add nutritional yeast into your daily routine:
Make cheese toast: Grab a slice of 100 percent whole wheat or whole grain bread, spread 1 tablespoon vegan Earth Balance Spread (or spread of choice), and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for that extra kick.
If you’re not a fan and want to minimize the taste, you can add a couple of tablespoons into a homemade smoothie.
Nutritional Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons onto your salad, oatmeal or popcorn.
yeast
Trying to eat more veggies? Add some on top of a vegetable medley.
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