Nutritional yeast is called nooch for short. It is a superfood that’s very important to vegans as well as vegetarians, and has recently become very popular. If you have heard a lot about nutritional yeast and have no clue about it, you have come to the right place.
Nutritional yeast appeals to many people not just because of its taste. It is not a dairy product, does not come from animals, and is gluten-free.
What does nutritional yeast taste like? Nutritional yeast is unique. It is a way of getting that cheese taste out of your food without worrying about the sodium from actual cheese. It also brings a nutty flavor to different dishes and recipes. Nutritional yeast’s texture depends on how you use it. It is usually creamy in hot dishes; it brings on more texture in cold dishes.
Don’t let the name nutritional yeast fool you. It is not strange and not exactly a new discovery. It is perfectly safe to eat and would definitely help your recipe or dish taste better.
Vegans love nutritional yeast; it is not just filled with nutrients. It is a great way to bring that cheesy or nutty flavor to foods.
Nutritional Benefits of Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is regarded as a superfood. It is packed with vitamins, high in protein, and low-fat content. You will get 8 grams of protein and 1 gram of fat from two tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
The protein in nutritional yeast is complete; this simply means that it contains all the amino acids that the body needs to function properly. It is also great for the digestive tract because one serving supplies your body with 4 grams of fiber. That’s equal to the amount you get from eating a cup of cooked oatmeal.
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that most vegans have to take supplements for because you can find it in plants. This is why nutritional yeast is not just fun to them because of the taste. One serving of nutritional yeast provides the body with more than 100 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin B12.
Nutritional yeast is also a good source of B-complex vitamins and contains high levels of zinc, folic acid, and phosphorus. Note that these vitamins do not occur naturally in yeast; nutritional yeast is fortified with these vitamins. Unfortified nutritional yeast will only contain the standard vitamins you get from regular yeast.
Nutritional yeast fits into any diet. It is low in fat, calories, and sodium. It contains antioxidants that can help the body fight free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Foods like nutritional yeast can help reduce the chances of contracting a chronic disease. It also contains alpha mannan and beta-glucan, which are two main carbs that offer antiviral and antibacterial protection.
Beta-glucan can help boost the immune system by supporting gut bacteria and help improve overall health and wellbeing.
Culinary Uses of Nutritional Yeast
One of the most popular ways nutritional yeast is used is for making popcorn. Add some nooch to the corn kernels before you pop them and enjoy popcorn that tastes mushroomy or cheesy.
At times, nutritional yeast tastes like roast chicken. You can also add nooch to vegetables, soups, stews, and sauces. Some people even use it in marinades. If you love experimenting with food, try substituting nooch for cheese in your recipes and see what happens.
Nutritional yeast works best as a replacement for grated cheese. You won’t be able to tell the difference. It is perfect as a topping for pasta, pizza, and salads.
Nutritional yeast makes a great addition to vegan parmesan. It can also be used to relax dough.
What is the Origin of Nutritional Yeast? Where to Procure it?
Nutritional yeast is obtained from regular yeast. Manufacturers make it by putting regular yeast in a sugar-based medium like sugar cane, molasses, or beets. In this medium, the yeast is left to grow for several days, after which it is pasteurized to deactivate it.
What’s left of the yeast after it has been deactivated is a paste that is rolled out and left to dry, mostly by heating. It is then crumbled into flakes.
Most manufacturers will go on to fortify the yeast with nutrients, especially B vitamins, before it is packaged. Most brands will state the nutritional facts on their product’s label, so you can be sure of what you are having. The nutritional value of nutritional yeast depends on the brand you are buying.
You can get nutritional yeast from the nearest grocery store, from big supermarkets to food stores; it is not hard to find.
Is Nutritional Yeast Great For Weight Loss?
As mentioned, nutritional yeast is an excellent source of B vitamins. This makes it a great addition to a weight loss diet for people that are trying to lose weight.
Vitamin B12, in particular, helps the body break down carbohydrates into energy, making metabolic processes faster. The fact that it is a protein powerhouse is also a plus because it can help you build muscles too.
Facts You Don’t Know About Nutritional Yeast
- Nutritional yeast has some side effects. Consuming too much can cause digestive discomfort thanks to the high amount of fiber and niacin. It could also trigger migraines in some people because it sometimes contains tyramine.
- If you have yeast allergies, stay away from nutritional yeast. Don’t take it unless your doctor has cleared it safe for consumption. It would be best to consult a registered dietician before adding nutritional yeast to your diet.