Il nutritional yeast flakes is a food supplement made from deactivated brewer's yeast, rich in B vitamins, fiber and iron. Let's find out better.
> What is nutritional yeast flakes
> Properties and characteristics
> How to use it in the kitchen
What is nutritional yeast flakes
This is the brewer's yeast which, having been deactivated, has lost its ability to rise and ferment and for this reason it cannot be used for breads or sweets, but it can be considered a dietary supplement to all effects.
Il flavor natural yeast flakes is intense and often considered similar to cheese, pungent and creamy and for this reason it is often used as a condiment and used in vegan and vegetarian cuisine instead of cheese, giving the dishes a distinct and pleasant flavor. Its use is very ancient and according to some documents it was already used in Egypt for its health and beauty benefits.
The production of this yeast requires the cultivation of brewer's yeast, a fungus of the species Saccharomycies cerevisiae, for several days in a glucose solution. When the yeast is ready, we proceed to its deactivation by heat and consequently it is washed, left to dry and reduced to flakes or powder.
It is a product a low fat and sodium, with no added sugar and despite being grown in cane or beet sugar, it is not sweet and it is not a source of sugar.
Properties and characteristics
On a nutritional level it is an excellent source of B vitamins, essential amino acids, fiber and iron, although the values ​​vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and depending on whether the yeast is fortified or not.
On average, two tablespoons provide 60 calories, 5 g of carbohydrates and 9 of proteins, and in the case of fortified yeast also a good dose of iron and a higher content of vitamins B. In some cases vitamin B12 is also added, but the yeast itself is not a natural source.
It is also useful to note the fiber content of nutritional yeast flakes and the presence of beta glucans, a type of fiber with beneficial effects on the immune system and useful for reducing cholesterol.
In addition, this yeast is also a good source of selenium and potassium and thanks to its rich content of vitamins, folic acid, minerals and amino acids, flake yeast contributes to the improvement and maintenance of the health and beauty of skin and hair.
However, among the beneficial effects of a treatment based on flakes of brewer's yeast, the main one is the rebalancing of the intestinal bacterial flora, with consequent help in overcoming malabsorption disorders and some inflammatory diseases of the colon.
Also discover the benefits and use of brewer's yeast
How it is used in the kitchen
Va always used raw to keep all its properties intact, so never add it while cooking or on a too hot dish. Just sprinkle it on foods like cheese or you can also use it on desserts and mix with ground almonds, seeds and spices.
Being dry though it is better to use it with oil or with a dish with gravy. Try it on a plate of pasta or rice, or on popcorn while still hot, or mix a few teaspoons with the dressing for a fresh mixed salad or on freshly cooked steamed vegetables.
For doses, consider 4-5 teaspoons per day, without exceeding. It is advisable to always choose a pure product, without excipients or other additions and it is better to keep it in a place away from light as this can destroy the vitamins.
If you decide to take flake yeast, for example during the change of seasons, when you tend to feel more weakened, it is best not to use it for more than 2-3 months in a row - it is always a product based on fungi.
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> Brewer's yeast flakes among the foods for the vegetarian diet
