Brewer's yeast is a type of nutritional yeast that's packed with vitamins and minerals. Just 2 tablespoons of brewer's yeast (30g) can provide 115 calories. It's a great way to boost your nutrient intake, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan.

This nutritional powerhouse is also low in fat and sugar but high in protein, fiber, and B-complex vitamins. Brewer's yeast is made from the same type of yeast used to make beer and bread, but it's deactivated, so it won't cause fermentation in your body.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of brewer's yeast for weight loss, energy levels, digestion, immune system, skin and hair health, breastfeeding, and even beer-making. So, let's get started!

What is Brewer's yeast?

Brewer's yeast is a type of nutritional yeast that's derived from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain of yeast. It's a natural source of many vitamins and minerals, including B-complex vitamins, protein, fiber, chromium, and selenium. Brewer's yeast is often used as a dietary supplement to boost nutrient intake or as a natural remedy for various health issues. This yeast is also gluten-free and low in calories, fat, and sugar. It has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor that's similar to Marmite or Vegemite. You can find brewer's yeast in powder or tablet form at health food stores, online retailers, or some supermarkets.

Brewer's yeast and weight loss

Brewer's yeast is often recommended for weight loss because it's low in calories and carbs but high in fiber and protein. It can help you feel full for longer and reduce cravings for sugary or fatty foods. Brewer's yeast can also boost your metabolism and energy levels, which can help you burn more calories and fat during your workouts or daily activities. One study found that consuming brewer's yeast with a meal reduced hunger and increased fullness in overweight adults. Another study found that brewer's yeast supplementation improved body composition in women with obesity. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of brewer's yeast intake for weight loss.

Benefits of brewer's yeast

Brewer's yeast is not only good for weight loss but also for overall health and well-being. Some of the benefits of brewer's yeast include: 1. Boosting the immune system: Brewer's yeast contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that can enhance immune function and reduce inflammation. 2. Improving digestion: Brewer's yeast is rich in probiotics or beneficial bacteria that can help maintain gut health and prevent digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

Brewer's yeast and energy levels

Brewer's yeast is a natural source of B-complex vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins play a vital role in energy metabolism, which means they help convert the food you eat into fuel for your body and brain. Brewer's yeast can also improve mental clarity, concentration, and memory, thanks to its high content of choline, a nutrient that's essential for brain health. So, if you're feeling sluggish or foggy, try adding brewer's yeast to your diet and see if it makes a difference.

Brewer's yeast and digestion

Brewer's yeast contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria or probiotics that can promote digestive health and prevent digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. These probiotics can also boost your immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and white blood cells that fight off infections and diseases. Brewer's yeast can also improve your gut flora or the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. This can help reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or yeasts like Candida albicans that can cause thrush, yeast infections, and other health problems.

Brewer's yeast and immune system

Brewer's yeast is a natural source of beta-glucans or complex sugars that can boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, macrophages, and antibodies that fight infections and diseases. Beta-glucans can also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are risk factors for chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. In fact, some studies have shown that brewer's yeast can lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of these diseases.

Brewer's yeast and skin health

Brewer's yeast is a rich source of B-complex vitamins, especially biotin or vitamin B7, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Biotin can improve the texture and tone of your skin, prevent acne, rashes, and other skin problems, and promote hair growth and strength. Brewer's yeast can also protect your skin from UV damage and oxidative stress, thanks to its high content of antioxidants like selenium, vitamin E, and glutathione. These antioxidants can neutralize free radicals or unstable molecules that damage your cells and DNA, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Brewer's yeast and hair health

Brewer's yeast is a natural source of protein, which is essential for hair growth and repair. Protein can strengthen your hair follicles, prevent breakage, and increase the thickness and volume of your hair. Brewer's yeast is also rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish your hair, such as biotin, zinc, and copper. These nutrients can improve the texture, shine, and color of your hair and prevent hair loss and thinning.

Brewer's yeast and breastfeeding

Brewer's yeast is a popular natural remedy for breastfeeding moms who want to boost their milk supply. It's rich in B-complex vitamins, especially vitamin B1 or thiamine, which can stimulate milk production and improve the quality and quantity of breast milk. Brewer's yeast can also provide essential nutrients for both mom and baby, such as protein, iron, folate, and calcium. However, nursing moms should consult their doctor or lactation consultant before taking brewer's yeast, especially if they have a history of yeast or fungal infections, allergies, or other medical conditions.

Brewer's yeast and beer-making

Brewer's yeast is a crucial ingredient in beer-making, as it converts the sugar in the wort (malt extract) into alcohol and carbon dioxide through fermentation. Without yeast, beer would just be sweet malt juice. Brewer's yeast is available in various strains that can produce different flavors, aromas, and alcohol contents in beer. Some of the most common types of brewer's yeast used in beer-making are ale yeast, lager yeast, wheat yeast, and Belgian yeast. Fun fact: Brewer's yeast is also used in baking, as it can help leaven the bread dough and give it a distinctive flavor and texture.