Is yeast healthy? Well, yes. For many years they seemed to be just an ingredient needed for bread and wine, today they are revealing their amazing health properties. It is not only an addition to baked goods and beverages, but also a rich source of nutrients that support immunity and benefit skin, hair and nails. Yeast also helps reduce fatigue and has a number of other valuable benefits. Worth remembering, yeast is a real mine of B vitamins, proteins, minerals and enzymes. Their impact on our health is large, and their possibilities are surprising. Read the article and learn about the health properties of yeast. Find out how boosting immunity and benefiting the body goes hand in hand with improving skin and hair condition.
Table of contents
- 1 What is yeast?
- 2 Baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast… Types of yeast by application.
- 3 Types of yeast by form
- 4 Which yeast to choose for health purposes?
- 5 What vitamins and minerals does yeast contain? Nutritional values of yeast
- 6 Is yeast healthy? Health properties of yeast
- 7 How to make a yeast drink?
- 8 Drinking yeast or yeast in supplements?
- 9 1. yeast for good immunity of the body
- 10 2. yeast for youth and vitality of the body
- 11 3. yeast an ally of a healthy, well-functioning thyroid gland
- 12 4. yeast as a prescription for curbing appetite and better weight control
- 13 5. yeast will improve the functioning of glucose-insulin metabolism
- 14 6. yeast will help lower blood cholesterol levels
- 15 7. yeast a treasure trove of B vitamins valuable for the nervous system
- 16 8. yeast will support intestinal function
- 17 9. yeast for strong bones
- 18 10. yeast for beautiful skin and strong hair and nails
- 19 11. yeast as a comprehensive remedy for skin impurities, yeast for acne
- 20 12.Yeast as a base for regenerating masks for damaged and overworked skin
What is yeast?
In the era of widespread search for natural ways to strengthen immunity in order to better protect the body from pathogens and harmful factors of civilization, yeast is attracting more and more attention.
Is yeast healthy and does it have a significant effect on the body? Is yeast, which can be bought in any grocery store, really a mine of valuable ingredients for us? Yes, but it should be remembered that ordinary yeast is also not without downsides. First of all, they require proper preparation for consumption, so that they show bioactive effects and help our body, not harm it.
Wanting to consume yeast for health purposes, we must also prepare for its not very pleasant taste. Unless we use ready-made dietary supplements containing yeast extracts. These will not condemn us to unpleasant taste sensations. But about that later.
What is yeast? They are single-celled organisms included in the kingdom of fungi, the yeast family and the genus Saccharomyces. There are many species of yeast, but in the food industry it is mainly the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is used. Its various strains, including bakery, beer and wine, have been used by humans since ancient times, whether for baking or making upscale beverages.
Yeasts are organisms that feed on simple sugars and disaccharides, leadingc under anaerobic conditions to alcoholic fermentation (by way of transformation, sugars are “eaten” by the yeast, after which they are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide).
Yeasts in the wild are found all over the world, including in soil, water, on vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, in silage, meat products and other foods. They like a warm environment with a slightly acidic or neutral pH. Viable cells of wild yeast can be observed in the form of a whitish precipitate, which sometimes appears on heavily ripe fruits and vegetables. Yeasts belonging to wild species are considered harmful and aggravate the spoilage of food and beverages.
For industrial purposes, especially for baked goods, beer and wine, yeast is properly selected and cultured under controlled laboratory conditions. Food yeast is cultured in large fermentation tanks, where the yeast grows and reproduces to form suitable cultures, which are then used in the production of various food products.
Yeasts cultured in this way are then used as starters in food production. Their fermentation activity influences the taste and other characteristics of a given product (for example, thanks to the carbon dioxide produced, baked goods achieve a high degree of fluffiness).
Baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast… Types of yeast by application.
In terms of application, the following types of yeast are distinguished:
- Baker’s yeast (baker’s yeast) – used mainly for baking bread, rolls, cakes and similar products. Their main function is the fermentation of sugars, which leads to the production of carbon dioxide, fluffing and growth of dough.
- Brewer’s yeast (beer yeast) – is used in the brewing process. During the fermentation of sugars contained in malt or other grain substances, brewer’s yeast converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- Wine yeast (wine yeast) – yeast specifically designed for the fermentation of grape must, from which wines are made. The sugars in the must are converted into alcohol.
- Distillery yeast – this type of yeast is used in the production of distilled spirits, such as vodka, rum and cognac. Their main function is to convert the sugars contained in the raw material (e.g. grain, fruit, potatoes) into alcohol.
- Kefir yeast – used to ferment milk in the production of kefir. Together with lactic acid bacteria, they convert lactose into lactic acid.
- Probiotic yeast – yeast strains that have beneficial effects on intestinal and digestive health. They are used as dietary supplements to improve intestinal flora.
- Nutritional (inactive) yeast – although not active in the fermentation sense, it is a rich source of nutrients such as B vitamins, proteins, minerals and amino acids. They are mainly used in supplementation.
Types of yeast by form
Based on the form in which they occur, yeast can be systematized as follows:
- Fresh yeast – yeast in the form of a fresh, soft block, containing live, active yeast cultures. They are most often used for baking.
- Dry yeast – yeast available in the form of flakes or granules, formed by removing water (so it is more durable and easier to store than fresh yeast). They require making a leavening to activate.
- Instant yeast (dry active yeast) – is dried in a special way to make it more active and instantly start the fermentation process. They do not require making a leavening.
Which yeast to choose for health purposes?
Choosing the right yeast for health purposes depends mainly on individual needs and health goals. If you want to support intestinal health, consider probiotic yeast, which contains beneficial microorganisms that support intestinal microflora.
On the other hand, for those looking to boost immunity and saturate the body with valuable nucleotides and nutrients, nutritional yeast present in extract form in a variety of dietary supplements will be a good option.
What vitamins and minerals does yeast contain? Nutritional values of yeast
Yeast contains a rich spectrum of important compounds for the work of the human body, immunity and the process of tissue regeneration. One of them is nucleotides, which are molecules necessary for the construction of DNA, RNA, enzymes, among others, involved in all cellular activities. Thanks to them, yeast intensively supports immune functions and contributes to the improvement of regenerative processes in the body. The nucleotides present in yeast play an important role in protein synthesis, the transmission of hormonal impulses and energy transport, thus benefiting the overall condition of the body.
Yeast is also a whole range of vitamins and minerals. They also contain a wide pool of amino acids, proteins, enzymes and immune system-stimulating beta-glucans.
Nutrients present in yeast:
- B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, biotin, folic acid, B12,
- Vitamin E,
- choline,
- minerals: zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine, potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, chromium, manganese,
- amino acids: lysine, valine, leucine, isoleucine,arginine, tryptophan, methionine, threonine,
- proteins,
- peptides,
- glutathione,
- unsaturated fatty acids,
- selenomethionine,
- inositol,
- beta-glucans.
Is yeast healthy? Health properties of yeast
Known for centuries, yeast plays an important role not only in baking or fermentation processes, but also in maintaining good health. These inconspicuous microorganisms can surprise us with their health-promoting properties. From improving immunity to supporting healthy skin and digestive system, yeast is increasingly becoming a focus of attention in the context of a healthy lifestyle.
Valuable properties of yeast:
- regenerative,
- antioxidant,
- immunomodulatory,
- protective (for the heart, digestive system, skeletal system, among others),
- improving digestion,
- anti-inflammatory,
- improving brain function,
- strengthening,
- revitalizing,
- regulating carbohydrate metabolism,
- restorative, improving the condition of hair, skin and nails.
How to make a yeast drink?
To make a yeast drink yourself, all you need is to get fresh yeast (alternatively, we can use dried yeast).
What you need to remember before drinking is to “kill” the yeast with very hot water or milk to deactivate it. This is a very important step, because live yeast can settle in the digestive tract and start fermenting, which can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.
A simple recipe for yeast drink:
Put crumbled fresh yeast (about 1/3 packet) in a large mug. Pour boiling water or milk (about 250 ml). Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Allow to cool. Drink.
Be sure not to add products containing simple sugars to the drink, as they can deprive the yeast of its valuable health properties.
The first effects of drinking yeast can be noticed after 2-3 weeks.
Drinking yeast or yeast in supplements?
Drinking yeast is an effective method for improving health and beauty, but it is undoubtedly not for everyone. To put it mildly, it is not one of the attractive in taste. For some, it is downright undrinkable. The second inconvenience is the need to prepare the yeast drink every day. Not everyone has the time or inclination to do so.
For those who prefer faster and simpler solutions, for those who can’t imagine drinking yeast because of its bad taste, and for those looking for alooking for a strong and fast-acting support, ready-made yeast supplements are certainly a better option than a standard yeast drink.
Oo 12 beneficial actions of yeast!
1. yeast for good immunity of the body
Yeast benefits immunity through its well-balanced composition, which includes nucleotides, B vitamins, zinc, selenium and other key substances for the immune system. Nucleotides support the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which is important for the body’s regeneration processes and the production of immune cells.
B vitamins play an important role in the production of lymphocytes, key immune cells, as well as antibodies and cytokines. In addition, zinc and selenium are minerals essential for the proper functioning of immune cells, and their presence in yeast may translate into greater efficiency of the body’s defense responses.
Thanks to its rich composition, yeast contributes to strengthening the immune system and increasing the body’s ability to fight infection and disease.
Highly active yeast extract can be found in the formula NuviaLab Immune. There are also other ingredients with similar effects in it, which translates into greater effectiveness of the capsules.
2. yeast for youth and vitality of the body
Thanks to proteins, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, yeast helps regulate metabolic processes in the body. Thanks to nucleotides and antioxidants, they improve regeneration, inhibit the aging process and provide a protective coat for cells. They help to keep youth and vigor longer, increase energy levels and influence longevity.
3. yeast an ally of a healthy, well-functioning thyroid gland
Consuming yeast can benefit the thyroid gland thanks to its content of ingredients such as iodine, selenium and B vitamins. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate many metabolic functions in the body. Also, selenium and B vitamins are involved in the production of thyroid hormones, supporting the normal function of this gland.
4. yeast as a prescription for curbing appetite and better weight control
Drinking yeast is a good way to curb excessive appetite and better control the amount of calories consumed. The presence of chromium in yeast is good news for people who have a problem with sweets.
5. yeast will improve the functioning of glucose-insulin metabolism
Yeast can affect blood sugar regulation thanks to the presence of substances such as dietary fiber, beta-glucans and chromium. These components improve glucose metabolism, delay the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, counteract spikes in blood sugar levels after a meal and increase tissue sensitivity to insulin. As a result, they promote glycemic stabilization.
6. yeast will help lower blood cholesterol levels
Thanks to beta-glucans (a form of soluble fiber), yeast helps regulate cholesterol. They bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and stimulate its excretion from the body. Regular consumption of yeast can help reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol LDL.
7. yeast a treasure trove of B vitamins valuable for the nervous system
Yeast is rich in B vitamins, which are extremely important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Thanks to these vitamins, yeast reduces symptoms of fatigue, eliminates depressive states, regulates mood. They also improve concentration and have a beneficial effect on mental performance.
8. yeast will support intestinal function
Yeast supports the growth and development of beneficial intestinal microflora, also improves digestive processes, preventing annoying gastric discomfort.
9. yeast for strong bones
Yeast components such as B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein play a key role in maintaining bone health by strengthening bone structure, improving mineral density and supporting regeneration processes. Regular consumption of yeast can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain physical fitness into old age.
10. yeast for beautiful skin and strong hair and nails
Thanks to its content of B vitamins, including biotin (vitamin H), proteins, amino acids, as well as minerals such as copper, zinc, ironelazo, selenium and others, yeast promotes skin cell regeneration and stimulates the production of new skin cells. They also strengthen hair follicles and benefit hair structure. They improve the level of elasticity of the skin, provide nutrition and strength to the nails, influencing their healthier appearance.
11. yeast as a comprehensive remedy for skin impurities, yeast for acne
Yeast has anti-inflammatory and skin cleansing properties. They also help regulate sebum production, which reduces the frequency of pimples and blackheads. Yeast also supports a healthy bacterial flora of the skin, reducing susceptibility to infections and acne lesions.
12.Yeast as a base for regenerating masks for damaged and overworked skin
Yeast can be beneficial for regenerating damaged and overtired skin due to its content of B vitamins, amino acids, proteins and minerals. These ingredients promote repair processes in the skin, improving its level of elasticity, hydration, nourishment, tension and smoothness. They also have a positive effect on skin tone.
What’s more, yeast contains anti-inflammatory substances that can soothe skin irritation and damage, contributing to skin renewal. Using yeast-based masks is a way to restore the skin’s healthy appearance.