Nutritional Yeast: 6 Benefits & Uses

Nutritional yeast is made from sugarcane and beet molasses. You can find it in flakes, granules or a powder-like form. Despite its name, nutritional yeast is not used in baking. It's grown from fungi, like cordyceps and mushrooms. Nutritional yeast can help thicken homemade sauces and dressings, or add a cheesy taste to vegan dishes. Thanks to the many nutrients it contains, nutritional yeast benefits include improved digestion, healthy skin and a strengthened immune system, among other benefits.

Nutritional Yeast Benefits

1. Preserves Immune Function

Nutritional yeast benefits include the ability to support a healthy immune system. It contains compounds that are associated with the ability to unclog arteries, improve cholesterol levels, increase immunity and reduce the risk of cancer. Thanks to the nutrients it contains, nutritional yeast benefits also include the ability to prevent iron deficiency. It contains a healthy dose of iron, selenium and zinc, which plays an important role in repairing cell damage and healing wounds.

2. Provides Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties

Nutritional yeast benefits include powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that nutritional yeast is one of the best remedies for chronic candida symptoms. Nutritional yeast can also help fight E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus.

3. Improves Digestion

Nutritional yeast benefits the digestive system by fighting diarrhea, constipation and other digestive problems. The probiotics it contains help fill the gut with healthy bacteria to reduce gastrointestinal issues. By balancing gut bacteria, the probiotics help ensure that the digestive system runs smoothly.

4. Contains Beneficial Protein and Thiamine

Nutritional yeast contains at least 18 different amino acids that help benefit the body. The protein it contains may be especially beneficial for vegans and vegetarians who don't get protein through meat sources. The body needs protein to help build muscle mass, heal wounds and improve focus. A protein deficiency can lead to muscle, bone and joint pain, trouble losing weight and low energy levels. Nutritional yeast benefits also include the ability to support high energy levels and boost metabolism function, thanks to the thiamine it contains.

5. Promotes Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

Nutritional yeast benefits extend to skin, hair and nails. It contains a significant amount of B vitamins, which help reduce signs of aging, including redness and age spots. Nutritional yeast benefits acne as well, thanks to the niacin it contains. The Vitamin B7 or biotin in nutritional yeast can help increase hair growth and thickness. It also provides benefits for healthy skin and nails.

6. Aids in a Healthy Pregnancy

Nutritional yeast benefits include the ability to promote a healthy pregnancy and even help prevent birth defects. It's rich in folate, which plays a key role in preventing major birth defects, including spina bifida. Studies suggest that nutritional yeast is a healthy diet addition for pregnant women. Just one tablespoon of nutritional yeast contains 1,059 micrograms of folate.