Although Nutritional Yeast is very high in protein (It is a complete protein and contains more protein than meat), is valued mainly for being the richest known natural source of the B-complex vitamins, including B12 and it helps in the regulation of blood sugar. The earliest recorded use was in 1550 BC in Egypt, but it is only during the last few decades that the health benefits of nutritional yeast have been fully recognized.

Nutritional yeast is grown and used as a food supplement. At the end of the growth period, the culture is pasteurized to kill the yeast (never use a live yeast (i.e. baking yeast) as a food supplement because the live yeast continues to grow in the intestine and actually uses up the vitamin B in the body instead of replenishing the supply). Brewer's yeast is nutritionally the similar to Nutritional Yeast but as a by-product of the beer-brewing industry it has a bitter hops flavor).

Nutritional yeast contains all of the amino acids and 15 minerals, most notably chromium, also known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). Chromium facilitates blood sugar regulation and is important for diabetics and people with a tendency toward low blood sugar. Being rich in the B-complex vitamins, it is vital in many ways and particularly good for stress reduction. The B-complex vitamins are what make nutritional yeast know as a valuable supplement to vegetarians (and meat eaters), because it is one of the few vegetarian sources of B12.

How to incorporate Nutritional Yeast into your diet (it has a cheesy flavour):

• Use it as a condiment sprinkled on meals, or on popcorn.
• Add 1/2 tsp. per 1 cup liquid to sauces.
• Add 1 Tbs. per 2 cups mixture to vegetable, bean and grain burgers.
• Use 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast along with each cup of flour or meal in baked goods.
• Make a yeast "cheese" to top a vegan pizza or lasagna.
• Add it to your cat or dog's food to help eliminate fleas and promote a healthy coat and good general nutrition.

Nutritional Yeasts vary in nutritional content depending on the source, but all have a rich nutritional profile; here is the B vitamin range per 100g serving:

• Thiamine (B1) 12-60mg
• Riboflavin (B2) 20-60mg
• Niacin (B3) 120-350mg
• Pyridoxine (B6) 2.5-60mg
• B12 5-50mcg
• Folic Acid 2-7mg
• Pantothenic Acid 7-10mg
• Biotin .05-.13mg
• Choline 400mg
• Inositol 350-470mg
• P.A.B.A 2.5-4mg

Sources: Engivita Nutritional Yeast Product Information Pamphlet and Sundance Natural Foods Inc. Product Information Site.

If you would like to check out 2 of our favourite recipes with nutritional yeast take a look at:
'Ooey Gooey Sheeze' & 'Fake Meat: Let's Call it Smeat!!'


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