Yeast

Yeast, a single-celled microorganism, plays a vital role far beyond just leavening bread. While primarily known for its use in baking and brewing, certain types of yeast offer significant nutritional benefits, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. When we talk about yeast in the context of health, we're primarily referring to nutritional yeast and brewer's yeast, distinct from the active dry yeast used for baking.

Nutritional yeast, often deactivated Saccharomyces cerevisiae, boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It's a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids our bodies can't produce. This makes it particularly appealing to vegetarians and vegans seeking to meet their protein needs. Furthermore, many nutritional yeast products are fortified with B vitamins, including vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation, and often deficient in plant-based diets. Nutritional yeast is also a good source of selenium, an essential trace...