Hmmm. . . where do I begin?
I was introduced to this delicious item by my sister, who is one of the best cooks I know (hi Rachele), honestly. When she said I had to try and that I'd be hooked once I did, she was not lying.
Nutritional yeast is popular among vegans. And because of it's strong nutty/cheesy/creamy/savory flavor, it is often used as an ingredient in recipes, cheese substitutes or simply as a condiment (which is my application of choice).
It is produced by culturing the yeast with a mixture of sugarcane and beet molasses, then harvesting, washing, drying and packaging the yeast. It is usually in the bulk food section of most natural food stores in the form of yellow flakes (as seen below).
On to the "nutritional" benefits. Nutritional Yeast is an excellent source of vitamins, especially the B-complex (B1-B12) vitamins. Which are necessary in order to: support and increase metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, promote cell growth/division - including red blood cells (that help prevent anemia), support healthy liver function and reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer (only when consumed in food, not supplement form).
And if that isn't enough, Nutritional Yeast is naturally low in fat and sodium and is also a complete protein. Which means it contains an adequate proportion of all of the essential amino acids for the dietary needs of us humans. This does not only mean that it contains all the essential amino acids, but that it contains them in the optimal proportion for use by the human body.
A protein source may contain all essential amino acids, but contain one (or more) in lower proportion to the others, making it an incomplete protein. In order to be a complete protein, the source must contain all essential amino acids, and contain them in complete proportion.
The following list describes the ratio of the essential amino acids which comprises a complete protein.
Essential Amino Acid ---> mg/g of Protein
Tryptophan ---> 7
Threonine ---> 27
Isoleucine ---> 25
Leucine ---> 55
Lysine ---> 51
Methionine+Cystine ---> 25
Phenylalanine+Tyrosine ---> 47
Valine ---> 32
Histidine ---> 18
Nutritional yeast is now something I always keep in my kitchen. Often when I'm craving cheese and/or salt (since I've given up both due to Zone/Paleo) this nutritious gem comes in very handy. I'll just scoop a spoon full into my mouth and let it dissolve in a burst of flavor that attacks my taste buds. It is good on anything that would typically call for cheese, literally. Burgers, tacos, eggs (essential with eggs), soup etc. The possibilities are endless!
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