Yeast extract is a food flavouring agent used often in beer and bread making. It's basically the contents of the yeast without the cell walls. They are used as food additives and as flavouring agents. Restaurants and bakeries use yeast extracts on a regular basis to make fluffy bread and naans. It lends the much-loved umami taste to food. It's also used in vegan foods for its "cheesy" flavour.
Health benefits of yeast extract
Yeast extract is high in vitamin B. It's also added to food to up the protein, vitamin, minerals and antioxidants quotient of meals. Nutritional yeast helps to protect against oxidative cell damage and boosts immunity. Here are some of its health benefits.
Promotes eye health: Vitamin B is essential for good vision and healthy eyes. Since yeast extract is replete in the micronutrient, it can be an excellent addition to your diet if you have vision problems.
Boosts brain function: Yeast extract could be a brain food since its high vitamin B content cuts down the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It can also protect against brain volume loss, according to a 2008 study.
Could help balance hormones: Adding yeast extracts to the diet can aid in balancing hormones, thanks to the B vitamins that support endocrine functions.
Some other health benefits of yeast extract:
●Can aid in weight loss
●Promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails
●Improves digestion
●Boosts energy levels
●Promotes the immune system
●Promotes nerve health
●Aids cell growth
Nutritional composition of yeast
100gm of Yeast extract has the following nutrients.
| NUTRITIONAL FACTS | MEASURE % (DV) |
| Calories | 185 |
| Fat | 1% |
| Protein | 48% |
| Sodium | 123% |
| Potassium | 60% |
| Carbohydrates | 6% |
| Fibre | 28% |
| Iron | 22% |
| Calcium | 6% |
| Cobalamin | 8% |
| Magnesium | 45% |
Can yeast extract be bad for you?
People who have hypertension may avoid yeast extract due to its extremely high sodium content.
Yeast extract could also trigger migraines in people who are susceptible. Some contain a compound called tyramine, which could induce migraine attacks.
It's also known to call facial flushing (reddening of the face) due to its niacin content.
While it's not very common, yeast extracts can also trigger digestive issues if it is introduced suddenly into your diet. So it's best avoided by people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's disease.
How to use yeast extract?
Yeast extract has a wonderful umami flavour, which can be a good substitute for cheese in a vegan mac-and-cheese. It can also be used to flavour vegetable stocks for a meat-like flavour.
Vegemite and Marmite are popular yeast extract brands used in Australia and UK. They are usually slathered over a slice of toast with butter and enjoyed as a highly-nutritious snack.
It's a great way for vegans to get their dose of vitamin B 12, which can be hard to obtain from a plant-based diet.
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