Description
Brewer's yeast is exactly as it sounds -- that used to make beer. Also known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this tiny fungus is different from bread-raising baker's yeast and is not related to Candida albicans -- the species that causes yeast infections.
Yeast is a single-cell organism and can be grown on anything sugary. It will divide approximately twenty times before it dies. These divisions themselves divide within days, as do their offspring, resulting in millions of yeast cells over a very short period of time.
Yeast typically requires the same vitamins and amino acids needed by humans. As they are grown on foods lacking in some nutrients, the yeast is forced to manufacture its own amino acids and vitamins through biochemical reactions. In the end, the yeast becomes a more complete food for those who consume it.
As with baker's yeast and hot ovens, the live cells in brewer's yeast are destroyed during the brewing process. However, the nutrients accumulated by the yeast remain.
"Brewer's yeast" and "nutritional yeast" are two terms often used interchangeably. However, nutritional yeast refers to any yeast grown for the purpose of becoming a food supplement. It may be brewer's yeast, but can also be yeast from another species.
Brewer's yeast contains vitamins B1/thiamin, B2/riboflavin, B3/niacin, B6/pyridoxine, B12/cobalamin, folic acid, and the minerals chromium (in relatively large amounts), copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. It also contains protein, accounting for slightly more than half its weight.
Brewer's yeast tastes slightly bitter and has a strong taste of yeast-rich bread or sweet bread dough.
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The chromium present in brewer's yeast may help treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and high cholesterol.
Chromium helps regulate blood sugar/glucose and insulin levels. And the chromium present in brewer's yeast seems to be more bioavailable (easily absorbed by the body) than from other sources. Chromium works with insulin to help blood sugar cross cell membranes and into cells where it is then metabolized. If you have diabetes, brewer's yeast may thus prove beneficial. It is also believed that some chromium in brewer's yeast is glucose tolerance factor (GTF) -- a combination of chromium, nicotinic acid (a component of B3), and amino acids. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of using brewer's yeast for these needs.
Chromium may relieve high cholesterol by increasing HDL/"good" cholesterol levels while reducing LDL/"bad" cholesterol.
Brewer's yeast grown with B12 is commonly taken by vegetarians and particularly vegans. This essential nutrient is found mainly in animal products. Brewer's yeast and various seaweed are the only alternatives for those following a non-meat or non-animal based diet. It is also helpful when dealing with pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency).
Brewer's yeast has also been used to treat eczema, nervousness, fatigue, and constipation. It may also boost exercise performance.
A number of pet owners believe that brewer's yeast helps keep fleas and ticks at bay. However, there is little scientific backing to the claim.
Source
Saccharomyces cerevisiae typically grown on grain (usually barley) or sugarcane sap and is often the by-product of beer making. Brewer's yeast grown on sugar beets tends to be more sweet and appealing.
When grown in the presence of B12 and other nutrients, brewer's yeast is used as a nutritional yeast. Others are grown with a high chromium or selenium content. In general, brewer's yeast has a wide range of nutritional values depending on the species of yeast and growth medium.
Brewer's yeast is available in powder, flake, or tablet form.
Optimal Absorption
Start with 1/4 teaspoon daily. Gradually increase intake to 1 - 3 tablespoons daily as per the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. If you find the taste unpalatable, you may take brewer's yeast in tablet form.
Take on an empty stomach. If indigestion occurs, take with food.
If adding to food, stir brewer's yeast flakes or powder into juice (particularly grape juice), water, or soups, sprinkle on salads, popcorn, cottage cheese, or yogurt, or add to casseroles and any dish containing tomato sauce. Heating brewer's yeast results in a stronger flavour. Instead, add to foods as they are being served.
NOTE: Nutrient content can vary due to a wide variety of growing and processing methods, age of yeast, and exact type. Check the label for accurate nutrient breakdowns.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner before beginning supplementation.
Do not take brewer's yeast if you have candidiasis.
If you are allergic to molds, use brewer's yeast with caution and only under the supervision of your naturopath or other health practitioner.
Due to high amounts of phosphorus in brewer's yeast, people with osteoporosis should avoid this food. High levels of phosphorus in the body may leech calcium from bones as your body attempts to maintain a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus.
You may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort in the first few days of supplementation as your body becomes accustomed to this food. Start with the lower dosage of 1/4 teaspoon and gradually increase intake. May cause occasional flatulence or digestive upset.
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