Nutritional Value of Vegemite

Vegemite, a spread usually eaten on toast and crackers, was invented by Fred Walker and Cyril Callister in 1922 and is made from brewer's yeast. It is full of B vitamins and potassium. This "Pure Vegetable Extract" has become a favorite of many Australians.

Ingredients

Vegemite is made from substances left over from the brewing process. It contains yeast extract, salt, potassium chloride, malt extract, caramel color, nicotinamide, thiamine, hydrochloride, riboflavin, sulfur dioxide and natural flavor.

Nutritional Information

Vegemite is similar in taste to beef bouillon, but it is a vegetarian product. Most people either like it or hate it.

One serving of Vegemite is 1 teaspoon. There are only 10 calories per serving, and 0 fat grams, 160 milligrams of sodium, 65 milligrams of potassium, 2 grams of protein and less than 1 carbohydrate. It also supplies 2 percent of the recommended daily values of calcium and iron, 35 percent of thiamine, 45 percent of riboflavin and 25 percent of niacin.

B Vitamins

Thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are parts of the Vitamin B complex. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential vitamin that helps to turn carbohydrates into simple sugar glucose. Thiamine is also useful for keeping the nervous system functioning.

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is used to break down fat, protein and carbohydrates in the body. It also works to maintain the skin, corneas, and mucous membranes.

Niacin is a B vitamin that is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates.

Potassium Chloride

According to organicfacts.net, potassium is important for maintaining heart, brain and kidney function. It also helps to repair muscle tissue.

Iron and Calcium

Vegemite contains iron and calcium. Iron is a protein component used for metabolic function. It is also important for the production of red blood cells. Calcium is important for building healthy bones and teeth. Both of these nutrients should be part of the daily diet.

War and Nutrition

Vegemite was deemed so nutritious by the Australian government that in World War II the Australian Armed Forces bought it by the ton to keep their troops healthy.
During the war Vegemite was in short supply in civilian circles. The public was constantly reminded that the reason for this was that Vegemite was a necessity for the Australian troops. The constant shortages during World War II, and the constant public service announcements about the importance of Vegemite, led to a huge retail upswing after the war. Now, according to marmite pantry.com, Vegemite is a major dietary staple in nine out of 10 Australian homes.

References

• - Vegemite
• - Marmite
• - Organic Facts