What Foods Contain Brewer's Yeast?

Brewers yeast can be added to many foods, including soups, breads, casseroles, gravies, dips, and spreads. Brewers yeast is widely used by vegetarians as a meat alternative, as it is high in protein.

Facts

Brewers yeast is a small fungus that usually grows on barley. It is considered to be a dietary supplement and can be added to any food to increase its nutritional value.
Brewers yeast does not contain any active yeast, which can rob the body of vital nutrients; the yeast in brewers yeast has been deactivated and no longer has its leavening ability.

Function

Brewers yeast is used for its high content of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It contains B vitamins such as niacin, folic acid, riboflavin and vitamin B 6; it does not, however, contain the essential vitamin B12. Brewers yeast also contains zinc, selenium, iron and 11 other minerals along with all the essential amino acids. Brewers yeast is often prescribed by doctors as a dietary supplement in doses of 1 to 2 tbsp. daily.

Features

Brewers yeast can be found at your local health food store in the form of flakes, powder or tablets. Powdered brewer's yeast can be sprinkled on popcorn for a tasty snack or on a pet's food to keep it tick- and flee-free. When used alone, brewer's yeast has a strong, somewhat bitter taste but actually enhances the flavor of foods to which it is added.

Effects

Supplementing your diet with brewers yeast can have positive effects on wound healing and can also help prevent constipation, due to its high fiber content. It has been used to treat contact dermatitis and may also decrease bad cholesterol while raising the good. Brewers yeast has been recommended to help regulate blood sugar, improve skin, and help control the aging process.

Warnings

When using brewers yeast as a dietary supplement for the first time you may experience gas or bloating, however, if diarrhea or nausea are present, discontinue using the brewers yeast and contact a local health care practitioner as soon as possible. If any yeast allergies are known, do not use brewers yeast or any foods that contain brewers yeast. Use with caution if you are allergic to mold. Do not use brewers yeast if taking MAOIs for depression or the pain medication Demerol, as it can interact with these medications and cause serious side effects.

References

• Mother Nature
• Encyclopedia
• University of Maryland Medical Center

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Allergy