Brewers Yeast and Hair Growth

Brewers yeast is very helpful for hair growth because it contains a full complement of B vitamins, including one of the most important, biotin. Biotin is an essential nutrient whose enzymatic action helps with formation of essential fatty acids and glucose. Biotin also helps to strengthen the protein structures of the hair. These include the hair, fingernails and skin.

What is Brewer's Yeast?

True brewer's yeast is left over after the beer brewing process. An activated yeast is used as part of the fermentation of the beer. Brewer's yeast is the inactive product that is left over. Some brewer's yeast sold in stores is a nutritional equivalent that is formulated for sale as a supplement, but it is not true brewer's yeast. It is not the same as baking yeast. Do not, under any circumstances, ingest baking yeast. It can rob the body of critical nutrients. In the baking process it is rendered inactive by high temperatures.

How Does Brewer's Yeast Affect Hair?

In addition to B vitamins, brewer's yeast also is a source of the minerals selenium, copper and zinc. Biotin combined with these trace elements are integral to growing and maintaining healthy hair. Genuine brewer's yeast contains the mineral chromium. Nutritional yeast usually does not have this mineral. With its dearth of B vitamins and selenium, brewer's yeast has been effective in slowing down graying hair and and minimizing breakage.

Nutritional Support

In addition to 14 minerals and 17 vitamins, brewer's yeast also contains 16 amino acids that are highly available for use by the body's many systems. Supplementation has to be supported by a good diet to insure that hair follicles are properly nourished. Without an adequate diet, you will not get the maximum benefit of brewer's yeast.

Origins

Brewer's yeast first was introduced as a supplement for dogs to enhance their skin and coat.

Caution

Chromium has been effective in increasing glucose tolerance by decreasing insulin resistance. If you are taking insulin, be cautious while using brewer's yeast as it might cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Brewer's Yeast and Hair
• Brewer's Yeast
• Brewer's Yeast vs Nutritional Yeast