The Benefits Of Brewer's Yeast For Human Health

Brewer 's yeast is a single-celled fungus that is used as a main ingredient in brewing beer.

Surprisingly, it has many health benefits and years ago was used as a natural remedy to treat insomnia, as well as to increase lactation during breastfeeding.

Recent studies reveal more potential benefits of brewer's yeast and show that it can be used to prevent diarrhea, aid digestion and even stimulate the immune system.

But that's not all, each spoonful of brewer's yeast releases a large amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber, which makes it an easy and affordable way to enrich your diet with the nutrients you need.

Brewer's yeast is rich in nutrients, as well as fiber, selenium and vitamin B.
Two tablespoons (30 grams) of yeast contain approximately:

• 116 calories;
• 16 grams of protein;
• 0 grams of fat;
• 13 grams of carbohydrates;
• 6 grams of fiber;
• 63 micrograms selenium (90% of the recommended daily dose);
• 1.5 milligrams of riboflavin (vitamin B2, 90% of the recommended daily dose);
• 1.2 milligrams of thiamine (vitamin B1, 80% of the recommended daily dose);
• 10 milligrams of niacin (vitamin B3, 50% of the recommended daily dose);
• 1 milligram of honey (50% of the recommended daily dose);
• 0.8 milligrams of vitamin B6 (40% of the recommended daily dose);
• 633 milligrams of potassium (18% of the recommended daily dose);
• 60 micrograms folate (15% of the recommended daily dose);

Lowers blood sugar levels

Incorporating brewer's yeast into your daily routine can help balance your blood sugar levels. Yeast increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. The advantages of brewer's yeast are also due to the chromium content. Chromium is a mineral that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.

In addition, the fiber contained in brewer's yeast slows the absorption of sugar into the blood and helps maintain blood sugar levels.

Increases immunity

Whether you only have a runny nose or more serious breathing problems, brewer's yeast can help boost your immunity. It contains a large amount of  selenium , which is a powerful antioxidant. Just two teaspoons of brewer's yeast provide 90% of your daily mineral needs, and its deficiency causes a decline in the immune system.

Improves eye health

Brewer's yeast is rich in vitamins that can improve eye health.

Adding brewer's yeast to your diet can help you get the amount of thiamine you need, for example. Lower levels of this vitamin (B1) are associated with eye diseases such as glaucoma - a disorder caused by damage to the optic nerve that can lead to blurred vision or blindness.

Brewer's yeast also contains riboflavin , another vitamin that reduces the risk of vision problems such as keratoconus, a disease that manifests itself as a progressive thinning of the cornea.

Prevents migraines

Riboflavin in brewer's yeast reduces discomfort and headaches in migraines, protects brain health.

Brewer's yeast contains many important B vitamins, including thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, folate and riboflavin. They are essential for many aspects of a healthy body, but are especially important when it comes to brain health.

Thiamine deficiency is associated with a number of problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as reduced cognitive function.

Incorporating brewer's yeast into your diet can help keep your brain healthy and prevent a deficiency of some important vitamins.

Treats diarrhea

Diarrhea is often a side effect of antibiotics, as drugs alter the intestinal flora. Brewer's yeast is a natural probiotic that carries a large amount of beneficial bacteria.

Taking brewer's yeast can help reduce diarrhea due to antibiotics, it is also useful in treating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Helps digestion

Thanks to the probiotics contained in brewer's yeast, it can help improve the intestinal flora, thus improving the condition of the entire digestive system.
Probiotics reduce the pain and severity associated with irritable bowel syndrome. They can also prevent inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and block the retention of dangerous pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract.

Prevents anemia

Many people nowadays suffer from anemia - a condition characterized by an insufficient amount of healthy red blood cells, which can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness and brittle nails.

There are different types of anemia - some of which are caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals needed to produce red blood cells, such as iron and vitamin B12.

However, a deficiency of other vitamins can also cause the development of anemia. Riboflavin can affect iron metabolism and absorption and is essential for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

Brewer's yeast can cause mild side effects such as bloating and gas.

If you have frequent fungal infections or allergies to yeast, you should avoid brewer's yeast. In addition, if you suffer from Crohn's disease, you may experience side effects after using the product.

Although brewer's yeast is considered safe, it interacts with certain medications. As yeast can lower blood sugar levels, if you are taking antidiabetic medicines, you should consult your doctor to prevent dangerous lowering of blood sugar.

Due to the lack of sufficient research to ensure the safety of brewer's yeast, avoid its use during pregnancy and lactation.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, are drugs used to treat depression. Brewer's yeast is high in tyramine, which can react with MAO inhibitors and cause a sharp rise in blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. If you are taking MAO inhibitors, you should consult your doctor before taking brewer's yeast.

Similarly, taking brewer's yeast with certain painkillers, such as Demerol (meperidine), should be avoided as it can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.