Brewer’s Yeast Facts

Brewer’s yeast is a fungus, Saccharomyces cervisae. It is used in some baked products, making beer and as a nutritional additive (in the inactive form). Brewers yeast is added to malted barley and hops to produce an alcoholic beer, after fermentation. In baked goods, it is used as a flavor or nutritional additive. However, brewer’s yeast is most well known for its health benefits.

Nutritional Value

Brewer’s yeast is a good source of B complex vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, folic acid and protein. It is often used by vegetarians as a protein source.

Preparations

Brewer’s yeast may be purchased in tablets, capsules, flakes or powdered form. It has a nutty flavor and is often added to soups, baked items, juices, shakes and sprinkled on salads or cereal. No refrigeration is required.

Glucose Tolerance

A high content of chromium is found in brewer’s yeast. This mineral has been found to be beneficial to diabetics because of its ability to improve glucose tolerance.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The most common medicinal use of brewer’s yeast has been for diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. It has the ability to restore balance to intestinal flora.

Side Effects

Some individuals have adverse reactions to brewer’s yeast, such as allergy related headaches, skin reactions and intestinal discomfort. People taking prescribed MAO Inhibitors should not use brewer’s yeast. It may cause blood pressure to rise.