In recent years he has come out of the corner of the vegan handouts to land in the dishes of anyone who wishes a tasty touch without guilt: the food yeastknown with the affectionate nickname of Noochhas become the protagonist of alternative and healthy condiments. Derived from Saccharomyces Cerevisiaea microorganism also used in bakery and in the production of beer, is grown on substrates such as beet tray or sugar cane and then subjected to a process that deactivates it, an action that eliminates any yeasting power, while releasing precious nutrients.
The consistency in flakes or powder and the distinctly human taste, vaguely similar to seasoned cheese, make it A perfect substitute for Parmigiano on salads, baked vegetables and first courseswithout forgetting the great importance of the nutritional value, which goes far beyond the simple flavor.
A concentrate of micronutrients: the vitamins of group B
Although the non-fortified food yeast is already beneficial in itself, most of the commercial versions are enriched with vitamins and minerals, making it a small treasure for health, especially for those who follow a Plant-Based diet. In particular, It is an excellent source of B vitaminsincluding Tiamina, Niacin, Riboflavin, Pyridossin (B6), Folic Acid and Vitamin B12, the latter rarely present in plant foods. These vitamins support correct energy metabolism and the production of both DNA and nerve cells, as well as offering a natural push to daily energy
The importance of B12 is particularly marked in food regimes without animal products: a deficiency of it can lead to megaloblastic anemia, chronic fatigue and neurological disorders. The B9 (folic acid), on the other hand, is essential for pregnant women, as it protects the fetus from defects of the neural tube.
Complete and antioxidant proteins: a functional food
Food yeast, unlike many other foods of vegetable origin, It contains all nine essential amino acidsthus becoming a complete protein. This makes it comparable, from a protein point of view, to meat and dairy products, with an additional advantage: it is without saturated fats and cholesterol, elements notoriously implicated in cardiovascular diseases
In addition to being a source of protein, It is rich in antioxidants such as glutathione and selenomerationwhich help to neutralize free radicals and therefore to reduce systemic inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases. It also has a high content of Beta-glucanoa soluble fiber that can contribute to Lower cholesterol and strengthen the immune systemor. A study found that the regular intake of food reduces the risk of colds by 25% and relieves symptoms in the subjects already affected.
Intestinal well -being and blood sugar control
The Nooch also acts as prebioticfavoring the proliferation of “good” bacteria of the intestine. The fiber content facilitates intestinal transit and can help for those suffering from irritable intestine syndrome (IBS). In a clinical study, patients with IBS who took 500 mg of food yeast per day for eight weeks showed a significant reduction in swelling, pain and intestinal discomfort
Also not to be underestimated the presence of chromiuma mineral that contributes to the adjustment of blood sugar levels. Combined with fiber, chromium can help prolong the sense of satiety and contrast hunger attackssupporting balanced body weight management and type 2 diabetes prevention.
ATTENTION: healthy foods can also have contraindications
In the face of the numerous strengths, the food yeast some fortified brands contain high doses of niacin (vitamin B3): two tablespoons can exceed the recommended daily requirement. Excessive quantities can cause Vampate of heat, itching, tingling, headache and rashes.
Furthermore, precisely for its high fiber content (about 20% of the daily requirement in two tablespoons), can cause swelling and cramps if introduced too quickly in a poor fiber diet.
Who suffers from Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis Or it has a sensitivity to yeast should pay particular attention, because the intake of Nooch could worsen the symptoms. No less important, food yeast contains tiraminea compound that can interfere with the oxidase monoamine inhibitors (IMAO), a class of antidepressants. In subjects that take these drugs, even small quantities of tiramine can cause dangerous peaks of blood pressure and acut headachethe.
How to introduce it to the diet: one spoon at a time
There is no official daily dose for food yeast, but It is reasonable to start with one spoon a day and monitor individual toleranceand then, possibly, increase the quantity according to your own needs.
but as a tasty condiment to be added with moderation to meals, which will not replace multivitamine and other supplements.
The Nooch can therefore represent a precious ally in the daily research of well -being, as long as he respects the physiological limits of his body. Like any functional ingredient, it is balance – and not the excess – to determine its real benefit.
