The humble beer yeast or brewer’s yeast has a mighty promise – of health, youth and beauty. Yes indeed, the brewer’s yeast formed of unicellular and microscopic fungi from the Saccharomyces cerevisae and Saccharomyces carriergensis strains was lauded centuries ago by Hipócrates for its medicinal value and widely consumed by the ancient Egyptians. It was known by the Babylonians about 4,000 years ago for its wonderful properties.
photo credit – vegan.fm
Dad-in-law knows a thing or two about what’s good for the human body, having been First Officer on board a commercial ship, he was also the ‘resident doctor’ decades back. About thirty years ago, DIL started taking powdered brewer’s yeast as part of breakfast for his delicate skin. Now, at the age of 82, he’s hale and healthy; and has the strength to play tennis five times a week, often with players a decade younger than him. Taking brewer’s yeast its nutritional benefits listed here, is just one of many good habits he has for living a full life.
In gist, brewer’s yeast is a fine source of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3 and in folic acid), necessary for the regulation of nerve impulses and cellular regeneration. “Your body relies on B vitamins for healthy skin, hair and eyes as well as critical digestive and nervous system functions.”
The benefit of consuming this whole food is because it benefits the body in a synergistic way. It certainly helps for living in these demanding times: filled with stress, physical as well as mental over-exertion.
photo credit – news.discovery.com
The protein value of brewer’s yeast (in some varieties) can reach up to 50% as compared to roughly 23% in meat and 18.6% in almonds. It contains glutathione (which comprises all the essential amino acids) which is a key element in the process of cellular detoxification. Rich in selenium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc, beer yeast plays an important part in slowing the ageing process. Beside protecting the gastrointestinal mucus, this whole food also protects the liver and aids in the hepatic and gallbladder function.
I bought a packet of brewer’s yeast flakes from Manantial de Salud (The Spring of Health), a chain of herbalists in Barcelona, Spain. They give great advice and are ever so friendly and helpful. You can purchase this whole food at most health food stores in tablet or powder form. Nutty in flavour, it’s suitable for adding to soups, dry cereal, oatmeal or yogurt.
On a cool side, now that summer is brewing, you can attempt to craft your own beers. But don’t take this as encouragement to break the law in places where you’re not allowed to.
Oh, what the heck. Let your hair down and have something legal instead: broccoli salad with olive oil & brewer’s yeast. Read more at Thrillist Seattle and its delish brush with Hot Cakes and more.
‘You’ll be mighty strong like me, if you take your brewer’s yeast.’ (Photo credit: Gorilla in a tree. by Captain Chickenpants )
Source: Manantial de Salud.
- Diccionario de los alimentos, Oriol Ávila.
- Nutricéuticos, A. Roberts et al.
- La levadura de cerveza. Polivitamínico natural. J. Artigas García.
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