Brewer’s Yeast 100 g, 50 g

Brewer’s Yeast – 100 g ($10.99), 50 g ($6.99)

Benefits:
Brewer’s yeast is the dried, deactivated (dead) cells of the fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

It is a rich source of B vitamins, protein, and minerals. One of those minerals—chromium—may help with controlling blood sugar.1  Not much research backs up the purported health benefits of taking brewer’s yeast. Even so, alternative health experts claim the nutrients in it are beneficial.

Nutrients
The B-complex vitamins in brewer’s yeast include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and H or B7 (biotin). These vitamins help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide the body with energy. They also support the nervous system, help maintain the muscles used for digestion, and keep skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver healthy. Brewer’s yeast does not contain vitamin B12, an essential vitamin found in meat and dairy products. Brewer’s yeast contains small organisms (microflora) that help maintain and improve the proper functioning of the digestive tract.

Brewer’s yeast is a nutritional supplement and may enhance energy levels and strengthen the immune system. It’s a rich source of these B vitamins:

• thiamine (B1)
• riboflavin (B2)
• niacin (B3)
• pantothenic acid (B5)
• pyridoxine (B6)
• biotin (B7)
• folic acid (B9)

Two tablespoons (24 grams) of brewer’s yeast contains approximately:

• Calories:                       78
• Total Carbohydrate:  10 g
• Fiber:                              4 g
• Sugar:                             0 g
• Total Fat:                       8 g
• Saturated Fat:             24 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat:   0 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat:                       0 g
• Protein:                          13 g          (26% DV)
• Sodium:                         24 mg (0.5% DV)

• Thiamine B1:                     2.64 mg  (220% DV)
• Folate B9:                          562 mcg (140% DV)
• Riboflavin B2:                   0.96 mg  (74% DV)
• Niacin B3:                          9.64 mg  (60% DV)
• Vitamin B6:                       0.36 mg  (21% DV)
• Copper:                              0.14 mg  (15% DV)
• Phosphorus:                       264 mg   (21% DV)
• Potassium:                         630 mg   (14% DV)
• Chromium                          17 mcg   (50%DV)
• Selenium                             35 mcg   (61% DV)
• Iron                                      1.1 mg    (6% DV)
• Zinc                                      4 mg       (38% DV)
• Magnesium                        32 mg     (8% DV)

*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

 

Diarrhea   Many people use brewer’s yeast as a natural remedy for diarrhea. In fact, there are several studies that have shown that brewer’s yeast may be effective in reducing the risk of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotic use. This is because antibiotics alter the composition of your gut flora, which are beneficial strains of bacteria that help promote proper digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

Brewer’s yeast is a type of probiotic, which is a healthy strain of gut bacteria that can counteract the negative effects caused by antibiotics. In one analysis comprised of 27 trials and over 5,000 patients, brewer’s yeast helped reduce diarrhea caused by antibiotics and was also beneficial in treating the diarrhea associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.

Researchers once thought brewer’s yeast might treat diarrhea caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile

(also known as C. diff). However, more recent research has found that Saccharomyces boulardii, a different type of yeast that’s also a probiotic, is effective against C. diff infection.2

Irritable Bowel Syndrome   Brewer’s yeast may help treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a digestive disorder that often causes abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.  According to a 2017 review of studies, people with IBS who took brewer’s yeast were 51% more likely to have at least a 50% reduction in IBS symptoms compared to placebo.3 It’s important to note that this research review included only two trials and 579 participants in total. While promising, this research should be considered preliminary.

Digestion  Because brewer’s yeast is a probiotic and can help improve the gut flora composition, it may improve digestive health as well. Some research has found that probiotics like brewer’s yeast may aid in the treatment of some digestive disorders.

One analysis with 1,793 participants found that probiotics helped reduce pain and the severity of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics can also prevent inflammation of the intestinal lining and block the adherence of dangerous pathogens to the gastrointestinal tract.

Respiratory Infections   Some people use brewer’s yeast to treat the common cold, flu (influenza), and other upper respiratory tract infections. It isn’t clear how brewer’s yeast may fight these infections. Some proponents claim it boosts the immune response in a way that helps your body “treat itself.” Early, weak evidence suggests there may be something to this. Some evidence also suggests that brewer’s yeast may make upper respiratory tract infections less severe if you take it after you get sick.4  A 2012 study reported that women who took a daily brewer’s yeast supplement called Wellmune for 12 weeks had 60% fewer upper respiratory tract infections than women who took a placebo.5

Diabetes Type 2  Brewer’s yeast contains a form of chromium called glucose tolerance factor (GTC). GTC has been shown to improve the insulin response. Insulin is a hormone that helps convert sugar to energy.

GTC may help your body absorb the insulin in your blood. That might help treat insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Early research on brewer’s yeast for adults with type 2 diabetes is promising, with a 2013 study reported a 9% drop in blood sugars.6 Another 2015 study reported a small but positive effect on blood sugars7

Some studies suggest that chromium supplements may help people with diabetes control blood sugar levels. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin — a hormone needed to change sugar, starches and other food into energy — or cannot use the insulin that their bodies make. Chromium may lower blood sugar levels as well, improving glucose tolerance and reducing the amount of insulin needed. Because brewer’s yeast is a rich source of chromium, scientists think it may help treat high blood sugar.

Adding a few scoops of brewer’s yeast into your diet could help balance your blood sugar levels. In fact, there’s a good amount of research that has looked at the blood sugar-lowering benefits of brewer’s yeast.

In one study, 84 adults with diabetes received either brewer’s yeast or a placebo for 12 weeks. Not only was brewer’s yeast found to significantly lower blood sugar levels compared to the placebo, but it also improved insulin sensitivity. When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream. Insulin is responsible for transporting this glucose from the blood to the tissues where it can be used as fuel. Increasing insulin sensitivity allows insulin to work more effectively and keeps blood sugar levels from spiking. The benefits of brewer’s yeast on blood sugar may boil down to its chromium content. Chromium is a trace mineral that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and boost blood sugar control in those with diabetes. Brewer’s yeast also contains fiber, which can help slow the absorption of sugar in the blood and keep blood sugar levels steady.

Blood Pressure  Another 2013 study suggested brewer’s yeast improved blood pressure (hypertension) in people with type 2 diabetes:

• Systolic pressure (upper number) dropped an average of 4.1 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
• Diastolic pressure (lower number) fell 5.7 mmHg. 8

High Cholesterol  A few studies suggest that brewer’s yeast may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels in the blood and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. Researchers aren’t sure whether that is due to the chromium in brewer’s yeast or another substance. Not all studies have found positive results.

Anemia  Anemia is a condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells, which can lead to anemia symptoms like fatigue, weakness, brittle nails and shortness of breath. There are different types of anemia, including several that are caused by deficiencies in vitamins and minerals necessary for red blood cell production like iron and vitamin B12. However, deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals can also contribute to the development of anemia. Riboflavin, for example, can affect the metabolism and absorption of iron and is essential to preventing iron-deficiency anemia.

Research shows that getting enough riboflavin may reduce your risk of anemia. In a 2014 study, a low intake of riboflavin was tied to a greater risk of anemia among 1,253 adults. Fortunately, just two tablespoons of brewer’s yeast can provide 74 percent of the riboflavin you need for the entire day to help prevent anemia.

Weight Loss  Although some studies suggest that chromium may help reduce body fat, the amount of fat lost is small compared to what can be lost with exercise and a well-balanced diet. Brewer’s yeast is also used as a protein supplement and energy booster, while it may help maintain a healthy weight.

Immunity  Whether you have a case of the sniffles or a full-blown respiratory infection, brewer’s yeast may be able to help. Some research has found that it could have immune-enhancing properties. In one study, giving mice brewer’s yeast extract was found to decrease levels of some inflammatory markers and help normalize their immune response.

Vision  Brewer’s yeast is rich in some vitamins that may even be able to help keep your eyes healthy. Adding brewer’s yeast to your diet can help you easily meet your needs for thiamine, for example. Lower levels of thiamine have been associated with eye conditions like glaucoma, a disorder caused by damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to blurred vision or even vision loss.

Brewer’s yeast can also supply plenty of riboflavin, another vitamin that has been linked to a decreased risk of vision problems like keratoconus, a progressive thinning and protrusion of the cornea. Additionally, brewer’s yeast contains antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect against damage from the harmful free radicals that build up and cause chronic disease. Some research has found that antioxidants may also be effective in preventing eye disease and promoting vision health. (9)

Migraines  If you’ve ever suffered from a migraine, you’re probably all too familiar with how debilitating it can be. With symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and distorted vision, it can be hard to carry on with your daily activities when you have a migraine. Brewer’s yeast may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of migraines thanks to its high content of riboflavin. In one study, participants suffering from migraines were treated with riboflavin capsules for six months. Riboflavin decreased headache frequency, whilet participants also reduced their use of migraine medications by 64%.

Brain  Brewer’s yeast is loaded with several important B vitamins, including riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate. These vitamins are essential to many aspects of health, but they are especially important when it comes to brain health.

Deficiency in thiamine, for instance, has been linked to many problems including Alzheimer’s disease as well as cognitive deficits. Meanwhile, folate is critical for brain development and the prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy. Including brewer’s yeast as part of a healthy diet may help keep your brain healthy and prevent a deficiency in some of these important vitamins.

Other Uses  At least one study has found that brewer’s yeast may improve acne. Another linked it to a reduced risk of a second skin cancer. One large, preliminary study found that taking a specific kind brewer’s yeast product (EpiCor) may help prevent colds and flu.

Scientific Name: Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
General Information:
Brewer’s yeast is a one-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is used to make beer. It has been grown and used as a nutritional supplement for years. Brewer’s yeast is a rich source of minerals particularly selenium; protein, B-complex vitamins, and chromium.

In the 19th century, bread bakers obtained their yeast from beer brewers, and this led to sweet-fermented breads.

This product is an inactive brewer’s yeast powder. The bitter flavor has been lowered by a natural washing procedure without the use of chemicals. The result is a light brown colored powder, with smoky/cheesy flavor notes. It is designed for numerous food applications.

 

Brewer’s Yeast & Nutritional Yeast Are Excellent Superfoods.
Just two tablespoons of either of them will meet our nutritional needs for B Vitamins that boost our energy, mood, brain function, and cell metabolism.

Nutritional Yeast is higher in B Vitamins while Brewer’s Yeast is very rich in some minerals such as Chromium, Potassium and Selenium that are not found in Nutritional Yeast. Therefore, Brewer’s Yeast is definitely the better overall source of nutrients, unless you need especially B Vitamins. In this case, taking both of them seems to be an ideal solution.

The table below shows approximate nutritional content per 2 heaped tablespoons (about 15 gr) in both types of yeast:

As far as Chromium content in Brewer’s Yeast is concerned, according to some sources Brewer’s Yeast may contain 17 mcg of Chromium (with excellent bioavailability) per 2 tablespoons (15-16g) (40% RDA). However, the content of this mineral depends on its concentration in the medium (whole grains) the yeast feeds on and the quality of the soil the medium was grown in. There is no Chromium, Potassium or Selenium in the Nutritional Yeast.

Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s Yeast (single cell fungus/yeast) is a by-product of beer making. The same yeast is used in bread making (yeast produces more carbon dioxide gas to make the bread rise). This yeast is a living organism that feeds on the sugars of the grains used to make beer or bread and ferments them into carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol.

In bread making, the yeast remains in the bread but is deactivated by heat in the baking process.

In beer making, the yeast is removed and heated to deactivate it. It is then dried and made into a powder or flakes.  It is this powdered or flaked yeast that is the Brewers Yeast supplement available at health food stores.

What makes this yeast very nutritious is that while it is in its living and active form, it takes up a number of proteins, minerals and vitamins from the grains and other ingredients used in beer making. These nutrients remain in the dried yeast and when this yeast is consumed as a food supplement, it provides the body with these nutrients.

Brewer’s Yeast is very high in the trace mineral Chromium which must be present in order for insulin to do its work of moving glucose from the blood into the cell (thus regulating blood sugar levels). The chromium found in Brewer’s Yeast is known as a Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF).  It is in this form that our body is able to use this mineral to help regulate insulin and thereby normalise blood sugar levels. Therefore, Brewer’s Yeast can be very helpful to those with increased blood glucose, diabetics, as well as people with hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Some studies indicate that the GTF Chromium, found in Brewer’s Yeast, is more effective than simply supplementing with an isolated chromium supplements.

In 1959 Dr. Merts and Dr. Schwarz observed that animals on a Chromium depleted diets quickly developed glucose intolerance, which precedes the development of type II diabetes.  However, when they gave the same animals food with Brewer’s Yeast – a natural source of Chromium – the glucose intolerance was gone and animals became healthy again.

In 2014 the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA examined the absorbability of various Chromium compounds and found out that the absorbability was very low, i.e. only between 0.1% to 2%. Even the absorption of Chromium from food was only 0.5% to 3%, which was marginally better than the absorption from inorganic supplements. However, they also discovered that Chromium in Chromium enriched Brewer’s Yeast was absorbed up to 10 times better than inorganic chromium compounds like e.g. chromium chloride!

Brewer’s Yeast is a good source of the trace mineral Selenium. Selenium is required for normal thyroid and immune system function, and it is necessary to the body’s production of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme that is most important in controlling free radical damage to fatty tissues in the body. It’s rich in many of the B-vitamins (although lower than Nutritional Yeast), but is lacking a bioavailable form of vitamin B-12, unless it is fortified with B12. Nutritional yeast has some B12 but it is not an active form (can’t be absorbed in the body). Brewer’s Yeast is an excellent source of Protein (up to 50%).  It has all the essential amino acids necessary for building proteins in the body. Brewer’s Yeast is also an excellent source of Nucleic Acids.

Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional Yeast is made from the same type of yeast as used in the brewing industry.  The difference is that Nutritional Yeast is grown on molasses instead of on grains. Nutritional Yeast is deactivated, dried and made into a powder or flakes.

Nutritional Yeast is high in B Vitamins (much higher than even Brewer’s Yeast). For example, the best and healthy natural source of Niacin (Vitamin B3) is Nutritional Yeast. It may contain 15-20mg of B3 per 1 tablespoon (7-8g) (100-160% RDA). However, both types of yeast shouldn’t be regarded as sources of B12 unless they are fortified with this vitamin as B12 found in both yeasts is not a bioactive form. Unlike Brewer’s Yeast, which is an excellent natural source of Chromium, Potassium, and Selenium, Nutritional Yeast does not contain them, unless it is fortified with these minerals.

Which Is Better Source Of Nutrients?
Both types of yeast are close relatives as they both are made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae species of yeast. However, they nutritional content is not the same because these yeasts are bred on different mediums (foods). Brewer’s Yeast is grown on grains while Nutritional Yeast is grown on molasses.

If you need excellent quality Chromium to reduce sugar craving, regulate blood sugar and deal with diabetes, you need Brewer’s Yeast due to its high content of GTF Chromium, absorption of which is much better than that of other sources including food and supplements. Brewer’s Yeast is also much better source of amino acids (protein) and minerals such as whopping 630 milligrams of Potassium and 63 micrograms of Selenium per 2 tablespoons, whereas nutritional yeast contains none. Both Brewer’s and Nutritional Yeast are a good source of Magnesium.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
Common recommendations are 1 to 2 tablespoons daily.
Acute diarrhea: 500 mg daily of brewer’s yeast is recommended in the German Commission E Monographs.
Upper respiratory tract infections: S. cerevisiae 500 mg daily has been used in clinical trials over 12 weeks to treat respiratory infections and allergic rhinitis.
Hyperglycemia: 68 to 500 mcg/day for 2 to 8 months lowered fasting plasma glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Weight management: 3 g/day for 12 weeks reduced incidence of weight gain, weight, BMI, and waist circumference in overweight and obese patients.