As I open the door, a chill is in the air that is distinctly fall. I feel a brisk cold wind crawl across the yard making the remaining colorful leaves rustle. Thus taking me back to my younger years with the smell of wood burning in wood stoves and fireplaces.
To my delight, the amount of hot chocolate increases! Yes, fall is here and winter is on the way!
It’s the time of year when respiratory infections the cold and flu are most notorious. (Shhhh! they actually exist year round). Do you want an easy way to reduce the risk of infections?
The American lifestyle and diet do not support great immune function or great health. Consequently, American’s as a population have low immune function. Nutritional yeast (also known as Nooch) can help anyone boost the part of the immune system that protects us from bacteria and viruses. It can help prevent or reduce our risk of these types of infections. However, for it to be effective you must take it every day.
Athletes tend to get infections more often in the colder months. If you are an athlete do you find yourself getting more infections in the fall or winter or after intense exercise? If so, you should consider making this immune-boosting powerhouse an everyday part of your diet. It doesn’t take much to get the immune boosting effect. As little as 1 tbsp. per day is effective.
Nutritional yeast is safe for everyone including your pets!! Nutritional yeast is de-activated yeast grown on beets and sugar cane molasses. Do not confuse it with brewers or bakers yeast. Bakers yeast can deplete B vitamins. Even though Brewers and Bakers yeast also contain beta glucan’s they are typically grown on grains like corn (GMO).
Nutritional Yeast is a power house!
Bakers, Brewers and Nutritional Yeast are created using a species of yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae which does not cause yeast overgrowth.
Nutritional yeast is rich in protein, B vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Folate, B12, and 15 minerals and contains immune boosting beta-glucan’s. Because of its nutritional content Nutritional yeast is also important for supporting a healthy central nervous system, boosting energy and protecting our vision, skin and hair.
Furthermore, Nutritional and Brewers yeast have been used as an energy booster and for recovery for athletes for decades. Nutritional yeast has 16 amino acids and is an excellent source of protein. B vitamins are necessary to convert carbohydrates and fats into energy.
Fortunately, Beta-glucan’s boost the part of the immune system that fights bacteria and viruses. I know many endurance athletes that tend to get a cold or infection after a physically hard event such as an intense cycling races, half-marathons, marathons and Iron-Man competitions. Studies show the beta glucan’s in nutritional yeast boost the immune system so it’s ability to protect against bacterial and viral infection is not lost.
The immune system is reduced by 30% or more after the body goes through that type of physical stress. Studies show Nutritional Yeast when used regularly prevents that drop in immune function. This helps prevent bacterial and viral infections after tough physical events. It can also help boost recovery time.
You can’t eat too much and it can be used in a variety of ways. I put 1/2 tsp in each of my Vive shakes!! I like the flavor of the Bragg’s brand best. Bragg’s is also GMO free and all the added nutrients come from natural not synthetic sources. #nutritionalyeast #viveshake
Nutritional Yeast has a mild cheese flavor and is great sprinkled on veggies, popcorn or in smoothies. This link will provide a few great recipes to use Nutritional Yeast. http://www.godairyfree.org/news/guide-nutritional-yeast-recipes
Nutritional Yeast also provides other beneficial health benefits!
- Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving, which is ¼ cup.
60 calories
5 calories from fat
5 grams carbohydrates (2 percent DV)
4 grams fiber (16 percent DV)
9 grams protein (16 amino acids)
0.5 grams fat (1 percent DV)
25 milligrams sodium (1 percent DV)
790 percent DV of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
570 percent DV of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - 363 percent DV of Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- 180 percent DV of Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)
- 300 percent DV of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
- 230 percent DV of Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- 290 percent DV of Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- 270 percent DV of Folate (Vitamin B9)
- 38 percent DV of Zinc
- 11 percent DV of Iron
If you want to keep your immune system in fighting condition make Nutritional Yeast part of your daily routine. It can be used in a variety of ways.
Healthy wishes
Wally Bishop C.N.C., I.N.H.C.
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach