Should You Add Nutritional Yeast for Heart Health?

Nutritional Yeast is a deactivated yeast related to brewer’s yeast, which is used as a fermentation agent in beer making.

Baker’s and brewer’s yeast is different. Some people may have food sensitivities to either or all these forms, but we find nutritional yeast is well tolerated.

The yeast is grown on a food source — some brands use molasses — then harvested, heated, dried and crumbled. This process deactivates the yeast, and creates a wonderfully nutty, tasty and versatile ingredient.

Nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins and other nutrients.

In short, that makes it heart healthy.

Ready to add nutritional yeast to your diet? Read on for more information and sources for products recommended by The Drs. Wolfson.

Why Is Nutritional Yeast So Heart Healthy?

Just one tablespoon of nutritional yeast contains a hefty serving of vitamins B1 – B6, zinc, magnesium and potassium. There is also some protein and a small amount of fiber. There is no vitamin C in nutritional yeast.

Nutritional yeast is not a good source of folate (B9) and has very minimal amounts of B12. There are companies that fortify nutritional yeast with folate and B12.

B vitamins are great for the heart because:

  • They are co-factors in ATP production which is the cellular energy currency.
  • B6, folate, and B12 lower homocysteine, a dangerous particle when present in high amounts. For more about homocysteine, head here.
  • B vitamins are necessary for detoxification.
  • Niacin, B3, is excellent for lipid modification and nitric oxide production.
  • B5 helps with weight loss and adrenal health.

Get Nutritional Yeast Into Your Diet.

Honestly, I just spoon it into my mouth. I also eat sardines on plane rides and chew our Kick Start My Heart.

The taste of nutritional yeast is actually very good. Kind of a nutty flavor and it is often used in vegan recipes to simulate the taste of cheese.

It can be added to soups, salads, and sprinkled on organic popcorn in lieu of butter.

Best brands on Amazon to get you started. We prefer non-fortified (with cheap b9 and cheap b12)

Sari Foods: Not fortified. Great recipes on their Amazon page.

Foods Alive

Sends us some cool recipes.

Pin It on Pinterest

12 things in your home that damage your heart.

Discover 12 things in most homes that destroy your heart.

Learn of common household items that destroy your heart, and what you can do about it.