Add this Food to your Diet for Flavor AND Nutrition!
Although I’m not a big fan of additives or supplements, because I much prefer whole foods from the earth, there are some exceptions and nutritional yeast is one of them.
Nutritional Yeast is inactive yeast, and is part of the same family as edible mushrooms. It appears as yellow flakes and has a cheesy-like flavor, which is perfect for those who have done away with dairy in the diet and opt for a more plant-based approach to eating.
For those with a plant-based (or any) diet Nutritional Yeast is great to add to the diet because it is:
a complete protein (see my blog post about complete proteins for more details).
a good source of Vitamin B12 due to fortification, which is usually only found in animal products, as well a good source of other B vitamins.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free
a great source of folate (a plus for women of child-bearing age)
loaded with other minerals and vitamins.
Because Nutritional Yeast is the perfect cheese substitute you can add it to any dish. I especially love adding it to my homemade stovetop organic popcorn as well as to salads.
You can buy Nutritional Yeast in the bulk section of grocery/health food stores or via various brands such as Bragg’s, which is the one I am currently using. Enjoy!