Active yeast is a single-cell fungus derived from the species Saccaromyces cerevisiae. The organism is used in little quantity as a leaven in baking. Active yeast is not abundant in nutrients. Yet, the substance provides some vitamins, proteins and minerals in amounts that represent at least 1 percent of their recommended daily intake.
Calories
One teaspoon of active yeast provides 13.1 calories. Of those, 5.6 calories are from carbohydrates, 2.6 come from fat and protein contributes 4.9 calories. This caloric blend is not enough to energize your body or add to its weight. In fact, it only takes three minutes of moderate walking to burn them.
B-complex Vitamins
Active yeast is high in thiamine, with 1 tsp. providing 29 percent of the recommended daily intake for the nutrient. The fungus is also a good source of folate, offering 23 percent of the daily intake. Besides, the yeast contains four other B-complex vitamins: B-6, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. This family of vitamins facilitates metabolism, helping your body to turn food into energy.
Minerals
One teaspoon of active yeast provides 1 percent of the daily intake for magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. Its phosphorous content corresponds to 3 percent of the recommended daily serving. Zinc appears as 2 percent of its suggested intake. Minerals play a variety of roles: Zinc, for example, supports healthy cognitive and physical development.
Proteins and Amino Acids
Proteins are made of essential and non-essential amino acids. One teaspoon of active yeast provides a little from both groups. Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan and valine are the essential amino acids -- substances you can only get from the foods you eat -- that the leaven provides. Non-essential amino acids are those your body can manufacture. In active yeast, they include a composite of methionine and cystine and a mix of phenylalanine and tyrosine. The two groups of amino acids combined total 3 percent of the recommended daily intake for protein.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates available in 1 tsp. of active yeast are in dietary fiber form. They represent 4 percent of the daily intake of roughage you should get every day. Your body cannot break fiber down into energy, yet, the substance is vital: It maintains normal intestinal function, making it possible for your body to get rid of toxic waste regularly. Fiber also plays a role in keeping cholesterol and glucose at adequate levels in your bloodstream.
Posted in: Food and Drinks