What are the benefits of brewer's yeast?

We regularly hear or read about the use of brewer's yeast, without knowing exactly what it is… Here's a definition of brewer's yeast and the 2 types of yeast you can use.

Brewer's yeast is a group of non-pathogenic microscopic unicellular fungi called Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is naturally present in our environment. It is a living material.

We use it in its active or inactive form. Why these two forms?

• Active brewer's yeast: living or revivifiable, active brewer's yeast has been dried slowly at a maximum of 40 degrees so that the Saccharomyces remain alive, and has retained its fermentation power, its highly nutritional qualities and its probiotic properties for the intestinal flora. Live brewer's yeast activates digestion by stimulating our intestinal bacterial flora. The main use of brewer's yeast in this form is to regulate the digestive flora quickly and effectively. The cells making up the flora are reactivated with a little water.

• Inactive or non-living brewer's yeast: more affordable and more widely used, inactive brewer's yeast has been dried at over 40 degrees Celsius, which deactivates the fungi that make it up, without depriving it of its nutritional value. On the other hand, the high temperature has caused it to lose its fermenting power and probiotic properties, which helps anybody who is sensitive to avoid digestive disorders. Inactivated brewer's yeast is mainly used for skin and hair care.

What nutrients does brewer's yeast contain for our health and beauty?

Brewer's yeast is the richest natural source of B vitamins. It contains almost all of them. Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast also contains vitamin B12, an essential supplement for people following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Let's look at the group B vitamins contained in Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast:

• Vitamin B1 or thiamine, essential for our nervous system, transforms glucose from our food into energy and therefore helps us fight fatigue and regain energy.

• Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, also plays a role in the metabolism of our nutrients, helping them to be properly assimilated.

• Vitamin B3 or PP, also known as niacin or nicotinamide, contributes to our normal energy metabolism and certain psychological functions, as well as helping to maintain healthy skin.

• Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid, also known as the "anti-stress vitamin", contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system, in particular memory, concentration and reasoning. Brewer's yeast is the richest food in vitamin B5.

• Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, stimulates the synthesis of keratin and therefore hair growth. It is also involved in a number of enzymatic reactions.

• Vitamin B8 or biotin, rich in sulphur, is also involved in our metabolic functions and also activates hair growth. It is essential for healthy skin, nails and hair.

• Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid in its synthesised form, plays a vital role in the development of the foetus' nervous system when supplemented during pregnancy.

• Vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, slows down the ageing of hair cells and the appearance of grey hair thanks to its antioxidant properties and its positive effect on melanin production.

Brewer's yeast also has a high protein content (35 to 40%), containing the 8 essential amino acids.

Brewer's yeast also contains trace elements and minerals such as chromium, zinc, iron, calcium, copper, selenium and silicon ( …).

These components give brewer's yeast exceptional nutritional properties.

The beneficial effects of brewer's yeast in the field of beauty are due to its concentration in trace elements and B group vitamins, which are essential for the health of the skin, hair, and nails.

Brewer's yeast and hair

At this level, inactive brewer's yeast, which is less expensive and very effective, is the first choice. Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast is highly recommended!

Brewer's yeast has many benefits for improving the general condition of hair.

It contributes to good oxygenation of the hair follicles, limits hair loss thanks to its vitamin B9 content and encourages regrowth thanks to vitamin B5, a vitamin which also regulates sebum secretion. Damaged hair (brittle, split ends, etc.) regains its suppleness and vitality.

In addition to taking the Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast food supplement, we suggest you add 1 to 5% Plant Extract Burdock (Powder) to your shampoos or hair lotions. Burdock regulates oily scalps, combats hair loss and soothes sensitive scalps.

Aroma-Zone borage vegetable oil can also work in synergy with brewer's yeast. Use it as an ingredient in your shampoos, conditioners or hair care products to slow hair loss and restore shine.

To find out more, read our advice on which food supplements to choose to look after your hair. You can also read our guide to brewer's yeast and its effects on hair.

For men, brewer's yeast also contributes to a beautiful beard! Find out all our advice on the subject in our file: maintaining your beard with natural care products.

Brewer's yeast and nails

You can also opt for inactive brewer's yeast to strengthen your nails, improve their appearance and thickness and accelerate their growth. Thanks to its high content of B vitamins, brewer's yeast helps to synthesise keratin, the protein that makes up nails and hair fibres. Nails are less brittle, more beautiful and grow back faster after a course of brewer's yeast.

We have also seen an improvement in the condition of ridged nails and a reduction in the risk of split nails. The combination of brewer's yeast and borageis a great way to improve the condition of your nails. Soak your nails for 5 to 10 minutes inBorage oil before your manicure and say goodbye to brittle nails!

To look after your nails, you can also choose castor oil for its many benefits.

Brewer's yeast and the skin

Inactive brewer's yeast also has numerous benefits for the skin, thanks to its vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 content.

A course of brewer's yeast helps to restore the skin's beauty and health. It makes the skin suppler and firmer in the dermis. It slows down skin ageing and the pigmentation of age spots. It promotes hydration, regulates sebum secretion and even helps healing. Brewer's yeast also regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, whose dysregulation can be the cause of acne. It has been shown to be effective in the fight against acne.

Don't hesitate to combine our Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast with one of our face serums for best results. To find out more, read our Face serums: how to use them and how to combine them?

Brewer's yeast for our animal friends

Brewer's yeast gives your dog a shiny coat, reduces hair loss and calms skin allergies, for example. In this case, brewer's yeast flakes should be sprinkled on their food.

Brewer's yeast is also used for its recognised health benefits. It has also proved effective in times of war as a vitamin, mineral and protein supplement for soldiers.

It is recommended for children and teenagers during their growth period, for sportspeople as a food supplement to increase muscle mass, as brewer's yeast contains a large quantity of high-quality protein, for the elderly and for pregnant women (due to its vitamin B9 content).

Simple, unenriched brewer's yeast, with its natural richness in minerals, trace elements and vitamins, has recognised beneficial effects on pregnant women. It helps to enrich the intestinal flora, which can sometimes become unbalanced during pregnancy. What's more, in response to the hormonal changes associated with this period of life, brewer's yeast helps to combat fatigue and maintain healthy skin and beautiful hair.

On the other hand, we cannot say that brewer's yeast increases the production of breast milk during breastfeeding. This claim is not recognised by our health system in France. The effects of brewer's yeast on breastfeeding vary greatly from one young mother to another. Some will find it beneficial in terms of the quality and production of breast milk, while others will not.

The health benefits of active brewer's yeast include

• Elimination of toxins, by purifying the liver. Brewer's yeast stimulates liver function.

• Boosts the immune system, thanks to its beta-glucan polysaccharide content.

• Rebalancing and regenerating the microbiota or intestinal flora, after an illness undergoing antibiotic treatment or gastroenteritis, or a period of exhaustion, with the use of active yeast. Active brewer's yeast reveals its probiotic properties, thanks to its high-quality nutritional composition.

• Recovering energy after a period of tiredness, by providing trace elements and minerals to make up for minor nutritional deficiencies.

• Reduce digestive problems (colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, bloating, …) after a few weeks of active yeast treatment.

• Maintain joint health and mobility thanks to its richness in nutrients such as B vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids.

There are various types of brewer's yeast on the market, from the simplest, with its basic minerals and vitamins, to the more complete formulas of enriched brewer's yeast.

This is the case with our Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast, made in France. It is enriched for optimum action on hair, nails and skin.

Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast is grown in a medium enriched with B vitamins. In addition, selenium-enriched yeast completes the composition of the formula. One capsule of Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast contains 423 mg of organic brewer's yeast, 113 mg of vitamin B-enriched brewer's yeast and 13 mg of selenium-enriched yeast. The B group vitamins contained in Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast are vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B8, vitamin B9 and also vitamin B12.

The selenium yeast added to the formula provides a significant proportion of the element selenium.

Focus on Enriched Brewer's Yeast

There are various types of brewer's yeast on the market, from the simplest, with its basic minerals and vitamins, to the more complete formulas of enriched brewer's yeast.

This is the case with Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast, made in France. It is enriched for optimum action on hair, nails and skin. Our brewer's yeast is grown in a medium enriched with B vitamins. In addition, selenium-enriched yeast completes the composition of the formula.

One capsule of Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast contains 423 mg of organic brewer's yeast, 113 mg of vitamin B-enriched brewer's yeast and 13 mg of selenium-enriched yeast. The B group vitamins contained in Aroma-Zone brewer's yeast are vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B8, vitamin B9 and also vitamin B12. The selenium yeast added to the formula provides a significant proportion of the element selenium.

Discover Enriched Brewer's Yeast

Daily use of brewer's yeast is simple and can be incorporated into your wellness routine. Brewer's yeast generally comes in tablet, capsule or powder form. Here are some common ways to incorporate it into your diet:

1. food supplement: Taking brewer's yeast as a food supplement is one of the most common methods. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dosage, generally 2 to 4 capsules a day. It's best to take it with a meal for better absorption.

2. Mixing in drinks: You can mix brewer's yeast powder into smoothies, fruit juices or water. Make sure you mix well to avoid lumps.

3. Sprinkling on dishes: Brewer's yeast powder can also be sprinkled on your dishes, such as salads, soups or pasta dishes. It adds a slightly cheesy touch to your dishes while offering you its nutritional benefits.

4. Use in recipes: Some people use brewer's yeast in recipes such as sauces, biscuits or breads. It can replace grated cheese in many preparations.

Does it make you gain weight?

It is commonly believed that brewer's yeast can contribute to weight gain. In reality, brewer's yeast is recommended in diets aimed at increasing muscle mass due to its high protein content. However, weight gain is often associated with an imbalance between energy intake and calorie expenditure. In other words, consuming brewer's yeast in itself does not necessarily lead to weight gain, especially if it is part of a balanced diet and accompanied by regular physical activity.

It is also important to note that in some people, live brewer's yeast can cause abdominal bloating and gastrointestinal disorders. This is often due to the interaction of the microfungi present in the yeast with the intestinal flora, which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and even diarrhea or constipation.

To mitigate these undesirable effects, you can turn to inactive brewer's yeast. Unlike active brewer's yeast, inactive yeast has undergone a deactivation process, which means that the microfungi are no longer active and no longer interfere with the intestinal flora. By choosing inactive brewer's yeast, you can benefit from essential nutrients such as plant proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals without worrying about side effects on the digestive system.

To store brewer's yeast optimally, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. A kitchen cupboard or pantry is ideal. Store brewer's yeast in its original packaging or in an airtight container. Be sure to reseal the lid after each use to avoid exposure to moisture.

Avoid storing near heat sources such as radiators or ovens. Excessive heat can alter its quality. Also check for the best-before date : most brewer's yeast products have one. Make sure you use it before this date to guarantee its effectiveness.

By following these recommendations, you can take full advantage of the benefits of brewer's yeast while preserving its quality and freshness at home.

• Keep out of reach of children

• Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

• For adults only.

• Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women.

• This food supplement contains biotin (vitamin B8). Biotin may interfere with thyroid hormone levels, so check with your doctor.

Sonia Caillol Mérité has a doctorate in pharmacy and a university degree in dietetics, nutrition and health.

A pharmacy assistant, nutrition coach and editor for Aroma-Zone, Sonia advises about dietary rebalancing and natural treatments to help you get back to a healthy lifestyle and better health with some treats along the way – because we all need that!

You can find all her tips on her Instagram page: nutrisonia13