Nutritional Yeast Adds Flavor and Nutrition But NOT the Fat!

Nutritional Yeast is a secret gem. It is a wonderful ingredient that many vegans have discovered during their pursuit of finding a butter or cheese replacement in their meals. This ingredient can often be found in vegan dishes that are suppose to taste cheesy. I have found it in vegan recipes for Mac and Cheese, Pasta Premavera or as a butter replacement on top of popcorn or corn on the cob.

Now, many people who aren't vegan but are health-conscious are taking advantage of the wonderful flavor and benefits of nutritional yeast and ditching the calories and fat associated with cheese and butter. So what are these benefits I speak of?

1. Nutritional yeast contains 18 amino acids which means it is considered a complete protein and also contains 15 different minerals. For those on a low cholesterol diet, vegetarians or those looking to boost protein levels, nutritional yeast makes a great addition or substitution to meats, dairy and other high fat proteins.

2. This ingredient helps reduce stress and a boost in nutrition. Yeast is rich in B-complex vitamins, the most common vitamin deficiencies, which among other great benefits, help to regulate mood.

3. Do you have diabetes? Nutritional yeast contains chromium, a trace mineral known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor. If you have fluctuating blood sugar levels or a tendency towards low blood pressure, regular intake of nutritional yeast may help.

4. Substituting nutritional yeast in your recipes makes for healthier meals. Sprinkling it in soup creates a creamy consistency without adding milk. You can use it as a topping for popcorn instead of fattening butter or salt. Yeast mixed with vinegar and oil makes a delicious and healthy salad dressing. You can even sprinkle yeast on sandwiches to add a cheesy flavor.

Recipe: Mashed Indian-style Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are healthier for you than white potatoes so why not use them in your potato salads or mashed potato sides? Here is a recipe you can try to change things up.

You will need:

• 2 medium sized sweet potatoes, chopped into small pieces
  
• 2 TBS fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• salt and white pepper to taste

How to prepare:

Bring lightly salted water to a boil in a steamer with a tight fitting lid and steam the diced sweet potato pieces in the steamer for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. When tender, mash the pieces with a potato masher (or fork if you don't have one) and then add the rest of the ingredients and mash together until well mixed.

Its a nice change and healthy one too!