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Yeast is one of the most ancient “domestic” microorganisms. Archaeologists have concluded that around 6000 BC. the Egyptians drank beer with pleasure. And they learned to bake yeast bread around 1200 BC.
Today, there are about 1500 types of yeast in nature. They are found in the leaves, in the soil, on the fruits of various plants, in the nectar of flowers, in berries, sprouted wheat grains, malt, kefir. Ascomycetes and basidomycetes are the main groups of yeast species existing today.
Yeast is used in cooking to make various types of baked goods and drinks. Millstones and bakeries, images of brewers on the walls of ancient cities testify to the antiquity of the use of these microorganisms in people’s lives.
Yeast-rich foods:
General characteristics of yeast
Yeast is a group of unicellular fungi that live in semi-liquid and liquid nutrient-rich substrates. The main distinguishing feature of yeast is fermentation. Microscopic fungi do well at room temperature. When the ambient temperature reaches 60 degrees, the yeast dies.
Yeast is studied by the special science of zymology. Officially, yeast mushrooms were “discovered” by Pasteur in 1857. Despite such a huge variety of types of yeast that exist in nature, we most often use only 4 of them in our diet. These are brewer’s yeast, milk, wine and bakery yeast. Lush bread and pastries, kefir, beer, grapes – these products are the real leaders in the content of these types of yeast.
The body of a healthy person also contains some types of these fungi. They live on the skin, in the intestines, as well as on the mucous membranes of internal organs. Fungi of the genus Candida are of particular importance for the organism. Although in too large quantities, they cause disturbances in the functioning of the body and even lead to the development of certain diseases (candidiasis).
The most popular today are liquid, dry and just live baker’s yeast. And also brewer’s yeast, which as dietary supplements, can be purchased at the pharmacy. But no less useful and more natural are yeast found naturally in food.
The body’s daily need for yeast
It is known that for the normal functioning of the intestine, the presence of yeast-like fungi is a necessity. In laboratory studies, doctors call the optimal figure for the presence of these microorganisms in the intestine – 10 to the 4th power of pieces per 1 measured unit (1 gram of intestinal contents).
Doctors believe that 5-7 grams of yeast per day provides the body’s daily need for B vitamins and is the optimal value.
The need for yeast increases:
- when doing heavy physical and mental labor;
- in a stressful environment;
- with anemia;
- in violation of carbohydrate and vitamin-mineral, protein metabolism in the body;
- low nutritional value of the diet;
- with dermatitis, furunculosis, acne;
- with burns and wounds;
- beriberi;
- weak immunity;
- diseases of the digestive system (ulcers, colitis, gastritis);
- at neuralgias;
- chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS);
- in an area with an increased radioactive background or harmful effects of other chemicals.
The need for yeast decreases:
- with a tendency to allergy to yeast-containing foods;
- with kidney disease;
- endocrine diseases;
- with dysbiosis and gout;
- predisposition of the body to thrush and other fungal diseases.
Yeast digestibility
Yeast is 66% protein. In terms of the quality of the proteins it contains, yeast is not inferior to fish, meat, milk. They are well absorbed by the body, provided that there is no intolerance to tremors, as well as their moderate use.
Useful properties of yeast, their effect on the body
Potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins of group B, H and P, folic acid, proteins and amino acids, lecithin, methionine – this is not a complete list of nutrients contained in yeast.
Yeast activates food assimilation, increases appetite, stimulates metabolism. They have a positive effect on the absorption capacity of the intestines.
It should be noted that the yeast contained in yeast dough and pastry dies as a result of high temperature processing. Therefore, bread and baked goods are not products containing live yeast.
Interaction with essential elements
The beneficial properties of yeast are especially active in the presence of sugar and water. Yeast improves the body’s absorption of many nutrients. However, excessive consumption of foods containing yeast can lead to impaired absorption of calcium and certain vitamins.
Signs of a lack of yeast in the body
- problems with digestion;
- weakness;
- anemia;
- problems with skin and hair, nails.
Signs of excess yeast in the body:
- allergic reactions caused by yeast intolerance;
- thrush and other fungal diseases;
- bloating.
Factors affecting the content of yeast in the body
The main criterion for determining the presence of yeast in the body is the human diet. Optimal consumption of yeast-containing foods and the overall health of the body have a significant impact on the required balance of yeast content in the body.
Yeast for beauty and health
Skin, hair, nails literally become prettier before our eyes when eating products containing live yeast. In traditional medicine, there are many methods to improve the appearance and maintain its attractiveness. A yeast face mask, condemned from baker’s yeast with milk, herbs or juice, and a yeast hair mask are the most common and effective beauty preservation methods used both in antiquity and today.
A nourishing yeast face mask is prepared in the following way: 20 grams of yeast is mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, then 1 tablespoon of wheat or rye flour is added. The resulting mixture is diluted with warm boiled milk (3-4 tablespoons). The mask is applied to a previously cleansed face for 15 minutes, then washed off with warm water. This procedure is suitable for dry and normal skin.
A yeast mask for oily skin is prepared as follows: 20 grams of yeast is diluted in kefir to obtain the consistency of thick sour cream. The mask is applied to the face, and after 15 minutes it is washed off with warm water.
For colitis and enterocolitis, dry yeast was also used in folk medicine. To do this, 1 teaspoon of yeast was added to a glass of carrot juice and after 15-20 minutes the mixture was drunk.
To strengthen the hair, put half a pack of yeast with sugar in a water bath. After the start of fermentation, add a little honey and mustard. The mixture is applied to the hair, wrapped around the head (plastic wrap, then a towel). Wash off the mask after 60 – 90 minutes.