The most notable improvements on average, included lower waist circumference by 3.5 cm, lower systolic blood pressure by 7.54 points, lower diastolic blood pressure by 3.14 points, lower total cholesterol by 14 points, increased interleukin 10 over 30% (an anti-inflammatory cytokine), a decrease in interleukin 6 (IL-6), and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor(TNF).
Introduction: Brewer’s Yeast Health Benefits
Brewer’s yeast health benefits may be explained by the beta-glucans contained in the yeast. Brewer’s yeast contains a relatively high concentration of beta glucans (e.g. β-glucans) which make up the structural component of plant cell walls. Beta glucans are present in a variety of foods but in lower concentrations than brewer’s yeast. Foods with beta glucans include grains such as oats and barley. It is also present in some vegetables such as soybeans, radishes and carrots. Brewer’s yeast is a one-celled probiotic fungus with the scientific name Saccharomyces cerevisiae, general found as a powder. It is used to make beer and has been a well-known nutritional supplement for many years.
Evidence for Multiple Health Benefits of Brewer’s Yeast
A randomized, double blinded, placebo–controlled trial investigated brewer’s yeast health benefits. Mosikanon et al (1) researched 44 overweight volunteers in Thailand age 21-65 taking either a 477 mg capsule of beta-glucans sourced from brewer’s yeast or took a placebo. After 6 weeks, the beta glucans treatment group showed several advantages when compared to placebo. The most notable improvements on average, included lower waist circumference by 3.5 cm, lower systolic blood pressure by 7.54 points, lower diastolic blood pressure by 3.14 points, lower total cholesterol by 14 points, increased interleukin 10 over 30% (an anti-inflammatory cytokine), a decrease in interleukin 6 (IL-6), and a decrease in tumor necrosis factor(TNF). IL-6 and TNF are pro-inflammatory cytokines. There was no improvement in these parameters for the placebo group.
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