Baker’s yeast or bread yeast is the common nomenclature for yeast strains that people use as a leavening agent in baking bread, as well as bakery products. As a food ingredient, the following are its health benefits.
General Nutrition
Baker’s yeast contains nutrients like vitamin B, protein, and fiber, as per Live Strong. Vitamin B promotes brain function, such as thinking, learning, memory, and sensation. On the other hand, protein is responsible for the growth and repair of cells and tissues. Also, it helps provide energy when carbohydrate and fat stores are depleted. Then, fiber helps cleans the digestive tract and reduce a person’s weight. It also acts as sweep to help the body get rid of unwanted substances like toxins and free radicals.
Baker’s Yeast as Immune Booster
Baker’s yeast has antibacterial and antiviral properties, according to Dr. Axe’s official website. As per yeast expert Dr. Seymour Pomper, as cited by the publication, nutritional yeast stands as the fourth most prescribed herbal monopreparation in Germany. This is because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition, it proves to be one of the excellent remedies for chronic candida symptoms.
Baker’s Yeast as Anticancer
Baker’s yeast can be a future breakthrough against cancer. According to Dr. Mamdooh Ghoneum, as cited by News Medical, cancer cells self-destruct after exposure to small amounts of yeast. In a statement, he said that he had no doubt that he was close to discovering how the cancer cells weaken after eating common baker’s yeast. He added that the cells just gravitated to the yeast and he called it fatal attraction.
Sample Recipe
Baker’s yeast can be added in various recipes, such as Braided Lemon Bread. The recipe involves a sponge, a dough, and cream cheese filling. According to King Arthur Flour, the ingredients for the sponge include three-fourth cup of warm water, two teaspoons sugar, half cup of all-purpose flour, and a tablespoon of yeast. For the dough, the ingredients include the sponge, three-fourth cup of plain or vanilla yogurt, half cup unsalted butter, two large eggs (beaten), half cup sugar, two teaspoons salt, two teaspoons vanilla, five cups all-purpose flour, egg wash, and sugar (for sprinkling on braid). For the cream cheese filling, the list includes one-fourth cup sugar, one-fourth cup sour cream, two teaspoons fresh lemon juice, one-fourth cup of flour, half cup of lemon curd, and two-third cup of cream cheese (softened).
To prepare, as per the publication, the sponge ingredients are combined in a small bowl. Next, they are stirred well to combine. They are loosely covered with plastic wrap and are set aside to proof for ten to 15 minutes. Then, the sponge, butter, sugar, salt, flavoring, eggs, and yogurt, are combined in the bowl. Next, for and a half cups of flour are added and mixed with the paddle attachment, until the dough becomes a rough and shaggy mass. The dough hook is switched and kneaded on to speed 2 until the dough becomes soft and smooth. This is done for five to six minutes and more flour can be added to reach the desired consistency.
As per the publication, the filling is prepared while the dough is rising. The filling ingredients are combined in a small bowl, mixing them, until smooth and lump-free. The filling and the lemon curd are reserved until they are ready to fill the braids. The dough is gently deflated and divided into half, which is covered with plastic wrap and set aside as the first piece is rolled out into a 10 by 15 inches rectangle. The parchment paper is rolled to make moving the bread to the baking sheet easier. Then, the tow lines down the dough lengthwise are lightly pressed to divide it into three equal sections. Roll, fill and braid the second dough piece with the remaining cream cheese filling and lemon curd. The loaves are set aside and lightly covered to rise for 45 to 50 minutes or until slightly puffy.
Baker’s yeast or bread yeast is one of the healthy food ingredients people have today. Thus, its inclusion in baked meal recipes helps promote a person’s health and well-being.
