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More than Just a Powerful Protein: The Other Benefits of Yeast
Category_Dog Blog
Ingredients

More than Just a Powerful Protein: The Other Benefits of Yeast

by Wes Chang •
We’ve hinted at it before in our series on yeast, but the rumors are true – yeast has yet even more health benefits to offer us and our pets. This seriously super superfood is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your pooch in peak condition. Let’s dive right in!

B-vitamins

Yeast is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate, and B12. One tablespoon of yeast can contain up to 5 mcg of vitamin B12, slightly more than double the recommended minimum dose for (human!) adults. Here is a quick breakdown of how B-vitamins can work for your pet’s health:
  • Thiamine regulates energy and carbohydrate metabolism, and activates ion channels in neural tissue.
  • Riboflavin, B12, and niacin facilitate enzyme functioning.
  • Vitamin B6 is responsible for glucose generation, red blood cell and nervous system function, hormone regulation, immune response, niacin synthesis, and gene activation.
  • Pantothenic acid helps with energy metabolism.
  • Folic acid plays a role in amino acid and nucleotide metabolism and in mitochondrial protein synthesis<1>,<2>.
Translation: B-vitamins are crucial for your pet’s internal systems to function at optimal levels. For example, if your dog suffers from a B12 deficiency, it will manifest in symptoms such as leg weakness, general lethargy, excessive sleep, and decreased appetite. If left untreated long-term, this could eventually lead to weight loss, gut issues, and kidney disease. Yeast is a super-easy and natural way to ensure your dog is receiving enough B-vitamins. Ok, so what other benefits does yeast have?

Beta-glucans

Beta what then? Beta-glucan is a heart-healthy soluble fiber, naturally found in the cell walls of cereals, certain mushrooms, seaweed, algae, and… yeast! It makes immune cells more active, powerful, and effective, has proven anti-tumor and anti-microbial properties, and has been shown to lower insulin resistance and blood cholesterol<3>. That makes beta-glucan especially helpful if your dog is suffering from cancer, diabetes, or obesity. Improved immune functioning increases longevity, and beta-glucan ensures that those extra years overflow with health and well-being. It helps dogs become less allergenic, experience lower stress levels, be more resilient, and fight off infections from microbes, virus, and bacteria.

Alpha-mannans

Another carbohydrate found in yeast, has similar immune-boosting properties. Along with beta-glucan, alpha-mannan stops pathogens from attaching to organs and stimulates immune cells. Yeast is also rich in antioxidants, specifically glutathione and selenium, that help prevent cell damage, purify your body from environmental toxins, and defend against chronic diseases<4>. Basically? We could recite a laundry list of all the wonderful ways yeast can benefit your dog. In summary, the benefits of yeast go well beyond just protein and eating it will gift your dog with vitality, energy, and health. Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives. Returning the favor and giving them a happy, vibrant existence is simple when you boil it down to the basics: love and a nutritious, natural, balanced diet. References <1> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22254022 <2> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12716678 <3> ttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871141307001369 <4> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3521441

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