Fall is a season of transition, marked by the vibrant transformation of leaves and a crispness in the air. As we bid farewell to the warmth of summer, our palates begin to crave hearty, comforting meals. One culinary delight that perfectly complements the autumnal spirit is soup. Fall soups offer a comforting and nourishing way to embrace the season’s bounty of ingredients. What’s more, certain ingredients commonly found in fall soups have the potential to do more than just warm you up—they could also help eliminate excess fat and give your metabolism a boost.
We spoke with Amy Beney MS, RD, CDCES, owner of Nutrition Insights, to learn about the one surprising soup ingredient which could help with fat loss and boost metabolism. Beney shared that this not-so-common ingredient is nutritional yeast, which has plenty of health benefits not just for excess fat and metabolism, but for your overall health as well.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a remarkable ingredient renowned for its unique flavor, texture, and taste. It comes in the form of small, yellow flakes with a savory, umami-rich flavor profile that's often described as cheesy or nutty. The texture is typically light and flaky, resembling grated cheese. What makes nutritional yeast particularly appealing is its potential to enhance the nutritional value of dishes while imparting a delightful taste. When incorporated into soups, it not only adds a depth of flavor but also contributes to the quest for a healthier body.
Beney says that "the benefits of nutritional yeast include boosting energy levels, improving cholesterol levels, supports immune system, helps promote healthy, skin, hair, and nails; it can also improve glucose sensitivity."
She also notes that this ingredient is rich source of protein, fiber, and minerals, such as zinc and selenium. "It also contains nine amino acids. It is high in vitamins such as thiamine, B12, B6, riboflavin, and niacin. Nutritional yeast can be great for vegans, because it contains vitamin B12, which is normally found in animal products," Beney states. "High fiber foods help promote weight loss, and can also help reduce cholesterol levels. It's low in calories and carbohydrates, which can help promote fat loss."
The Bottom Line
Incorporating nutritional yeast into your soups is a savvy way to enhance both flavor and nutrition while working towards weight loss and a boosted metabolism. Simply sprinkle a generous pinch of nutritional yeast into your favorite soup recipes. Its savory, cheesy taste not only elevates the overall taste profile but also adds a protein and B-vitamin punch. The extra protein can help increase feelings of fullness, reducing the urge to overeat, while B vitamins are crucial for a well-functioning metabolism.
"Nutritional yeast can also be used in other dishes where you might use Parmesan cheese or other, cheesy topped dishes, such as salads, casseroles or sandwiches," Beney notes!
So, whether you're enjoying a comforting bowl of tomato bisque or a hearty vegetable stew, a dash of nutritional yeast can be your helping ingredient for a healthier, more satisfying meal.
