The Yeast Beast: Can You Eat Nutritional Yeast on a Carnivore Diet?

Hey there, fellow carnivores! Today, we're going to tackle a question that's been popping up in our community lately: Can you eat nutritional yeast on a carnivore diet? Now, I know what you're thinking, "Yeast? Isn't that a fungus?" Well, you're not wrong, but let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this topic and see if we can't find some answers.

What is Nutritional Yeast?

First things first, let's get to know our subject a little better. Nutritional yeast, also known as "nooch" for the cool kids, is a deactivated yeast that's packed with nutrients. It's a popular food additive, especially among vegans, for its cheesy flavour. But, as we've discussed in our previous blog post, not everything popular in other diets is welcome in the carnivore world. So, where does nutritional yeast stand?

The Carnivore Diet: A Quick Refresher

Before we can answer that, let's remind ourselves what the carnivore diet is all about. In a nutshell, it's a diet that consists of animal products only - meat, fish, eggs, and certain dairy products. No fruits, no veggies, no grains, and certainly no fungi. As we've explored in our carnivore diet guide, the idea is to eat like our ancestors did, focusing on nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods. But does that mean there's no room for nutritional yeast?

The Yeast Question: To Eat or Not to Eat?

Here's where things get interesting. Nutritional yeast, despite its name, is not a plant. It's a single-celled organism that belongs to the fungi kingdom. So technically, it's not a plant, but it's not an animal either. It's somewhere in the middle, like a dietary Schrödinger's cat.

Now, I can already hear some of you saying, "But Seb, we've talked about this before. The carnivore diet is all about animal products. End of story." And you're right, we did discuss this in our post about onions. But let's not be too hasty to dismiss nutritional yeast.

The Nutritional Value of Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a powerhouse of nutrients. It's rich in B vitamins, including B12, which is often lacking in plant-based diets. It also contains trace minerals like zinc and selenium. But, as we've explored in our post about bone broth, you can get all these nutrients from animal sources. So, why bother with nutritional yeast?

The answer lies in its unique flavour. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty taste that can add a new dimension to your carnivore meals. It's like the secret ingredient in your grandma's famous recipe - you can't quite put your finger on it, but it makes everything taste better.

The Verdict: Can You Eat Nutritional Yeast on a Carnivore Diet?

So, can you eat nutritional yeast on a carnivore diet? The answer, my friends, is not as clear-cut as we'd like. On one hand, nutritional yeast is not an animal product, which goes against the fundamental principle of the carnivore diet. On the other hand, it's not a plant either, and it can add a lot of flavour to your meals without adding any carbs or sugars.

In my opinion, if you're a strict carnivore, you might want to skip the nutritional yeast. But if you're a bit more flexible and looking for ways to spice up your meals, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast might be just what you need.

Remember, the carnivore diet is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about finding what works best for you and your body. So, if you decide to try nutritional yeast, pay attention to how your body reacts. If you feel great and enjoy your meals more, then go for it. If not, then it's probably best to stick to animal products.

Expert Opinions

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, nutritional yeast can be a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, especially for those following restrictive diets. However, the study also notes that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of nutritional yeast.

Another study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that nutritional yeast supplementation could improve immune response, which could be beneficial for those following a carnivore diet. However, the study also emphasizes the need for more research in this area.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it, folks. The question of nutritional yeast on a carnivore diet is a bit of a grey area. It's not an animal product, but it's not a plant either. It's packed with nutrients and can add a lot of flavour to your meals, but it's not for everyone. As always, listen to your body and do what feels right for you. And remember, variety is the spice of life, even on a carnivore diet!

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.