The Indian Diet's Protein Problem
The Indian diet has long been considered high on carbohydrates and low on proteins, particularly the diet of vegetarians. The protein source for vegetarians by default is dairy or legumes based. While these provide the much needed protein supplement, there is a section of the population that is lactose intolerant or has IBS symptoms and faces issues such as gas, bloating and heaviness.
Therefore dairy products are not the best source of protein for them. Similarly, legumes are not the best protein for those with IBS as they can cause gas and heaviness.
You may think protein supplements can solve their dilemma — but the same drawback holds true. Whey is derived from milk and not suitable for those with lactose intolerance. One study found that 76% of 36 supplements sampled (including whey and plant-based) were mislabelled and did not offer what they promised.
It may seem as if all sources of protein are ruled out for people with such stringent requirements — but there is another protein source that has not received the same fanfare as whey or plant-based vegan options.
Let us now put the spotlight on the yeast protein.
What is Yeast Protein and Where Does It Come From?
Yeast protein begins its life in fermentation tanks. The process is similar to making curd, bread or kombucha. Select strains of yeast (most commonly Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are cultivated under controlled conditions. They are fed carbohydrates and allowed to grow — producing a protein that is consistent in quality and does not depend upon the vagaries of soil and climate that agriculture is subject to.
Post the fermentation process the yeast is harvested, inactivated and purified. This gives us a high-protein isolate with minimal fat or carbohydrates.
As this protein is made by fermentation, it does not depend on animals or farms and is therefore a sustainable, planet-friendly and cruelty-free vegan option.
Does Yeast Protein Have All The Amino Acids?
Yeast protein isolate is not just a substitute of last choice for those who cannot take other forms of protein. It is a complete protein that has all nine essential amino acids (EAA > 40%) including the all-important BCAAs:
Its amino acid make-up is more similar to animal source proteins than to plant source proteins.
Is Yeast Protein Easily Digested, Absorbed and Gut Friendly?
On the scale of digestibility and absorption too, yeast protein isolate scores high. It feels lighter on the gut because of what it leaves out:
The yeast protein isolate does not ferment too much in the gut so it avoids giving the feeling of bloating or gas, making it more suitable for daily intake. Its functional polysaccharides are also beneficial for gut health.
What Else Does Yeast Protein Do For Me?
Being gut friendly is not the only bow in the quiver for yeast protein. Here's the full picture:
Along with proteins the yeast provides other nutrients too — making it far more than just a protein source:
As it is dairy-free, soy-free and gluten-free, the yeast protein isolate is hypoallergenic. This is significant as food allergies have resulted in approximately 30,000 emergency cases per year — and soy, milk and eggs are known priority allergens.
