Often on the labels of food or cosmetic products in the composition you can see an ingredient called "yeast extract." Most consumers believe that this is the usual yeast, but it is not. The composition and purpose of this component is absolutely not related to fermentation.
Description
Yeast extracts are formed by processing brewer's or baker's yeast. After splitting the cells of the biological mass of this product under the influence of its own enzymes and temperature from 35 to 40 ° C, the composition of the substance changes. After that, the necessary fractions are selected and pasteurized. Dry yeast extract is also produced in liquid form, sometimes the products are dried.
The final composition of the product to a greater extent consists of protein compounds - special amino acids. They are able to enhance the taste and aroma of dishes. Often at the final stage, spices, salt, seasonings, plant extracts are added to the composition to create the necessary taste for the additive.
The vast majority of companies produce yeast extracts with a different flavor base, previously provided in the recipe. This is also done in order to suppress the unwanted taste and improve the perception of the product.
Composition of the product
The main components in the composition of the yeast extract are peptides, nucleotides, amino acids. Amino acids in turn include:
- aspartic acid;
- glutamic acid;
- diaminovaleric acid;
- threonine;
- serine;
- glycine;
- tyrosine;
- proline;
- valine;
- alanine;
- methionine;
- lysine;
- cysteine;
- leucine;
- arginine;
- phenylalanine;
- histidine.
In addition, the supplement contains a relatively large number of B vitamins (most of all B3 and B5).
Beneficial features
Due to its rich composition, bacteriological yeast extract has a number of useful properties.
The list of them is as follows:
- High content of B vitamins, which stimulate cellular energy, due to which the skin is actively saturated with oxygen.
- It has a powerful antioxidant function. Significantly reduces the negative effects of free radicals at the cellular level.
- By activating the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, it helps to accumulate and retain water in the skin, thereby increasing its elasticity.
- It normalizes lipid and protein metabolism, exercising control over oily or dry skin.
- Contributes to the stimulation and activity of fibroblasts. These are cells that synthesize collagen and elastin, which are necessary to maintain youthful skin.
Production technology
In production, during the preparation of the yeast extract, specially bred, protein-rich types of yeast are used, including baking, fodder, beer, dairy and other varieties.
Cell destruction and the release of juice interconnected with this process occurs due to autolysis. Own yeast enzymes decompose the contents of the cells, after which the protein chains break down into peptides, nucleotides, macromolecules, amino acids. The process of adding your own enzymes with nuclease allows you to increase the content of nucleotides. In addition, monophosphate and guanidyl acid are added to the composition to enhance the taste of the final product.
Cell destruction can also be performed in other ways - by thermolysis or plasmolysis. In the first case, the yeast cells are heated in water, in the second embodiment, a solution based on sugar and salt is added to them.
The next stage is the release of the resulting mass from cellular elements that are not dissolved during the fermentation process by separating the concentrate. Subsequently, it is dried or left unchanged. As a result, a pasty yeast product is formed with a content of 70–80% dry matter or a powder in which 95–97% dry matter is present.
Flavoring Additive
Yeast extract has a salty taste and is considered an additive that enhances the taste of dishes. It contains in its composition glutamic, inosined and guanidyl acid. Due to this property it is widely used in the food industry as an additive in the manufacture of sauces and fast food.
According to the regulation of the European Council, an extract as a flavored additive may be designated by the term “natural”. In contrast, the other amino acids mentioned above are labeled “flavorings”. The Food Quality Control Authority eliminates the need for glutamic acid in the extract. However, it is prohibited to indicate on the packaging that the product does not contain monosodium glutamate. It is also not allowed to mention it in the composition of the ingredients, as a spice or spice.
Use in cosmetics
Very often, yeast extract can be found among the components of cosmetics. It is mainly used for the prevention and control of age-related changes in the skin of the face and body.
Its effectiveness is observed when serums, lotions and creams of directed action are included in the composition:
- eliminate the first signs of aging;
- pulling up and giving clarity to the oval of the face;
- for smoothing the skin of the face;
- giving a healthy color to the skin.
As the best cosmetic products with extract, it is worth highlighting several funds from eminent and well-established brands in the market:
- Advanced Genifique by Lancome. This product, an activator of youth, has become a bestseller in the cosmetics industry. In just 7 days, serum manufacturers promise to significantly increase skin youth. Namely: to provide radiance and freshness, purity and smoothness, even tone, increase firmness and tone, density and elasticity, reduce wrinkles. The patented Genifique complex, as well as the developed symbiosis of prebiotics with yeast and bifidobacteria, which stimulate the synthesis of proteins in the skin, are responsible for the implementation of these goals.
- Kiehl's Precision Lifting-Pore Tightening Concentrate. This is a concentrate with a tightening and narrowing pore effect. It effectively improves skin condition, improves elasticity. Anti-aging effect is achieved by reducing pores, smoothing wrinkles and lifting. As part of the product, a yeast extract is filtered at a micro level and essential oil of geranium flowers, which stores collagen and elastin in the deep layers of the skin.
- Advanced Pigment Corrector, SkinCeuticals. Cream against skin pigmentation caused by hormonal disruptions, UV exposure or the inflammatory process. The product effectively evens complexion, eliminates and prevents the appearance of age spots. Yeast extract enhances the protective functions of the skin and increases the activity of collagen synthesizing cells.
- Re-Plasty Pro-Filler by Helena Rubinstein. This is a serum for local effects on wrinkles. Combines two types of hyaluronic acid and a special component based on yeast. Thanks to him, his own reserves of hyaluronic acid in the skin are synthesized.
Use in medicine
For medical purposes, as a nutrient medium, yeast extract is used to grow bacteria. This helps scientists conduct research and bacteriological diagnostics in order to improve therapeutic methods for the treatment of bronchopulmonary and other diseases.
A substance such as yeast extract agar is also widely used. It is used to analyze various kinds of liquids, including drinking water. As a result of research using this product, the number of bacteria per unit volume and the suitability of water for consumption are determined.
Application in the food industry
Yeast-based extracts are often used as a basis in the manufacture of spreads (a kind of butter, only without cholesterol) with the addition of auxiliary components. In Europe, Australia and America, this food product invariably forms part of breakfast.
In addition, as previously noted, the extract is saturated with B vitamins, useful acids, including folic, biotin, glycine and others, due to which it is often included in the diet for medical reasons.