As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can assure you that it is perfectly fine to consume beer yeast. In fact, it can even have some potential health benefits. Let me explain why.
Firstly, beer yeast contains a rich array of vitamins and minerals. These include B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9, as well as minerals like selenium and chromium. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, such as energy production, brain health, and immune system support.
The B vitamins, in particular, play a crucial role in converting food into energy, and they are also important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Selenium and chromium are trace minerals that have antioxidant properties and are involved in regulating blood sugar levels. So, consuming beer yeast can provide you with a natural source of these beneficial nutrients.
Furthermore, some people believe that the yeast in beer can help prevent or alleviate hangovers. This is because yeast contains enzymes that can break down alcohol and its by-products, such as acetaldehyde, which is responsible for many hangover symptoms. While the scientific evidence is limited, anecdotal reports suggest that consuming yeast before or during drinking alcohol may help reduce the severity of hangovers.
Now, it's important to note that when you drink a bottle-conditioned beer, which means a beer that still contains live yeast, you might experience some slight differences in flavor and appearance compared to filtered beers. The presence of yeast can give the beer a slightly yeasty or hazy appearance, and it may impart a subtle yeasty flavor. Some beer enthusiasts actually enjoy these characteristics, as they believe it adds complexity to the flavor profile.
However, if you're not a fan of these qualities, you can simply pour the beer carefully, leaving the sediment containing the yeast in the bottle. Alternatively, you can opt for filtered beers that have had the yeast removed before packaging.
Drinking beer yeast is perfectly safe and can even provide some potential health benefits due to its vitamin and mineral content. While it may affect the clarity and flavor of the beer, it won't make you sick. So, if you're curious or interested in trying beer yeast, go ahead and give it a shot. Cheers!