It has emerged that British families loving to spread Marmite on their morning toast should include it in their diets every day. According to experts, a powerful cocktail of B vitamins from thiamin to riboflavin, niacin, and cobalamin that can be found in Marmite may improve the functioning of the brain and reduce anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology indicated that a daily spoonful of Marmite during a period of one month could help moderate the response of the brain to stressful stimuli, thereby offering a natural boost in mental health.
According to Anika Smith, a PhD student from York’s department of psychology and the first author on the study, “these results are very important because they show that dietary choices can affect cortical processes of excitation and inhibition, consistent with increased levels of GABA, which are vital in maintaining a healthy brain. Since the effects of Marmite consumption took about eight weeks to wear off after people stopped the study, this suggests that dietary changes could have long-term effects.”
While the outcome of this study is very promising, Dr. Laura Phipps with Alzheimer’s Research UK said, “The interesting outcome of this study of young people is the suggestion that particular foods may influence brain activity but we don’t know if or how this could translate into long-term benefits against particular brain diseases.”
It comes amid fears over the spread’s availability. Supermarkets have been unable to maintain supplies of the Marmite brand spread because of a perceived shortage of brewer’s yeast a crucial ingredient in its production that was brought about by the slowdown in beer production due to lockdown. The shortage has caused Marmite lovers to take to social media to share their woes and seek alternatives.
However, Aldi has moved to allay the fears of their customers, stating that Grandessa Mighty Yeast Extract is very well supplied in all stores at £1.69 for a 240g jar. For those who just can’t do without the original brand, Aldi also has Marmite Yeast Extract at £2.49 for a 250g jar and has kept up good supplies, thereby able to scoop some solace amid the shortage.
With the market evening out, consumers are constantly reminded that Marmite has diversified and is quite popular all the same. Spread on toast, crumpets, or bagels, Marmite is part of a British breakfast since 1902. Full of B vitamins and with no added sugar, it is a healthy option for those who take great care of their health and their families’ health. Some foodie daredevils will even combine it with eggs or avocado or cheese for another dimension of taste.
With all these benefits at one’s disposal, the need to stay on diet and make wise choices in food ought to always be the way. According to a recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital, ultra-processed foods like crisps and biscuits can put one at risks of stroke and dementia. “We found that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of both stroke and cognitive impairment,” says Dr W Taylor Kimberly, who led the research.
As dietary habits get put under the microscope, something viewed as a staple on that list like Marmite can take on even greater significance. While, for Dr. Phipps, nutrient-dense food in daily grub can contribute towards total brain health bolstered by these life-changing approaches of staying physically and mentally active, enjoying varied diets, and curtailing booze consumption this is all to drive home the risks of developing dementia.