It keeps mosquitos away and cures hangovers… seven surprising health benefits of Marmite
Who'd have known this breakfast favourite could pack such a punch?
LOVE it or hate it, this breakfast treat has a number of surprising benefits you probably never knew about it.
This week, shoppers were left horrified after hearing the news that Tesco has pulled popular items such as Marmite and Pot Noodles from its website.
From helping you sleep to having value as a superfood, here are seven reasons why you should pick Marmite as your toast topper of choice…
1. It’s low in calories
The recommended portion of Marmite is 4g, which adds up to just 10 calories.
Comparing the healthier spread option to the calories in peanut butter reveals just how much healthier Marmite can be.
In 100g of peanut butter, there is approximately a gut-busting 558 calories.
Marmite has over half the calorie content to peanut butter, containing 250kcal per 100g.
2) The flavour is stronger
It may not be completely obvious as to why having a punchier flavour actually makes a spread healthier.
The logic behind this theory is that a smaller quantity of the toast topper is needed to provide the strong taste you desire.
For this reason, Marmite fans are less likely to overload their food with more than they need.
3) It can keep mosquitoes away
Research reveals that eating foods that are high in vitamin B, such as Marmite, is enough to ward of insects.
The gross science behind this theory suggests that the smell of the pungent food item is excreted from the skin, putting off any pests from attacking.
4) It can cure a hangover
In Sri Lanka, Marmite is popularly consumed the morning after a big night out.
Traditionally, a special hangover-relieving drink is made from Marmite, hot water, lime juice and fried sliced onion.
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5) It makes you sleep easier
The B vitamins in Marmite aren’t only great for deterring mosquitoes, they also help you get a better night’s kip.
Chomping down on a marmite sandwich can help you snooze more easily as it produces melatonin, a feel good chemical.
When melatonin is present, it can work to reduce stress and relax the body.
6) It can make your heart healthier
A study from the University of Bristol revealed that eating Marmite on a regular basis can be good for the heart.
The spread is packed with benfotiamine, which is believed to ward of disease and promote a healthy heart function.
7) It’s a superfood
While superfoods are usually linked with fruit and vegetables, some scientists believe that Marmite actually has some ‘super’ properties.
Not only is it low in calories, it’s also gluten free and high in vitamins.
Other benefits of munching on Marmite include building up your folic acid intake, as one portion contributes 36 per cent of your recommended daily amount.