My brothers and I grew up eating Marmite and Bovril. We ate it with our porridge.  On days when my late maternal granny didn’t cook any soup, we would have instant soup of Marmite or Bovril.

When our daughters were toddlers, I used to substitute dark soy sauce with Marmite.  It’s been a while since I last bought our last jar of Marmite.  The other day, I came across a recipe for Marmite pork and I was itching to try this recipe.  So off I went to get a jar of Marmite and dished up Marmite pork, which was outrageously yummy! Instead of deep frying the Marmite marinated pork strips, I pan-fried them.

My Marmite Pork with Lemon Zest, SO delish!

I like having a bowl of light Marmite soup for my mid-morning breakfast, with 1 teaspoon to about 300 ml of hot water. Whenever I crave for something savory and don’t have quick access to it, I’ll make myself a cup of Marmite soup to satiate my craving.

Did you know that science has proven that Marmite is actually rather good for you.

Originally containing only four ingredients (yeast extract, salt, spices and celery), vitamins and minerals were later added to the recipe to boost Marmite’s health potential, and scientists have been championing its benefits ever since.

In fact, the black stuff was considered so essential for a healthy diet that it was included in soldiers’ ration packs during World War One and has subsequently been used to treat conditions ranging from malaria to malnutrition.

Why Marmite Is Good For You: 

1. It can help you sleep better

According to a recent study, magnesium – a mineral that’s abundant in Marmite – can help us all get better shut eye. Scientists believe it calms the body’s nerves, hence relaxing muscles and improving our slumber.

2. It can help prevent dementia

A scientific study suggested that the cult British foodstuff could help boost brain power and stave off dementia. Researchers from York University said the high concentration of Vitamin B12 in the yeast extract increases levels of chemicals in the brain which are thought to protect against neurological disorders. Participants in the study ate a teaspoon of Marmite per day and were found to have increased levels of a neurotransmitter known as GABA, said to calm the brain and soothe the effects of anxiety.

The effects were noted for eight weeks after the study was completed, suggesting that the health benefits of the inimitable brown spread could have a long term impact on the body.

3. It’s as nutritious as vitamin supplements
Marmite is packed with B vitamins that are essential for good health – containing so much per serving that you can probably do away with taking expensive B supplements. A single serving contains 17pc of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B1 (thiamin), 18pc of B2, and 36pc of B3. These vitamins are essential for eye and skin health, as well as protecting your nervous system and helping you to break down the energy from food. B vitamins are all water soluble so are not stored by the body, thus requiring a daily dose.

4. It can keep your heart healthy
Marmite’s high content of Vitamin B1 could be highly beneficial for preventing cardiovascular disease, particularly among diabetics. A study at the University of Bristol found that supplementing diabetic and non diabetic mice with a chemical similar to Vitamin B1 called benfotiamine  improved their recovery after a heart attack and lowered their risk of cardiovascular conditions. Further studies are required to see if the same theory can be applied to humans, but it seems a good enough reason to up your Marmite intake, all the same.

5. It keeps vegans alive

Vitamin B12 is essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and blood, but cannot be found in plants. This is a problem for vegans, who do not eat any animal products, which naturally contain the vitamin.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause numerous health problems, but Marmite may provide a solution.

Fun Facts :

In Sri Lanka, Marmite is apparently used as a potent hangover cure. Simply dissolve it in boiling water and lime juice, add a fried, sliced onion and watch your hangover quickly disappear
After trying it on the UK on tour in 2011, Britney Spears admitted she’s a fan of the yeast based spread. According to insiders, she tried to make a stew with Marmite and also asked for Marmite Twiglets on her rider.

Spears isn’t the only superstar fan of the spread. The Rolling Stones, Dido, and Eddie Redmayne are all reportedly fans.