<div><p>If you've heard of Marmite then consider yourself one of the few Americans who actually know what it is. The spread isn't well-known in the U.S but it is very popular in the U.K. </p><p>The concentrated paste is made from yeast extract obtained from brewer's yeast and is used as a spread on toast and in cooking. But, when it comes to the taste there really is no in between, either you love it or hate it. </p><p>If you're a fan of the quintessential British spread then don't let that change because scientists have found some unexpected benefits in consuming the tangy paste.</p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/marmite_2321702b.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/04/marmite_2321702b_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Wales Online</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p>According to a recent study published in the <a href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881117699613?journalCode=jopa">Journal of Psychopharmacology</a>, Marmite could promote healthy brain function by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). </p><p>Researchers studied a group of 28 adult volunteers and found that those who ate a teaspoon of Marmite everyday for a month experienced reduced visual stimulus in comparison to part of the group who ate peanut butter. </p><p>The 30% reduction in stimulus response meant that the GABA is functioning well and creating balanced brain activity. Since GABA plays a role in anxiety and epilepsy, the scientists at the University of York think this is a great stepping stone for further research on disorders affecting the brain.</p><div><figure><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Marmite/photos/a.147763415113.235320.15672425113/10158367763520114/?type=3&theater" target="_blank"><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/06/17426004_10158367763520114_4600642914163794144_n.jpg" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/06/17426004_10158367763520114_4600642914163794144_n_GH_content_550px.jpg 550w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/06/17426004_10158367763520114_4600642914163794144_n_GH_content_650px.jpg 650w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/06/17426004_10158367763520114_4600642914163794144_n_GH_content_750px.jpg 750w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/06/17426004_10158367763520114_4600642914163794144_n_GH_content_850px.jpg 850w, https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/06/17426004_10158367763520114_4600642914163794144_n_GH_content_950px.jpg 950w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></a><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Marmite/photos/a.147763415113.235320.15672425113/10158367763520114/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Marmite/Facebook</a></cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><p>"There could potentially be beneficial effects for people with some neurological disorders linked to GABA," the study's lead authors Daniel Baker and Anika Smith told AFP.</p><p>One of the limitations of the study is that there isn't an explanation as to what components of Marmite make it a superfood. But, the researchers claim that the high levels of glutamate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 could be a reason. </p><p>If you'd like to find out what Marmite tastes like, you can grab a jar from <a href="http://amzn.to/2oMbKL8">Amazon</a> to satisfy your curiosity. </p><p></p></div>
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