Marmite, that sticky dark brown spread that you have probably tried on toast at least once in your life, actually has surprising health benefits.

Marmite has a very distinct flavor, and it's not something that everyone enjoys, but after learning of the ways that it can improve your health (based on the results from various studies), you may decide to give this spread another chance.

1. It's packed with vitamins: When Marmite was first invented there were very few ingredients in it (yeast extract, celery, salt and spices), but vitamins and minerals were later added to the original recipe, and according to The Telegraph, now just a single serving of the spread contains 17pc of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B1, 18pc of Vitamin B2, and 36pc of Vitamin B3.

2. It can boost brain power: Researchers at York University discovered that the high levels of Vitamin B12 found in Marmite increase the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the—brain scientists asked participants in the study to eat a teaspoon of Marmite every day, and these were the results. A GABA deficiency could lead to neurological disorders, therefore, Marmite could potentially help to prevent brain-related illnesses, like dementia, from occurring later in life.

3. It helps you sleep: Marmite is filled with magnesium and one teaspoon provides around 10 percent of your daily intake. Magnesium is beneficial because it can help regulate body temperature, as well as blood pressure and heart health. According to Daily Mail, researchers at Bristol University found that magnesium may also help you sleep.

4. It is a hangover cure: Getting intoxicated is never good for the body, and you usually end up paying for it the morning after, but the good news for those who partied a little too hard is that Marmite can reportedly help cure hangovers. Why? Well, it's packed with vitamins. According to LifeHack, Sri Lankans are a big fan of this method and dissolve Marmite in hot water, then add a slice of fried onion and lime juice to the mixture. Sounds ... delicious?

5. Help with birth defects: According to a 12-year study by Australian researchers at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Unit, Marmite is high in Vitamin B3, which has can treat critical molecular deficiencies in pregnant women. This means that it can help prevent miscarriages and other birth defects.

6. There's also a bonus reason why Marmite is useful: According to BBC, several publications have noted that the spread can actually help to repel mosquitos—and who doesn't want that?!

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