The Benefits of Wheat Germ & Tips on How to Use Wheat Germ in Your Diet

The Benefits of Wheat Germ & Tips on How to Use Wheat Germ in Your Diet
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Wheat germ is a powerful, nutrient dense part of the wheat kernel. In fact, it makes up only 2-3% of the entire wheat kernel but contains the most nutrients in the entire kernel. Wheat germ is removed during the process of converting whole wheat flour into white flour. The term ‘germ’ in wheat germ refers to germination.

Wheat germ contains minimal to zero gluten proteins that induce wheat allergies.

Nutritional Components of Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, protein, and essential fatty acids. It also contains powerful phytosterols and octacsanol important in disease prevention.

Prominent Nutrients in Wheat Germ:

· Vitamin B complex including B6, folate, niacin, and thiamin.

· Vitamin E

· Omega 3

· Protein

· Calcium

· Fiber

· Iron

· Magnesium

· Manganese

· Potassium

· Phosphorus

· Selenium

· Zinc

(Bright Hub has several informative and helpful articles on the above listed nutrients.)

With so many important vitamins and minerals the list of benefits from wheat germ is extensive. This list doesn’t even include enzymes essential for body functioning that wheat germ provides.

Although all of these nutrients are vital for proper functioning of our bodies there are a few that are found in particularly rich content in wheat germ. Researchers suggest these nutrients are the components that make wheat germ such an important health promoter.

Wheat Germ is Rich in 4 Vital Nutrients:

  1. Vitamin E

  2. Omega 3

  3. Octacsanol

  4. Protein

Vitamin E works to protect the body in multiple ways. Rich in three important tocopherols (natural antioxidants), vitamin E helps to fight heart disease, cancer, aging while protecting muscles, blood, eyes, and lungs and strengthening the immune system.

Essential fatty acid Omega 3 is vital for countering inflammation, boosting brain function, fighting mood problems including depression, improving quality of life for people with ADD and ADHD, strengthen heart, arteries, and veins, help to lower LDL or bad cholesterol, and protecting the body from certain cancers (breast, colon, and prostate.)

Octacsanol is a fatty alcohol found in the waxy substances of plants. Studies have shown octacsanol to fight against muscular disorders like muscular dystrophy and other neuro-muscular problems. It also improves muscle energy and endurance. Octacsanol promotes longevity, quickens reflexes, balances metabolism, and promotes adaptability to stress.

Protein is an essential component of the body. It helps with tissue repair as well as playing an important role in delivery of nutrients to all cells of the body.

Additional Benefits of Wheat Germ:

  • Digestive problem prevention and aid
  • Pre-menstrual symptom relief
  • Menopausal symptom relief
  • Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails

Types of Wheat Germ: Not all Wheat Germ is Created Equally

When shopping for wheat germ keep in mind there are several varieties. Most common are toasted wheat germ or raw wheat germ. Raw wheat germ provides the most nutritional value but goes rancid quickly. When wheat germ is rancid it can actually do more harm than good and it’s vital not to ingest rancid wheat germ.

Toasted wheat germ is the preferred variety as it lasts longer and some consumers like the taste better. In general, wheat germ has a light, nutty flavor. Some people think it tastes somewhat sweet.

When you purchase wheat germ it should be in a vacuum sealed, airtight container. Once you open the wheat germ store it in an air tight container in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.

How Can I Use Wheat Germ?

With a light, nutty taste it’s easy to add wheat germ to your diet. Sprinkle on cereals, salads, soups, casseroles, or vegetable dishes. This tasty, nutrient dense food can be added to smoothies, shakes, or just about anything you like. Be creative and experiment!

Disclaimer

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