Wheat Germ Nutrition Information
Fiber Content
When it comes to nutrition information for wheat germ, one of the most important considerations is the high amount of fiber found in the food. Wheat germ contains large amounts of dietary fiber, which have been found to be essential for a number of reasons. First, dietary fiber has been found to be successful in the both treatment and management of a number of chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even some types of cancer. In addition, fiber may be an effective tool for those who are interested in weight loss. Foods rich in fiber have been found to be very satiating. This means that upon eating foods rich in fiber, dieters can stay full for a relatively long period of time. In addition, fiber is slow digesting, and therefore will stay in your stomach much longer than foods without much dietary fiber.
Carbohydrate Content
The carbohydrate content of wheat germ should also be considered before adding it to a meal or diet plan. In general, wheat germ is composed almost primary from carbohydrate. Though foods rich in carbohydrates often get a bad reputation, and are often blamed for the development of obesity, when comparatively speaking they are actually quite healthy. Per gram, carbohydrates provide only four calories, while alcohol provides seven calories per gram, and fat provides nine calories per gram. When eaten in moderation, therefore, wheat germ and other foods rich in dietary carbohydrate may actually be effective for individuals who are interested in achieving weight loss goals.
Protein Content
One area in which wheat germ is lacking is in the protein content. Unlike bread, pasta, and other foods rich in carbohydrate, which provide almost no dietary protein, wheat germ does provide a few grams per serving. However, this is significantly below the daily requirement for healthy adults. Because of this low protein content, wheat germ is often added to foods already rich in protein, such as ground beef or beans, in order to increase the health benefits of the entire meal.
How to Use Wheat Germ
As stated above, wheat germ is often added to ground meats and other protein sources, in order to ensure complete dietary guidelines are met. Wheat germ can also be used in cakes, cookies, bars, and even pie crusts to create baked goods that are not only delicious, but are also actually quite nutritionally sound. Experiment with different recipes in order to find a product that tastes great and makes you feel just as good.
In Conclusion
Obviously, wheat germ has a number of important health benefits. This is due to its high percentage of dietary fiber and carbohydrates. Since wheat germ is somewhat lacking in protein, those who are considering using it should include it with meat dishes in order to ensure protein deficiencies do not occur. Those who require additional wheat germ nutrition information may want to consider consulting with a registered dietitian.
References
nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5743/2
