Health Benefits of Wheat Germ
Wheat Germ is very small in size and consist of only 3% of entire wheat kernel yet it is a powerhouse of nutrients. Being so high in nutrients, it is still removed from the wheat flour during milling to increase the shelf life of wheat flour. The growing awareness about the nutritional value of Wheat Germ has made it a popular product among all the health conscious people especially in the US but lately countries like India are also becoming aware of this natural super food. No wonder, it is being suggested by doctors, nutritionists and health fitness coaches as a healthy addition to a busy life. Let us discuss about the Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Wheat Germ.
It is important to note that Wheat Germ should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated to increase the shelf life.
Wheat Germ (Key Features)
- The Heart of the Wheat Kernel
- Robust source of phytosterols - Very helpful in reducing cholesterol & triglyceride
- Have omega-3 fatty acids - lower anxiety levels & inflammation and improves mood
- An Excellent Source of Folic Acid & Thiamine (Vitamin B Complex)
- Free of Preservatives and Chemical Additives
- Cholesterol and Sodium Free Food
- Good Source of Vitamin E & Zinc (Useful for hair loss and skin issues)
- All Natural
- Delicious Nutty Flavour
Health Benefits of Wheat Germ
Vitamin E
One of the main reason why I personally started eating Wheat Germ is the presence of Vitamin E. It is one of the richest source of Vitamin E on Earth. Vitamin E is known to be a natural anti-ageing agent and just two tablespoons of Wheat Germ provides about 15% of recommended daily intake of Vitamin E. By including a few more Vitamin E rich food in the diet one could completely avoid all these anti-ageing creams and enjoy a glowing skin. It is also recommended to be consumed for people having skin issues. Apart from skin, Vitamin E is also good for heart. It is also an anti oxidant helps preventing blood clots and is needed to strengthen the body’s immune system.
Folic Acid
There is one more reason I’m a big fan of Wheat Germ is the presence of Folic Acid. 2 tbsp of Wheat Germ fulfils 10% of your daily Folic Acid requirement. Its a must have for all the pregnant women. Presence of Folic Acid in the diet aids immensely in the development of healthy new cells, prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Vitamin B
Wheat Germ is a rich source of Vitamins like B like Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine). Vitmain B is important to maintain energy levels and maintain healthy muscles, organs, hair and skin.
Octacosanol
Wheat Germ is also a bountiful source of Octacosanol which is long-chain waxy alcohols. Octacosanol is used to improve exercise performance including strength & stamina and helps to enhance the body reflexes and improves alertness and overall oxygen utilization by the body. This is the reason why many body building health supplements contain this ingredient.
Minerals
Wheat Germ also contains important minerals like Zinc and Selenium which are essential to fight male infertility which is sadly increasing very rapidly due to recent lifestyle changes. Zinc and Selenium together improves the grade 1 sperms in male thus improving the chances of pregnancy. They also aid growth and sexual maturation and keep skin healthy. It also promote resistance to disease. Wheat germ is also a source of Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, and disease-fighting Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Phytosterols
Wheat germ contains phytosterols, a compound with similar structure of cholesterol that prevents the production and absorption of bad cholesterol in the food by the body and thereby checking the risk of heart disease. It is a sodium and cholesterol free food.
Dietary Fibre
It is a great source of natural dietary fibre, which is very essential to maintain regular bowel functioning. It also helps to relieve constipation but over-eating could lead to dysentery as well. According to a study, 1 ounce serving of raw wheat germ provides about 101 calories, 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat and 4 grams of fibre. After wheat bran, Wheat Germ has the maximum amount of dietary fibre in wheat kernel.