Walk across to any dietician or a doctor, and they will agree that wheat germ should be made a part of a person’s everyday diet.
Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel and is rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamin-e, fiber, unsaturated fats etc. Germ refers to Germination and not germs. Wheat germ is the embryo of the wheat kernel that is removed during processing of wheat grains to flour.
New mothers are also asked to include wheat germ in the daily diet of their new born child as it ensures a complete nutritious meal for the child.
It has been found that wheat germ has a lot of health benefits and is beneficial to young and old alike.
Vitamin E found in wheat germ helps in improving the body’s immune system and prevent heart diseases. The best part about wheat germ is that it’s rich in fibers which ensure that it is digested properly. It also ensures proper bowel function and alleviates the risk of diabetes and other diseases. It also helps in relieving constipation.
Wheat germ is highly beneficial for women in many ways. The nutrients present in wheat germ ensure that the hair, nails and teeth are in a good condition. Most importantly wheat germ helps in reducing pre-menstrual symptoms, which is quite amazing, because something as small and minute as wheat germ can have so many benefits.
The omega 3 fatty acids in wheat germ help in controlling cholesterol and blood pressure which in turn ensures a healthy heart and a long life.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Wheat germ contains an important nutrient octacosanol which helps in increasing the reflexes of one’s body. People looking to lose weight should include wheat germ in their daily diet as its high in vital nutrients and low on fat. Wheat germ also prevents clotting of blood.
- Wheat Germ makes sure that more oxygen is supplied to the body and the oxygen is utilized properly. It also increases and balances out the metabolism of the body so that there is a speedy digestion of the food eaten.
- Wheat Germ is an excellent stress buster; research has shown that consumption of wheat germ constantly over a period of time brings down the stress level of the body.
- The Folic acid present in wheat germ helps in preventing damage to the arteries. Folic acid is also highly recommended for women since in the long run it prevents birth defects. The Vitamin B helps in timely repair of the tissues.
- However wheat germ contains GLUTEN which is used in giving bread a shape, so whoever is allergic to GLUTEN should also stay away from Wheat Germ.
- Wheat Germ is often used by athletes since it helps in improving the cardio-vascular function of the body and stabilizes endurance levels of the body.
Wheat Germ is available in almost every departmental store and is quite cheap. Hence a normal person can easily make wheat germ a part of his diet everyday. Addition of wheat germ to food hardly makes any difference in its taste and it can be added to CEREALS, PUDDINGS, and PORRIDGES etc.
Wheat Germ contains unsaturated fats which mean it can turn rancid very quickly. Raw wheat germ can last about a year on the shelf, however once opened it has to be stored in a refrigerator. Refrigerated wheat germ can last as long as nine months.
Therefore Wheat Germ has a very high shelf life compared to other nutrient rich foods.
WHEAT GERM OIL
Wheat Germ Oil is extracted from the germ of wheat kernel. It is light soluble oil with a thick consistency. The oil is very sensitive to extreme weather conditions and should be stored away from direct sunlight.
BENEFITS of wheat germ oil
- Wheat Germ Oil helps in improving skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It also helps in healing burns and can be applied on dry skin
- Wheat Germ Oil helps in improving the cardio-vascular function of the body.
- It helps in controlling cholesterol
- It improves the overall immune system and ensures proper functioning of the body.
Wheat Germ whether consumed whole or in oil form is highly beneficial and has many benefits and should be a must in every family’s diet.