Wheat Germ ?

Walk past any health food store and you will no doubt see advertisements for wheat germ. Wheat germ is one of the most nutritional products available. Have you ever noticed that ? In fact, Wheat germ along with whole wheat is a rich source of nutrients that makes it important for a healthy diet. In fact, wheat germ contains 23 nutrients, and has more nutrients per ounce than any other vegetable or grain.

>Definition of Wheat Germ:
1. Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel. The germ is only a very small part of the kernel, approximately 2 ½ percent in total. The word germ does not have anything to do with bacteria; it simply refers to germination. The germ is the reproductive part that germinates and forms the wheat grass.      (www.wisegeek.com)

2. Wheat germ is a part of the wheat kernel. The germ is only a very small part of the kernel, approximately 2 ½ percent in total. The word germ does not have anything to do with bacteria; it simply refers to germination. The germ is the reproductive part that germinates and forms the wheat grass. The germ is the vitamin and mineral rich embryo of the wheat kernel that is removed during the refining of whole wheat grains to white flour. 

(http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-wheat-germ-431i)

> Health Benefits of Wheat Germ :

A.
· Packed with important B vitamins, such as folate, thiamin, and vitamin B6, and the minerals zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Wheat germ is a top-notch food.
· A "Germ" that Promotes Health. Wheat germ is very high in protein. It contains around 28 percent protein and has more protein than can be found in most meat products. The human body needs protein in order to repair tissue damage and to help minerals and nutrients reach our cells.
· The amount of nutrients that are contained within wheat germ seems endless.
· It contains more potassium and iron than any other food source.
· Also found in great quantities are riboflavin, calcium, zinc magnesium and vitamins A, B1 and B3.
· Vitamins B1 and 3 are very important to maintain energy levels and maintain healthy muscles, organs, hair and skin. · Another important vitamin found in wheat germ is vitamin E. Vitamin E is a very important antioxidant. It is helpful in preventing the body's aging process and also to prevent heart disease. Vitamin E also helps to prevent blood clots and is needed to strengthen the body's immune system.
· Wheat germ has been found to be very beneficial in order to keep the body in tip top condition.
· It is used by athletes in their diet to improve cardiovascular function and improve endurance levels.
· Body builders will also add wheat germ to their diets in order to bulk up and maintain the nutritional levels they need to perform.
· Vitamin E not only protects fats, cholesterol and all cell membranes from damage, it is also important for immune system function, cancer prevention and blood glucose control in both healthy and diabetic individuals. · **** Excellent source of fiber.
· Provides longevity and vitality.
· Improves reflexes.
· Improves the utilization of oxygen during exercise.
· Adjust the body during stress.

(http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-wheat-germ-431i)

 B.

  Digestive cleansing: What germ has lots of fiber, and fiber is good for passing food through your body’s digestive system. In other words, fiber makes you go to the bathroom more often. How can this be good? For one thing, it cleans out your system by urging along any toxins and bad bacteria that otherwise could build up in your stomach or intestines.

  Fertility: What germ also has plenty of Vitamin E, and Vitamin E helps to keep the reproductive organs working well in both males and females. Vitamin E not only helps the organs to function properly, but it also can help men who suffer from impotence.

  Healthy skin: Vitamin E also is good for anti-aging and keeping the skin looking young and smooth. So add some wheat germ to your cereal or yogurt or on top of fruit to keep your youthful glow!

  Birth defects: No, wheat germ can’t prevent all birth defects, but it does contain folic acid and plenty of other nutrients that can lower the chances of a birth defect in an unborn child.

  Blood clots: All that Vitamin E in wheat germ also works as a natural anti-oxidant that’s good for the heart. Eating wheat germ helps to prevent heart disease because that Vitamin E when in the blood stream helps to prevent cellular damage and buildups of clots in the blood.

  Healthy hair: Want your hair to look fantastic? If so, add some wheat germ to your diet. Wheat germ contains thiamin, which contains an important vitamin in keeping your hair strong and natural looking. Thiamin is also good for the bones and skin.

  Muscular disorders: Octacosanol is a natural fatty alcohol that helps to fight against muscular dystrophy and other muscular-related disorders. Guess what has its fair share of octacosanol? You guessed it. Wheat germ.

  Weight loss: Wheat germ helps in the battle of the bulge, too. Vitamin B6 found in wheat germ is important in keep the body’s metabolism going strong, and if the metabolism is going strong then the body is burning more calories. Thus, less weight. Also, Vitamin B5 found in wheat germ helps in the body’s energy production, and a higher energy production means more calories burnt. Again, more weight loss.

  Malnutrition: Wheat germ is what’s considered a nutritionally dense food, which is a fancy way of saying it is stuffed full of vitamins, minerals, proteins and more that are important to the body. This makes wheat germ is positive food for third-world nations that are struggling with starvation and malnutrition, and for those who are suffering in more built up nations as well.

  Disease resistance: All that Vitamin E and Vitamin B, as well as all the other nutrient found in wheat germ, helps to body to fight all kinds of different diseases, even cancers. Check with your doctor and a local nutritionist about adding some wheat germ to your diet. Who knows? It might just add years to your life.

(healthmad.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-wheat-germ)

C.

Wheat germ is very high in protein. It contains around 28 percent protein and has more protein than can be found in most meat products. The human body needs protein in order to repair tissue damage and to help minerals and nutrients reach our cells.

The amount of nutrients that are contained within wheat germ seems endless. It contains more potassium and iron than any other food source. Also found in great quantities are riboflavin, calcium, zinc magnesium and vitamins A, B1 and B3. Vitamins B1 and 3 are very important to maintain energy levels and maintain healthy muscles, organs, hair and skin.

Another important vitamin found in wheat germ is vitamin E. Vitamin E is a very important antioxidant. It is helpful in preventing the body's aging process and also to prevent heart disease. Vitamin E also helps to prevent blood clots and is needed to strengthen the body’s immune system.

Wheat germ has been found to be very beneficial in order to keep the body in tip top condition. It is used by athletes in their diet to improve cardiovascular function and improve endurance levels. Body builders will also add wheat germ to their diets in order to bulk up and maintain the nutritional levels they need to perform. 

(www.wisegeek.com)

D.

Wheat germ is a concentrated source of several essential nutrients including Vitamin E, folate (folic acid), phosphorus, thiamin, zinc and magnesium, as well as essential fatty acids and fatty alcohols. It is a good source of fiber. White bread is made using flour that has had the germ and bran removed. Wheat germ can be added to protein shakes, casseroles, muffins, pancakes, cereals, yogurt, smoothies, cookies, and other goods. Wheat germ can become rancid if not properly stored in a refrigerator or freezer, and away from sunlight. Some manufacturers prevent rancidity by storing wheat germ in vacuum sealed glass containers

(from Wikipedia)

> Wheat germ may be ingested in several forms:

· Flakes - Two tablespoons sprinkled on cereal, yogurt, juice, salads, etc.

· Oil - Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamin E, linoleic acids and phospholipids. Add 10 cubic cm to salads daily. You can also use it directly on the skin to prevent wrinkles.

· Capsules - If you do not like the taste of the oil but want its benefits, buy capsules of wheat germ oil and take it this way. For the recommended dose read the container. Be careful not to take more than the indicated dose. Vitamin E is considered potentially toxic if more than the recommended dose is taken. Always should be taken under supervision.

>>> You can buy wheat germ from all good health stores and many supermarkets will carry it as well. It can either be purchased in toasted or fresh form.

>>> If you make your own bread or cakes you can easily add wheat germ when baking by using it instead of a small amount of flour. You will find that it has a sweet, almost nutty flavor that is not too overpowering. It can also be added to meat dishes, eggs, vegetables and even yogurt.