10 Health Benefits of Wheat Germ
Wheat Germ is the tiny, nutrient-containing center of a Wheat seed , comprising only about 2.5% of the kernel’s weight, but the list of benefits is huge. In addition, certain types of foods can be nutritious, which means that when they are consumed in their complete form, they are even more beneficial for health. Wheat is one such example, however, it is in the Wheat Germ that contains the vast majority of nutrients.
Wheat seed consists of the outer shell (wheat bran), the starchy endosperm (used for mill flour), and the Wheat Germ (the reproductive element). Wheat Germ is an important part that helps the plant to reproduce, so it naturally contains many nutrients necessary for the healthy growth and development of an organism.
For years, wheat grainswere used primarily in mill flour, in which case the bran and germ parts were causally thrown away. Thus, white flour was born, which has little or no nutritional value. In fact, since synthetic vitamins and bleaches are added to flour, it can actually do more harm than good.
Wheat germ can act as an additive in desserts and on other occasions conferring a wealth of nutritional benefits on those who choose to add it to their diet.
Although Wheat Germ is small, the amount of nutrients it contains is impressive and formidable. The outer layer of the wheat kernel , the bran, is beneficial too, but the germ has even more necessary nutrients that make it so desirable.
Wheat Germ is an abundant source of energy, fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates, which interact in many ways with the body’s internal systems. Important everyday vitamins such as Folic Acid , Vitamin E , Niacin , Thiamine , and Vitamin B6 can also be found in high levels in Wheat Germ . Wheat Germ provides high levels of Potassium and Iron for the diet, as well as very good levels of Zinc , Calcium , Phosphorus and Selenium .
Wheat germ also has omega-3 fatty acids, one of the necessary and beneficial forms of cholesterol found in the body that needs frequent replacement from dietary sources such as wheat germ . So, Check out the 10 Health Benefits of Wheat Germ .
Immune System Benefits of Wheat Germ: By adding Wheat Germ to a diet, you can positively boost your immune system and strengthen it in the fight against a number of diseases and conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Hydrolyzed Wheat Germ Proteins have been shown in studies to positively increase the antioxidant activity of organ systems. Antioxidants seek out and destroy free radicals and other disease-causing microorganisms in the body, reducing or eliminating the chances of serious illness. Wheat Germ has been shown to naturally contain high levels of these hydrolysates which stimulate antioxidants within the Immune System .
Benefits of Wheat Germ for Cardiovascular Health: Several studies have shown that regular intake of wheat and wheat germ can reduce risk factors associated with coronary heart disease and can increase the health of the entire cardiovascular system. Including Wheat Germ in your diet increases the amount of dietary fiber, which has been scientifically linked to a reduction in heart disease. The presence of octacosanol in Wheat Germit has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels, thus decreasing the chances of strokes and other harmful issues. The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the germ work to counteract the negative effects of omega-6 fatty acids, as well as protecting your cardiovascular system.
Benefits of Wheat Germ in Cancer Prevention: Adding Wheat Germ or certain types of Wheat Germ extractsto your diet can help reduce risk factors for various types of cancer. Studies showed that test subjects who consumed wheat germ extract in their diet increased TNF secretion by macrophages and stimulated NK (natural killer cell) cell activity. Both of these benefits result in apoptosis (cell death) of cancer and tumor cells. The little germ inside Wheat might not look very impressive, but its effects are very powerful!
Wheat Germ Possesses Anti-Aging Properties: Wheat Germ is packed with high levels of nutrients and vitamins that can have significant effects on various anti-aging causes such as skin quality and hair loss. As a dietary supplement, wheat germ is a natural way to get these benefits, but some people also choose to go for a more aesthetic approach, using wheat germ extract directly or mixing it with other cosmetic materials. Also, when consumed regularly, the proteins and vitamins within Wheat Germ can positively affect people in conditions of psoriasis, sunburn, eczema, wrinkles and dull skin.
Wheat Germ Improve Athletic Performance: Recent studies have shown that Wheat Germ has high levels of octacosanol, which has certain orogenic qualities. This means that, when taken as part of a regular diet, Wheat Germ can increase stamina and performance by regulating the biochemical pathways that produce energy, which in practice means saving energy reserves in the body.
Benefits of Wheat Germ for Cellular Metabolism: Another of the beneficial vitamins found in Wheat Germ is vitamin B, which consists of a number of different vitamins. The most common types found in Wheat Germ are Niacin , Thiamine and Folic Acid . These vitamins are essential for cellular metabolism, helping to transform nutrients from carbohydrates, lipids and glucose into consumable energy for cells. Thiamine can also fight metabolic diseases like chronic obesity. B vitamins can be found in many whole grains, and in particular, a high supply within Wheat Germ .
Benefits of Wheat Germ For Muscle Health: One of the best sources of protein in a diet can come from Wheat Germ . Protein is essential in maintaining healthy muscles, repairing damaged tissue, regulating energy levels within the body, and assisting in homeostasis and overall system balance. Protein is also an essential dietary requirement for people who want to get in shape and increase muscle mass.
Benefits of Wheat Germ During Pregnancy: Wheat germ is rich in folic acid , which is an essential nutrient for the health of the baby and the mother. Also, women who have healthy levels of folates in their system have a much reduced chance of having their child with neural tube defects and other complications. Adding Wheat Germ to your diet during pregnancy can be beneficial in many ways given its nutrient-packed nature, but the high levels of folic acid make it particularly attractive and popular.
Benefits of Wheat Germ in Diabetes Prevention: The presence of folic acid in Wheat Germ has a side effect for people at risk of diabetes . Folic acid has a negative correlation with a compound called “homocysteine” in the body, which is closely linked to a number of adverse growth conditions, such as vascular disease, diabetes and heart disease. Folic acid is present in many whole grains, and in particularly high levels in wheat germ. So if you add normal, healthy doses of Wheat Germin your diet, you will reduce the levels of homocysteine in your body, and consequently lower your chances of contracting these dangerous or lethal conditions.
Other Health Benefits of Wheat Germ
- Wheat Germ helps to reduce body toxins,
- Wheat Germ is a good source of omega 3, which helps to control cholesterol levels,
Some Wheat Germ Care:
- Gluten-free diets: An increasing number of the population can no longer eat gluten, which is a main component in grains such as wheat. This gluten intolerance can often be caused by conditions such as celiac disease. Eating gluten can be painful and harmful to the digestive tract, and even fatal in some extreme conditions.
- High in calories: In addition to being rich in nutrients, wheat germ is also very high in calories. The positive benefits of wheat germ can be canceled out if other daily calorie intake is not monitored, because weight gain and subsequent health problems can occur regardless of how healthy the food is.