WHEAT GERM

Wheat germ is one of the most nutritional products available. In fact, wheat germ contains 23 nutrients, and has more nutrients per ounce than any other vegetable or grain.

Protein: 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.

Vitamin E: One cup of wheat germ contains 19.5 mg of vitamin E, and one tablespoon of wheat germ oil is packed with 26.2 mg of 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.

Magnesium: Magnesium assists the body in producing and transferring energy, and helps to maintain heart, bone, muscle, and circulatory system health.

Pantothenic acid: The pantothenic acid in wheat germ helps the body process and use energy from food, and metabolizes cholesterol and fatty acids. There is approximately 1.24 mg of pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B₅, in 0.5 cup wheat germ.

Phosphorus: A quarter cup serving of wheat germ contains 232 mg of phosphorus. Phosphorus helps build bones and teeth and assists in metabolism. Adults should consume approximately 700 mg of the mineral daily.

Thiamine: Thiamine, one of the B complex vitamins, is essential to normal growth, and to building healthy skin, muscle, bones, and hair. It also promotes normal functioning of the nervous system, and helps the body to metabolize alcohol. One cup of wheat germ contains 1.08 mg of thiamine, and the RDAs for men and women are 1.2 mg and 1.1 mg, respectively.

Zinc: Wheat germ contains some zinc, a trace mineral and antioxidant essential for proper growth, immune system function, and hormone production.

Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that assists cells in transferring energy and oxygen.

Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA): PABA helps to maintain the balance of intestinal flora, or bacteria.

Fibre: Wheat germ is also high in fiber, and contains approximately 1 gram of fiber per tablespoon. A diet high in fiber can be useful in regulating bowel function (i.e., reducing constipation), and may be recommended for patients at risk for colon disease, heart disease and diabetes.

Muscle gain: Wheat germ, due to its high concentration of complex carbohydrate and protein aids in gaining muscle and reducing instances of catabolism. 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.

Other nutrients: It contains more potassium and iron than any other food source. Also found in great quantities are riboflavin, calcium, zinc and vitamins A, B1 and B3. Vitamins B1 and B3 are very important to maintain energy levels and maintain healthy muscles, organs, hair and skin.

Storage: Because of its high oil content, improperly stored wheat germ can become rancid. So store it in sealed glass jars and keep it refrigerated. A jar of vacuum-packed wheat germ can be safely stored up to one year unopened. Opened jars should be refrigerated, where they can be stored up to nine months if stored properly and tightly sealed.