A wheat kernel consists of three parts- the outer bran, the starchy endosperm and the reproductive element called the wheat-germ. Wheat-germ is a small but nutritious center of the wheat kernel. This small part is powerhouse of nutrients and has several health benefits. Since wheat-germ is the part of the wheat plant that helps in reproduction, it contains all the nutrients that are necessary for the growth and development. Wheat-germ can be consumed as whole or it can be used for the extraction of oil. Wheat-germ oil can be consumed easily and healthily in salads and can even be used for baking or roasting. However, frying with wheat-germ oil does not benefit in any manner because most of the nutrients are lost when wheat-germ oil is fried.Wheat-germ oil can also be used in smoothies and desserts. It can even act as a replacement for bread-crumbs in certain recipes.
Wheat-germ has an impressive list of nutrients that give it the several health-benefiting properties it is known and used for. Wheat-germ oil is a source of energy, proteins, fibers and complex carbohydrates. It also contains folates, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Vitamin B6, zinc, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and selenium. Wheat-germ oil is also a very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Health Benefits of Wheat-Germ Oil
- Boosts the health of the immune system: Wheat-germ oil boosts the immune system and makes it stronger to fight against several diseases and infections. Wheat-germ oil contains protein hydrolysates that stimulate the antioxidant activity in the immune system. These antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage of the cells leading to several diseases and illness. Thus, the wheat-germ oil helps to develop a stronger immune system and prevents the body from several types of infections and life-threatening diseases.
- Promotes the cardiovascular health: The consumption of wheat-germ oil can reduce the risk of coronary diseases to a great extent. Wheat-germ oil contains a lot of dietary fibers and also omega-3 fatty acids that promote the heart health. The intake of wheat-germ oil helps to keep cholesterol levels in control. Wheat-germ oil lowers the level of LDL cholesterol which is cholesterol that swells the arteries and veins leading to increased risk of heart diseases. Wheat-germ oil also contains octacosanol which is known to reduce the cholesterol levels to a great extent.
- Helps in cancer prevention: Including wheat-germ oil in the diet can help to reduce the risk of various types of cancer and even prevent cancers of various types. Wheat-germ oil contains compounds that interrupt with glucose metabolism at a very fundamental level thereby inhibiting the development of cancerous cells. Wheat-germ oil stimulates the activity of the natural killer cells that kill cancerous and tumor cells.
- Helps to slow down the aging process: Wheat-germ oil is packed with several nutrients and so slows down the aging process and can be used as an effective anti-aging agent. Wheat-germ oil is packed with Vitamin E which acts as an anti-oxidant that neutralizes the effects of the free radicals that cause degeneration of the cells leading to premature aging. The intake of wheat-germ oil can help to prevent various signs of aging like psoriasis, eczema, hair fall, wrinkles, sunburn and dull complexion. Wheat-germ oil is considered good for both the skin and the hair.
- Improves cellular metabolism: Wheat-germ oil contains vitamins like niacin, thiamine and folates that are important for cellular metabolism. These vitamins convert the nutrients into energy that can be consumed by the body. The improved cellular metabolism thus helps the body to get more energy and strength. With increased metabolism, it is also possible to lose weight effectively.
- Promotes the health of the muscles: Wheat-germ oil is a rich source of proteins which are essential for the healthy development of muscles. Proteins are needed for maintaining healthy muscles, repairing damages tissues, regulating energy levels and also increase muscle mass.
- Helps to prevent diabetes: Wheat-germ oil is a very rich source of folic acid. Folic acid acts on a compound called homocysteine. This compound is responsible for various harmful conditions in the body including diabetes. The intake of wheat-germ oil reduces the levels of the harmful compound homocysteine which helps to prevent conditions like diabetes and heart attacks.
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