Wheat germ (germ is a short term for germination) is the wheat plant’s embryo, which means it is also its most nutritious part, providing all the elements needed for the new plant to develop. The other two components of the kernel are the fibrous outer shell called bran and the starchy middle layer, endosperm. The latter is the only part that’s used in the production of white flour. The germ is removed altogether, because the nutritious oils it contains quickly turn rancid, preventing food producers from storing the product for long periods of time.
The Reasons Wheat Germ is Good for You
1. It’s Loaded with Nutrients
Even though it comprises only 3% of the kernel, wheat germ is packed with nutrition. It is loaded with B vitamins, healthy fatty acids, and minerals like iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium. It’s one of the best folic acid sources you can find, which can be particularly important for women who are either pregnant or are planning to have children. Its low glycemic index means that it has a mild effect on blood sugar levels and is a suitable food for diabetics.
2. It Reduces Cholesterol
The phytosterols in the wheat germ are steroid compounds that help lower overall cholesterol levels as well as LDL, also known as bad cholesterol. In a study published in 1992 by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Marseille, France, participants consuming a quarter cup of raw wheat germ daily for 14 weeks showed a 15.4% drop in LDL cholesterol.
3. It Fights Cancer and Arthritis
A study published by the British Journal of Cancer showed that fermented wheat germ lowers the incidence of colon cancer spreading, reduces its recurrence and increases survival among patients. A recurrence of melanoma in patients undergoing chemotherapy has also been shown to decrease in other studies. The research published in the 2006 journal Clinical Experiments in Rheumatology showed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis saw the reduction in morning stiffness after taking fermented wheat germ for 6 to 12 months, and half of the patients were able to reduce the amount of steroids they were taking.
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