Wheat Germ Nutrition

Let us begin with what exactly is wheat germ. The germ is primarily located within a wheat grain, called the kernel, which also houses the endosperm. The nomenclature of the germ is derived from the term 'germination' which makes it evident that it is this germ is the fetus which will mature to become the next plant. The germ contributes to only 2.5% of the weightage of the wheat grain and is extremely nutritive. Unfortunately, during the manufacturing process of the wheat, the germ is disposed off and thus we do not get to reap the wheat germ benefits from the most nutritious part of the entire grain. Thankfully though, whole wheat as well as whole-wheat flour does have the germ present and thus is great for cardiovascular health along with energy level boosts and being an adaptogen fights stress and weariness.

Nowadays even wheat germ flakes are widely marketed, either raw or toasted. Also even though the goodness of the germ gets taken away while during the grinding process in the mills, white flour is restored with the germ values, with the addition of it for the purpose of enrichment, during the process of fortification. So, let us see some wheat germ nutrition facts.

Nutritional Value of Wheat Germ

The following wheat germ nutrition measurements will talk about wheat germ calories and the protein, carbohydrate and saturated fat content in these wheat germ items.

Wheat Germ Item	Serving Size	Number of Calories	Calories from Fat	Saturated Fat (in grams)	Carbohydrates (in grams)	Proteins (in grams)
Plain wheat germ cereals	113 g	414	101	1.92	59.6	26.6
Toasted wheat germ cereal	113 g	432	109	2.1	56.1	32.8
Plain wheat germ bread	28 g (1 slice)	74	7	0.1	13.5	2.7
Wheat germ oil	14 g (1 tbsp.)	120	120	2.56	0	0

Well if you toast a wheat germ bread the number of calories rise to 83. So, you see wheat germ is pretty good for your health. In fact, a cup provides for 20% of your daily carbohydrate requirement and with a fiber content of 15.2 g, 61% of your dietary fiber DV stipulation is reached.

Other Wheat Germ Nutrition Facts

Here are some other essential wheat germ nutritive proximates that you should know.

• A cupful of toasted wheat germ flakes,mildly sweet and nutty flavored, has about 7.48 g of polyunsaturated and 1.695 g of monounsaturated fats. These fats are required by the body as they nurture the skin and harness soaring cholesterol levels and influence them to descend to sane levels in order to keep the cardiovascular system salubrious, respectively.
• It does contain about 2% and 11% of the DV stipulation of vitamin A and C, respectively. But, what makes it remarkable is its richness in the variant B vitamin forms. It has mind-boggling contents of thiamine or vitamin B1 (126%), riboflavin (55%), pyridoxine or vitamin B6 (55%), niacin (32%), folates, and pantothenic acid (16%).
• It has high vitamin E contents aids neutralization of free radicals in the body being an antioxidant.
• Wheat germ is a storehouse of minerals. It has handsome contents of phosphorus (129%), zinc (126%), magnesium (90%), iron (57%), copper (35%), 1070 mg of potassium (31%), calcium (5%), and some 5 mg of sodium.
• Even selenium which battles the risk of cancer thrown up by potent carcinogens consumed by the body is also found in wheat germ food items.
• Rich in carbohydrates, these wheat germ flakes yield about 17.1 g of dietary fibers which is 68% of the DV, aiding the process of metabolism hugely and preventing hemorrhoids by making stool emollient, and 8.8 g of sugars which is easily broken down to recharge those energy batteries.
• A yellow hued phospholipid which is vital for the metabolism of fats known as lecithin is also found in wheat germ.
• Wheat germ is one of the best sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids which cannot be generated by the body itself and thus has to be provided to the body from outside sources. These alpha-linolenic acids are very essential for blood pressure regulation, sharpened brain function, and good heart health.
• The benefits of wheat germ oil include the fact that it is steeped with antioxidants and is, therefore, known to keep the signs of aging at bay. Known to aid the cure of psoriasis and eczema, this oil also provides the body with stearic, oleic palmitic, and linoleic fatty acids which cannot be generated by the body and are essential for cell development and replication, keeping the nervous system health sound and to strengthen the immunity of a person.
• Wheat germ is great for ensuring macular health as it has lutein and zeaxanthin in a quantity of 790 mcg in 100 g of it.
• It has no caffeine content at all.

[* Percentages in the bracket indicate the DV (Daily Value) of the contents and not their quantity in the wheat germ.]

As evident as the wheat germ health benefits are by now, it would be apt to say that it is one of the most potent natural supplements which would more than make up for any nutritive insufficiency an individual is likely to face. Those on low-carb diets can easily utilize wheat germ nutrition to make up for all the nutrients their diet is missing out on. Use it as a bread crumb substitute or regular flour or consume it in smoothies, pancakes, homemade protein bars or casseroles wheat germ will take you to health levels few other food items can even reach. So stop thinking and all wheat germ products to your diet today.