Wheat Germ Benefits

Wheat germ provides a great range of nutritional benefits which can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Let’s take a detailed look at them.

1. Boosts Immune System

By adding wheat germs to your diet, you can positively boost your immune system to fight against a number of diseases and conditions like heart disease and cancer. Wheat germ protein hydrolysates have been shown to positively increase the antioxidant activity in organic 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 that stimulate the antioxidants within the immune system.

2. Improves Heart Health

Studies have shown that the regular intake of whole grain wheat and wheat germ can reduce risk factors associated with coronary heart diseases and can increase the health of the entire cardiovascular system. LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that has been oxidized and therefore, swells in the arteries and veins. This is a common sign and risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Including wheat germ in your diet increases the amount of dietary fiber, which has also been scientifically linked to a reduction in heart diseases. The presence of octacosanol in wheat germ has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, thereby decreasing the chances of strokes and other harmful issues. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in wheat germs work to cancel out the negative effects of omega-6 fatty acids, further protecting your cardiovascular system.

3. Prevents Cancer

Adding wheat germs or certain types of wheat germ extracts to your diet can help you reduce the risk factors for multiple types of cancer. It has been shown to interrupt glucose metabolism at a fundamental level and inhibit the expression of various kinases, which stimulate cancerous activity in the cells. The study shows that test subjects with wheat germ extract in their diet have increased TNF secretion by the macrophages and stimulating NK cell activity (Natural Killer cells). Both of these benefits result in apoptosis (cell death) of cancerous and tumorous cells. The small germ inside the wheat may not look very impressive, but its effects are very powerful.

4. Anti-aging Properties

Wheat germ is packed with nutrients and vitamins and can have significant effects on various anti-aging effects like skin quality and hair loss. Wheat germ is a natural way to get these benefits, but some people also choose to go for a more cosmetic approach, using its extract directly or mixing it with other cosmetic materials. Vitamin E is packed into it as well, and studies have shown a wide range of benefits to people who fill their daily requirements of this vitamin. When eaten regularly, the proteins and vitamins within wheat germ can positively affect people with conditions like psoriasis, sunburn, eczema, wrinkles, dull complexion, and receding hair lines. wheat germ info

5. Increases Athletic Performance

Studies have shown wheat germ to have high levels of naturally occurring octacosanol, which has certain ergogenic qualities. This means that when taken as a part of a regular diet, it can increase stamina and performance by regulating the biochemical pathways that produce energy, which in effect streamlines the saving of energy reserves in the body. It should be noted that while these effects have been scientifically proven multiple times, as many variables come into play, the scientific backing for wheat germ as a performance-enhancing dietary choice is moderate to weak.

6. Improves Cellular Metabolism

Another beneficial vitamin found in wheat germ is vitamin B, which consists a number of different vitamins. The most common types found in wheat germ are niacin, thiamine, and folates. These vitamins are vital for cellular metabolism, helping to transform nutrients from carbohydrates, lipids, and glucose into consumable energy for the cells. Thiamine can also fight against metabolic disorders like chronic obesity. A higher functioning metabolism means more natural energy, as well as more successful weight loss, strength, and alertness. B vitamins can be found in many whole grains as well as in wheat germ.

7. Boosts Muscle Health

One of the best sources of protein in a diet can come from wheat germ, and protein has a laundry list of beneficial attributes. Protein is integral in maintaining healthy muscles, repairing damaged tissues, regulating energy levels within the body, and aiding in homeostasis and overall system balance. Protein is also an essential dietary requirement for people wanting to get in shape and increase their muscle mass.

8. Supports Pregnancy

Wheat germ is loaded with folic acid, which is an important factor in ensuring a healthy infant for pregnant women. Women who have healthy levels of folates in their system have a greatly reduced chance of their child having neural tube defects and other complications. Adding it to your diet when pregnant can be beneficial in many ways, given its nutrient-packed nature, but the high levels of folic acid make it particularly attractive and popular.

9. Prevents Diabetes

The presence of high folic acid in wheat germ has a secondary effect for people at risk of diabetes. Folic acid is negatively correlated with a compound called “homocysteine” in the body, which is closely linked to a number of harmful conditions, like vascular disease, diabetes, and heart disease. Folic acid is present in many whole grains, and in particularly high levels in wheat germ. Therefore, if you add normal, healthy doses of wheat germ to your diet, you will reduce the levels of homocysteine in your body, and reduce your chances of contracting these dangerous or lethal conditions.

10. Side Effects Of Wheat Germ

Gluten-free Diet: A growing number of the population can no longer eat gluten, which is a primary component in grains like wheat. This gluten intolerance can often be caused by diseases like Celiac’s disease. Eating gluten can be painful and harmful to the digestive tract, and even fatal in some extreme conditions. Despite the other nutritional benefits of wheat germ, if you are required to maintain a “gluten-free” diet, do not consume wheat germ or wheat germ extract.