Health Benefits of Wheat Germ, Uses And Its Side Effects

By adding wheat germ to one’s diet, he or she can positively boost their immune system to fight against a number of diseases and conditions like heart disease and cancer. Wheat germ protein, hydrolysates, has been shown to positively increase the antioxidant activity in organic systems.

Antioxidants in wheat germ seek out and destroy free radicals and other disease-causing microorganisms in the body, reducing or eliminating the chances of serious illness. It has been shown to naturally contain high levels of these hydrolysates that stimulate the antioxidants within the immune system.

Studies have shown that the regular intake of whole grain wheat and wheat germ can reduce risk factors associated with coronary heart disease 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 attacks and strokes. Including wheat germ in a person’s diet increases the amount of dietary fibre, which has also been scientifically linked to a reduction in heart disease.

Adding wheat germ or certain types of wheat germ extracts to a person’s diet can help to reduce the risk factors for multiple types of cancer. It has been shown to interrupt glucose metabolism at a fundamental level and inhibits the expression of various kinases, which stimulate cancerous activity in the cells.

Wheat germ is packed with nutrients and vitamins in such high levels that it can have significant effects on various anti-aging effects like skin quality and hair loss. As a dietary supplement, 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 Wheat germ 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 hairlines.

Recent researches 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.

Another beneficial vitamin found in wheat germ is Vitamin B, which consists of a number of other 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.

One of the best sources of protein in a diet can come from wheat germ. 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.

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 wheat germ in the diet of pregnant women can be beneficial in many ways, given for its nutrient-packed nature, but the high levels of folic acid make it particularly attractive and popular.

The presence of high level of 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 one adds normal, healthy doses of wheat germ to their diet, it can help to reduce the levels of homocysteine in the body, and reduce the chances of contracting these dangerous or lethal conditions.

Adding a dash of wheat germ into a person’s oatmeal, yogurt or smoothie is an excellent way to bump up the intake of dietary fibre and stay regular with minimal effort required on their part. Just one ounce contains a whopping four grams of fibre.

When fibre is eaten, it moves through the body undigested and adds bulk to stool to help ease its passage and prevent straining and constipation.

If a person is looking to gain weight, throwing in a few servings of wheat germ may help do the trick. Each ounce contains 101 calories, so a few servings per day could help increase the calorie intake and lead to weight gain over time.

As a rich source of antioxidants, wheat germ provides solution to the healthy cell regenerations. In other words, the body will never lack of stock of healthy new cells, especially the skin cells. That is why consumption of wheat germ gives a healthy and glowing skin. Furthermore, a person can not only consume the wheat germ but can also apply it as masker to get rid of dead cells in the skin surface.