Food – The Forgotten Wheat Germ

I do not hear much talk about wheat germ—it could be a lost nutritional additive that may give our health a needed boost.

“Wheat germ is part of a wheat kernel and is responsible for helping the plant reproduce and spawn new wheat. While it’s removed from most processed wheat products, it is a major nutritional component of whole grain wheat.

“Wheat germ, along with the husk, is removed from refined wheat products …

“Wheat germ is added to some granolas, cereals, and cornbread, and is also available raw.

“Wheat germ … is an excellent source of vegetable proteins, along with fiber and healthy fats. It is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, thiamin, folate, potassium, and phosphorus. Wheat germ is also high in vitamin E, an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties—natural sources of antioxidants are best in preventing disease.”

Excerpts from: www.healthline.com/health/wheat-germ-benefits#2

“Unfortunately, this kernel, which includes the wheat germ, is tragically removed during the refining of whole wheat grains to white flour. In the manufacturing process, it is removed because its healthy oils can go rancid quickly, so removing it makes it easier for food production companies to keep wheat in storage much longer. The germ itself makes up only about 3% of the kernel, and you need over 50 pounds of wheat to get one pound of wheat germ.

“Because it is meant to feed the new plant, wheat germ is packed with good nutrients. Two tablespoons of raw wheat germ have about 1.5 grams of unsaturated fat, 9 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams dietary fiber, 2 grams of sugars, no cholesterol and about 60 calories. This is plenty of protein and fiber.

“Plus, it has a number of other healthy nutrients. …

“Wheat germ is fantastic food that usually is in the form of a coarse powder. You can easily incorporate it into protein shakes, oatmeal, casseroles, muffins, and sprinkled over cereal. … You can even make a tea out of it by brewing one tablespoon per two cups of water; steep for 20 minutes, then filter and drink.”

www.doctoroz.com/article/why-you-need-wheat-germ

I think it would be a good idea to return this nice little healthy germ into our recipes to increase the health benefits of our families!