Wheat Germ

Wheat Germ Wheat, known as the most important food crop in the world, is a cereal crop which originated in the Ethiopian highlands. With an impressive world production of over 700 million tons, wheat is the second most grown crop on the planet today. Wheat was a key factor in the emergence of urban societies, allowing large populations to live in relatively small lands. Easily cultivated in large fields, wheat was cherished for its ability to store for long periods of time. Wheat is typically ground into a flour and used to make breads, pasta and baked goods. In addition to human consumption, wheat remains an important crop for animal feeds.
Key Nutrients
Wheat germ provides a healthy source of fiber, minerals and especially B vitamins. Wheat germ is also low in saturated and unsaturated fat content.

Health Benefits

Vitamin B1 – Thiamine is an important vitamin since it breaks down sugars in the body. Thiamine also helps to support nerve and heart health.

Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 helps to keep your immune system in good working order. It aids in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids while helping to maintain the health of lymph nodes. Additionally, vitamin B6 helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

Vitamin B9 – Folate is an important vitamin for liver function.

Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12, or folic acid, helps to preserve neurological function and DNA synthesis. It also plays a key role in the health of red blood cells. The nervous system relies on vitamin B12 for proper function as well.

Dietary Fiber – Dietary Fiber stimulates digestion and peristalsis, helping to relieve indigestion and constipation problems.

Season

Since they store indefinitely, you can find wheat germ year round in your supermarket.

Nutrition Information

Per 1/4 cup (29 grams):

Calories (cKal): 104
Protein (grams): 6.66
Total Fat (grams): 2.79
Carbohydrates (grams): 14.89
Fiber (grams): 3.8

Buying and Storing

There are no real issues to consider when buying wheat germ besides making sure you are comfortable with the source and brand. They store for a very long time, just make sure to keep in a sealed container, and store for up to one year.