- Wheat germ is the endosperm and bran, or outer husk, of the wheat plant, and is the most nutritious part of the plant. There's probably a good amount of wheat in your diet, but wheat germ is often removed from the wheat during the milling process, and to get the full benefits of wheat, you should make sure that wheat germ is included.
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Wheat germ is a great source of protein and dietary fiber. Just 1 cup of wheat germ contains 30 g of protein and 16 g of dietary fiber.
Protein is important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, muscles, blood and bones.
Fiber is a powerful tool to fight colon cancer and to keep your overall digestion in good working order. One cup of wheat germ provides over half your recommended daily amount of fiber. -
Wheat germ is very high in other important vitamins and minerals. Of your daily recommended amount, 1/2 cup of wheat germ provides 92 percent of your vitamin E, 65 percent of your vitamin B6, 49 percent of your iron, 45 percent of your riboflavin and 36 percent of your niacin.
One cup of wheat germ also provides more than 100 percent of your daily recommended amounts of thiamin, phosphorous and zinc. - One cup of wheat germ contains 427 calories, but only 98 from fat. It also contains 12 g of fat, but only 2 g are from saturated fat.
- Wheat germ is a cholesterol-free food and only contains 9 mg of sodium, under 1 percent of your recommended daily intake.
- Wheat germ usually comes in powdered form and can be added to several foods such as yogurt, shakes and smoothies, baked goods and cereal.
