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The first thing you are probably wondering is what is wheat germ, and is it different than regular wheat? Well the answer is that the germ itself is the reproductive part of the wheat itself, minus the endosperm and the bran.
This part of the wheat is where most of the nutrition lies, in that of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. The endosperm is the part of the wheat where most of the carbohydrates come from, and the bran is where most of the fiber comes from.
The germ is the most nutritious part of the wheat itself, and when just the germ itself is eaten instead of the entire seed itself-it is like eating a more concentrated form of all of this beneficial stuff. You can think of the germ of the wheat seed similarly to the yolk in eggs- it is where most of the nutrition comes from.
Wheat germ itself is an extremely beneficial food that most everyone should include in their diets(with the exception of those with a wheat allergy) because of all that it provides. Here are a few examples of the health benefits that wheat germ can provide to us:
Wheat germ is a great source of fiber, which really helps to regulate our blood sugar levels. When we eat foods like wheat germ, which contains a good amount of fiber along with carbohydrates, these carbohydrates are gradually digested and absorbed in to the body. This slowing effect that fiber has on the digestive system helps to maintain proper blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes.
When foods rich in carbohydrates or sugars are lacking fiber, our body is able to quickly digest and absorb all of that material, which spikes blood sugar levels. In addition this tends to cause a spike in energy followed by a huge crash afterwards, another reason to avoid foods lacking fiber.
Studies have shown that including more wheat germ in your diet can help to reduce your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke, and generally improving cardiovascular health as a whole.
This is due to its tremendous nutrient profile, where it is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber- all of which help improve cardiovascular health.
All whole grains including wheat germ are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, so make sure to eat plenty of these types of foods.
The high levels of antioxidants found in wheat germ is believed to help in regards to cardiovascular health as well. Antioxidants are well known in their ability to fight off arteriosclerosis-otherwise known as the hardening of the blood vessels-particularly the arteries.
The plaque buildup in our arteries is a major cause behind high blood pressure, more strain on the heart, and a poorer health in general. Eating more wheat germ can help reduce these chances.