With the many wonderful ingredients which it includes, it has the ability to keep your family pet vital and strong.

Keeping your dog healthy and in top condition is most likely very important to you, and you may be searching for ways to do so.

Did you know that just by adding a few drops of wheat germ oil to your dog’s food everyday, you can help protect them from free radical damage?

The high antioxidant content of this super-food soaks up these damaging oxygen molecules and neutralizes their ability to cause harm. This is crucial, as oxidative stress left unchecked over time, can cause major issues such as premature aging and cancer to develop.

What else can wheat germ oil do for your furry friend?  It can work to boost cell membrane repair, and even protect your dog's nerve cells.

Further, this compound promotes strong muscles and organs, keeping their heart, lungs and eyes working at peak capacity.

Healthy Coat

A healthy coat on any animal indicates good health and vitality. Your dogs coat should be shinny and smooth and this is primarily down to their diet.

Problems such as itchy skin, red-inflamed skin, and patchy fur are common place with dogs. Unless it’s a flea or similar problem vets will almost certainly attribute the cause to your dog’s diet and recommend omega-3 essential fatty oils to treat the problem.

This easy course of treatment usually has an affect within just a week or 2 and will restore your dogs coat to a lovely, healthy condition.

Wheat germ oil is one of the best sources of essential fatty acids available and is perfect to give to your dog. It is virtually tasteless so it can easily be added to their food.

Wheat germ oil is preferable to fish oil because not only is it tasteless, it also contains a number of other health promoting properties not found in fish oil or similar fish supplements.

Vitamins and Minerals     

Other important nutrients that your dog can benefit from are vitamins A, D and E which are also found in wheat germ oil. Some experts believe that these will protect your dog's reproductive ability, which is important if you plan to breed them. Also, it gives their skin and coat the nourishment which it needs, to keep your dog looking their best!

Essential Fatty Acids

Many people believe that simply adding fat to their pet's diet, is enough to keep their coat shiny and strong. Yet, most dog food is already laden with fat, but these are typically the unhealthy forms.

In contrast, essential fatty acids are necessary for their body functions, and must be included in their food each day. Why is this? Just like humans, dogs don't have the ability to create these compounds on their own, so they must get them from the food they eat.

Essential fatty acids are critical to many important processes, like proper tissue formation.  They work to reduce inflammation, and may prevent heart disease, arthritis, and perhaps even some forms of cancer. As you want your beloved pet to be healthy for as long as possible, adding essential fatty acids to their food is a great strategy.

Arthritis Prevention and Treatment

Another common ailment with many breeds of dogs is arthritis. It is a sad fact that arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes great pain to dogs and can ultimately lead them to be destroyed.

Not only can arthritis be prevented it can also be treated. Obviously prevention is the priority and this can be done very effectively with wheat germ oil.

The essential fatty acids in the oil act as an effective anti-inflammatory, and keeps your dogs joints lubricated and working freely.

Wheat germ oil has the correct balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and Just a daily dose will begin to have effects quickly. If they already have arthritis or just joint pain, you should begin to see them move around with less discomfort.

Where Can I Buy Wheat Germ Oil For Dogs?

The wheat germ oil you give to your dog is exactly the same oil you should be consuming yourself and your family.

There’s no special doggy wheat germ oil that costs twice as much! So be buying a good wheat germ oil product you’ll kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Job done!

Conclusion

So, for all of the above reasons, why not begin using wheat germ oil for your dog right away? It will provide many wonderful substances which their body needs, and help to keep them strong, healthy and maintain a vibrant, shinny coat.

I’m very much a dog lover and know how important it is for people to look after their dog’s health. Most dog supplements are over-priced and provide limited benefits. Wheat germ oil for dogs on the other hand is a natural product that has many proven health benefits.

Adding it to your dog’s daily diet will ensure you'll have many wonderful, healthy years together!

Whatever your situation, there are some good options you can use with great success in place of wheat germ. To help in your cooking efforts, let's examine these in more detail below.

Wheat Germ in Bread

Do you enjoy baking your own bread? If so, then it is important to keep in mind, that wheat germ is added for its nutrition alone. It doesn't affect how the bread rises or is formed or affects the flavor significantly, though does have a pleasant, mild nutty taste.

Whole Wheat Flour

If you've run out of wheat germ temporarily, you can simply add the same amount of whole wheat flour instead. Like wheat germ, whole wheat flour is produced from wheat kernels which include the germ, and so has some wheat germ within it.

However, be aware that when using this method, it is easy to end up with a harder, baked loaf in the end! So be sure to shift the flour a few extra times, just to ensure that more air finds its way into the batter.

Ground Flaxseed

Another great substitute when baking bread is to use ground flaxseed. Like wheat germ, flaxseed has a tremendous amount of nutrition, with wonderful compounds such as omega-3 fats, folic acid and lots of other vitamins and minerals.

Just keep in mind that the addition of ground flax will make your bread a bit more ‘gummy’, so it will be chewier overall.

Almond Flour - Gluten Free Option

Do you need something which is gluten free instead? Perhaps you are baking for a friend who suffers from gluten intolerance or even Celiac disease.

If this is the case, even the smallest amount of wheat can cause a strong reaction, and unpleasant side effects. To avoid contamination with gluten you can use almond flour instead.

This is completely free of any type of gluten, and is well-tolerated by most people. Also, it has a naturally sweet taste, making it a wonderful addition to any bread! How much should you include? The rule of thumb is to use 2/3 the amount of almond flour, for the correct consistency.

Bran

Another option when searching for a good wheat germ substitute is a few types of bran.  Wheat bran is similar in taste to the germ, so it is a good fit. However, it is obviously derived from wheat, so it does have the same gluten properties as wheat itself.

If you need a gluten free ingredient instead, you can include rice bran in your recipe. However, this doesn't hold together quite as well, so you may have problems if you put in too much!

Oat bran is another possibility, yet you need to buy one which is certified as gluten free, as sometimes cross-contamination can occur.

Buckwheat Groats

A final option is buckwheat groats, which are naturally without gluten, and have a wonderful nutty taste. The toasted groats have the most flavor, and you can simply grind them in a small coffee bean or spice grinder right before adding them to your recipe.

Any one of these choices will work well in most recipes, and they can provide added taste too. With these easy to use wheat germ substitutes, you can make your baked goods gluten free without too much hassle. Or, if you have simply run out of wheat germ, these backup sources can see you through, until your next order.

While supplementation is important, the best approach is to get these added nutrients is from real, natural food sources. Yet, eating enough quality food can be difficult, especially if you are having trouble with nausea!

The good news is, wheat germ and pregnancy have long been positively linked, and wheat germ provides many beneficial compounds which are necessary for a healthy body. To help you discover what it can offer to you and your baby, let's examine this topic in more detail below.

A Little Background to Wheat Germ

At this point you may be wondering, “what is wheat germ?” It is actually the embryo of the wheat berry, and it is a rich source for many essential vitamins and minerals. Often, this portion of the kernel is removed when making bread, leaving it devoid of nutritional value. That is why many people choose to supplement directly with wheat germ instead.

What Can Wheat Germ Provide?

B Vitamins

B vitamins are vital for health, and wheat germ contains nearly all of the B vitamins we need on a daily basis. These are critical for everyday cellular functions, and even more so when you are pregnant.

In fact folic acid, a B vitamin, is an important vitamin for women especially before and during pregnancy. Wheat germ provides good amounts of folic acid to help with this common problem.

Calcium

Wheat germ also delivers a solid dose of calcium with every serving, which is important for proper bone formation. Getting enough of this vital mineral can be difficult during pregnancy, as the RDA is 1200 mg of calcium every day.

Magnesium

When discussing wheat germ and pregnancy a third nutrient is often mentioned – Magnesium. Magnesium is important for many processes in your body, and it works to calm your nerves. In fact, studies imply this vital mineral may even prevent your uterus from contracting prematurely. In addition, magnesium may help you to sleep, which can be a challenge in the later stages of pregnancy.

Magnesium further works to repair your body tissues, and a severe deficiency can cause several problems. These include preeclampsia, slow growth of your baby or even infant mortality. Yet, with proper supplementation, these issues are easily avoided.

Wheat germ and pregnancy are also positively linked, due to its varied and high mineral content of magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and trace minerals selenium, copper and manganese.

Your body’s requirements for such minerals increase due to your pregnancy, so eating rich food sources containing these is important.

Essential Fatty Acids

Yet, besides beneficial vitamins and minerals, wheat germ boasts another vitally important compound. It contains high amounts of essential fatty acids (EFA’s), which are a wonderful substance for your body to use.

Omega-3 EFA's are thought to be crucial for brain development and your baby's nervous system. The body also uses EFA’s to help build the immune system, lower high cholesterol levels and improve the cardiovascular system. This nutrient is vital to include in your daily diet and especially whilst pregnant.

Essential Amino Acids

Wheat germ has healthy levels of essential amino acids, which are used in the formation of protein molecules. Your needs for these building blocks of life are higher when you are pregnant, as protein is essential for tissue formation.

In fact, the American College of Nurse-Midwives suggests that pregnant women consume 71 grams of whole protein very day (Coleman, 2010). This ensures that your baby has the nutrients which it needs for proper growth.

Many women testify that eating this much protein has a beneficial effect on their baby's brain! While this is unsubstantiated, protein is essential for cellular formation, so it is highly probable that these accounts are not far wrong.

Conclusion

When it comes to wheat germ and pregnancy, there are many positive things to commend its use. It provides crucial vitamins and minerals, which are essential for your baby's development. With the addition of its Omega-3 EFA's and the essential amino acids, wheat germ is the perfect addition to any meal if you are currently pregnant.


Supporting Source: Coleman, Erin. "Amino Acid Supplements; Pregnancy." LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight; Get Fit with Diet, Nutrition; Fitness Tools. 8 Dec. 2010

Even though many of these questions are answered in the comments section of each article, I have decided to create a separate page to answer the most frequently asked ones.

This page will continue to grow as more questions come in and more research is revealed.

If you have any questions regarding wheat germ - its uses, health benefits etc. please add them to the comments section below.

Wheat Germ Question and Answers

1. What is wheat germ oil?
2. What's the difference between wheat germ and wheat germ oil?
3. Can I Take Wheat Germ and Wheat Germ Oil? 
4. What's the difference between wheat germ and "raw" wheat germ?
5. How Long Does Wheat Germ Keep For?
6. Should I Take Wheat Germ With Other Supplements?
7. What Do I Eat Wheat Germ With?
8. Is Wheat Germ Safe For Children/Toddlers?
9. Is Wheat Germ Good For Constipation? 
10. Can Wheat Germ Lower My High Cholesterol Levels?
11. Are There Any Side Effects of Wheat Germ?
12. Is Wheat Germ Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?

What is wheat germ oil? (Back to Top)

Wheat germ oil is oil extracted from the wheat germ. The wheat germ makes up only 3% of the wheat grain and contains approximately 13% oil. As you can imagine it takes a lot of wheat germ to produce a bottle of wheat germ oil.

What's the difference between wheat germ and wheat germ oil? (Back to Top)

Wheat germ oil can be used both internally and externally where as wheat germ is purely a dietary source of food.

External uses for wheat germ oil include using it on the skin to treat scars, wrinkles and the signs of aging. It is also effective for hair and scalp treatment. See Wheat Germ Oil for Hair.

Both wheat germ and its oil contain vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E, but the oil does not contain the good amounts of fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates found in the germ.

Wheat germ oil contains a greater concentration of essential fatty acids – especially omega 3 which is deficient in most people’s diet. It is also a great alternative to consuming fish oil.

Can I Take Wheat Germ and Wheat Germ Oil? (Back to Top)

Yes it is perfectly safe to consume both wheat germ and wheat germ oil. This is a natural product that has an abundance of health promoting properties.

What's the Difference Between Wheat Germ and "Raw" Wheat Germ? (Back to Top)

Wheat germ is available to buy either in its raw or natural state or as toasted wheat germ. Both types contain the same nutrients and compounds but wheat germ that is toasted has a more nutty taste and texture.

Most people prefer wheat germ to be toasted so that it can be sprinkled directly onto foods.

Raw wheat germ is cheaper to buy and also has a longer shelf life than toasted wheat germ.

How Long Does Wheat Germ Keep For? (Back to Top)

Raw wheat germ will keep fresh in a sealed container, in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. You will be able to smell if it has ‘gone-off’ as it will go rancid after this time.

Toasted wheat germ kept in its sealed jar will last for at least twice as long as raw wheat germ. Store it in a cool dry place for maximum shelf life.

Should I Take Wheat Germ With Other Supplements? (Back to Top)

Wheat germ is a natural food source and if you only consume up to 2 to 3 tablespoons a day, it has not been shown to interfere with any other forms of supplements or medication.

Depending on your reasons and other considerations such as age, health, if pregnant etc., there is no reason why you can’t take supplements in addition to wheat germ.

What Do I Eat Wheat Germ With? (Back to Top)

You can eat wheat germ with a number of different foods. You can add it to baked food such as bread and cookies or you can simply sprinkle it on foods like salads, cereal, soup, smoothies, pancakes, yogurt and shakes.

For more inspiration on adding wheat germ to food, see my wheat germ recipes page.

Is Wheat Germ Safe For Children/Toddlers? (Back to Top)

Yes, adding wheat germ to children’s/toddler’s diet can only be a good thing. For young children I wouldn’t give them any more than a teaspoon a day.

Is Wheat Germ Good For Constipation? (Back to Top)

Yes wheat germ can certainly help with constipation. It is a good source of dietary fiber which helps add bulk to your stools. It will also stimulate proper bowel contractions, and promote healthy bacteria in the colon. A healthy colon will aid in the absorption of nutrients.

Ensure you also drink lots of water with your wheat germ as the fiber will absorb water like a sponge and can then actually cause constipation.

Can Wheat Germ Lower My High Cholesterol Levels? (Back to Top)

Studies have shown that foods containing plant sterols help block the absorption of cholesterol into your blood stream. Plant sterol are able to lower the amounts of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) while have no effect on the more beneficial High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).

Wheat germ is a good source of sterols and regular consumption will help keep a healthy balance of the overall cholesterol in the body.

As well as plant sterols, wheat germ contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E, both sources being acknowledged in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and lowering cholesterol.

Are There Any Side Effects of Wheat Germ? (Back to Top)

Side effects of wheat germ are very rare and very unlikely. Probably the biggest consideration to take into account with wheat germ is for anyone who might suffer from a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, without yet being diagnosed.

If after you eat wheat germ you develop various symptoms such as diarrhea and sickness, you might have a condition known as celiac disease. It is important that you get diagnosed in order to follow a gluten and wheat free diet.

Obviously if you know you have this condition then you should not consume wheat germ or wheat germ oil.

However, applying wheat germ oil to your hair or skin is perfectly safe as it will not enter your blood system this way.

Is Wheat Germ Safe to Eat During Pregnancy? (Back to Top)

Yes, not only is it safe to eat, it is positively encouraged! During pregnancy a woman needs to take on more vitamins and minerals.

Natural foods like wheat germ which is a ‘complete’ food, contains a whole host of nutrients as well as essential fatty acids.

"Its called upma. It is a recipe from india, usually made with rice kernel.

I just tasted wheat germ for the first time today and i loved it...

Here is my recipe...i can eat this day and night..."

Put some oil in pan and saute some onion and chilii...when it is browned...pour some water and mix salt into it...when water boils, add the wheat germ and let it cook and make it dry.

Adding carrots, beans, coriander leaves etc is another option....green chillies make it spicy...may be turmeric also can be added...for color and turmeric is supposed to fight against cancer.

yum yum.

Hope u like it.

Thanks
Nisha

If you have your own wheat germ bread recipe or any other wheat germ recipes you would care to share with us, please drop it in the comments box below or email me.

Obviously whole grain bread is healthier, but even more so when you add some toasted wheat germ.

Making bread at home can take some time until you get it just right, but it's definitely worth persevering. An alternative is to add wheat germ to your regular bread machine recipe.

Wheat Germ Bread Recipe - Cooked in the Oven

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:

3/4     cup wheat germ
3/4     cup all-purpose flour
1/2     cup whole wheat flour
1/4     cup packed light brown sugar
1     teaspoon baking soda
1/2     teaspoon baking powder
1/4     teaspoon salt
1/2     cup raisins
1     cup buttermilk*
4     tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
1     egg

*You can substitute soured fresh milk. To sour milk, place 1 tablespoon lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 1 cup in 2-cup measure. Stir; let stand 5 minutes before using.

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-1/2X4-1/2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Measure 2 tablespoons wheat germ; set aside.
2. Combine remaining wheat germ, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add raisins; stir until coated. Beat buttermilk, margarine and egg in small bowl until blended. Stir into flour mixture. Pour into prepared pan; sprinkle with reserved 2 tablespoons wheat germ.
3. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm or cold.

I found another good wheat germ bread recipe here - http://heavytable.com/wheat-germ-bread

If you have your own wheat germ bread recipe or any other wheat germ recipes you would care to share with us, please drop it in the comments box below or email me.

As long as the wheat germ isn't toasted too much, it will still retain the vast majority of its nutritional value.

Why is Wheat Germ Toasted?

Wheat germ doesn't have to be toasted to be consumed, but doing so will keep the wheat germ fresh for so much longer. Raw wheat germ is very fragile and will turn rancid very quickly, especially if exposed to high temperatures.

Most people prefer the nutty taste of toasted wheat germ and it is perfect to add to foods as part of a recipe or just sprinkled onto cereals, salads and yogurts etc.

Toasted wheat germ does cost more than raw wheat germ, but unless you intend to use it in its raw state, the extra cost is probably worth the effort of toasting it yourself.

Toasting Raw Wheat Germ

Some people do like to toast raw wheat germ themselves and it is easy enough to do. Place the raw wheat germ on a tray and into the oven and toast at approx 300 degrees. Stir frequently and keep checking on it because it does tend to burn very quickly!

You can also toast your wheat germ on a skillet or in a frying pan. It usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and you'll know it's cooked when you can smell the sweet, nutty aroma.

Storing

Once opened, toasted wheat germ will keep for months in a sealed container in the cupboard and slightly longer in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it and take it out to use whenever you like. Freezing it will keep it fresh for even longer.

Where Can I Buy Toasted Wheat Germ?

The good news is that you can now buy toasted wheat germ online! Your local health store may stock it, if you're lucky. But if you're like me, you'll need to purchase it online.

I buy 6 jars each time of Kretschmer Honey Crunch Wheatgerm from Amazon, which works out cheaper and they last for well over 6 months.

It tastes delicious and I eat at least 2 tablespoons a day. You can sprinkle it over lots of different foods, which makes it so easy and convenient to consume.


If you have any questions or comments, please drop them below.

The oil has a thick, sticky consistency, is a dark amber/brown color and has a strong, nutty like aroma. It is found naturally in the embryo of the wheat kernel and is especially rich in Vitamin E (more than any other vegetable oil), B complex, iron, calcium, protein, essential fatty acids and octacosanol.

Wheat Germ Oil and Octacosanol

Along with sugar cane and a variety of other plants, wheat germ oil is one of the richest sources of octacosanol. Octacosanol is a long-chain fatty, waxy alcohol that has been widely promoted to aid physical performance, including strength, stamina and reaction times.

How Octacosanol Works

It is reported that octacosanol helps circulate the flow of blood through the body which in turn increases the body's blood oxygen levels that impact on these physical attributes. Japanese research has indicated octacosanol's ability to affect fat metabolism, cholesterol production and blood platelet stickiness, which could account for the cardiovascular benefits.

Tests and studies are also ongoing to confer octacosanol as a treatment for numerous conditions including; an antiviral herpes treatment, inflammatory diseases of the skin, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), high LDL cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries.

Hopefully in due course, more research will confirm the effectiveness of octacosanol to treat these conditions.

Wheat Germ Oil and Cholesterol

Numerous studies on wheat germ oil and cholesterol levels have shown that consuming the oil on a regular basis can be particularly beneficial to the heart.

Increased levels of octacosanol and policosanol (found within octacosanol) has been shown to limit the liver's production of cholesterol. Research has shown the properties of policosanol are similar to the statin drugs used to reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels and may also raise good HDL cholesterol levels.

According to the Royal Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, it is suggested that 5–20 mg per day of mixed alcohols, including octacosanol, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 21%–29% and raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 8%–15%.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are just that – fatty acids the body needs for cardiovascular, immune, nervous and reproductive systems, as well as to support our organs and to maintain healthy cells and overall health.

The body isn't able to produce EFA itself, and so must obtain them from the foods we eat. Wheat Germ Oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, made up of Linoleic – 56.7%, Oleic – 31-33% and Palmitic - 12-13%.

Wheat germ oil is a good source of essential fatty acids and can be taken to boost a omega 6 deficiency. Basically it is good to consume if you don't eat much fresh, or oily fish.

Wheat Germ Oil For Hair

Wheat germ oil is used more extensively in hair and scalp products due to its numerous, beneficial nutrients and how easily it is absorbed into the skin. Read my article for more information on wheat germ oil for hair.

Wheat Germ Oil for Skin

As well as vitamin E, wheat germ oil contains vitamins A and D which are known to benefit the skin.

The rich vitamin E content in the oil helps eliminate the signs of aging, including wrinkles and skin sagging, by strengthening the skin's connective tissues.

Dr. Abelson from the National Center for Biotechnology Information reports that the antioxidant properties of wheat germ oil and vitamin E, help irradiate harmful 'free radicals' which make up the lipid structure of the skin's connective tissues.

This explains why more manufacturers are including wheat germ oil in their skin care products. The high vitamin E content also acts as a natural preservative, prolonging the shelf life of cosmetic products and helping to prevent rancidity.

Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema have been shown to improve with increased wheat germ oil consumption. The oil reduces rapid production and death of skin cells, as well as the skin irritation that accompanies dry skin, psoriasis and eczema. It also helps sun damaged skin cells and can promote regeneration.

Wheat Germ Oil for Scars and Stretch Marks

Massaging wheat germ oil into scars and stretch marks can have an almost immediate effect. The vitamin E is easily absorbed into the skin and you will notice a difference within just a few days.

It does have a strong, nutty like odor because it is unrefined, but it works, so who cares! A lot of massage oils now contain wheat germ oil. Simply apply a few drops to the scar and massage. Do this twice a day until you see the results.

I've also read that wheat germ oil can be used to heal burns, but I would be extremely careful about this. Maybe once the burns have healed somewhat but certainly not immediately after.

How Much Wheat Germ Oil Should You Consume?

Other than adding wheat germ to your diet, you can purchase wheat germ oil as a liquid and in soft gel capsules typically ranging from 500mg to 1,000 mg. The recommended daily dosage is 1 tablespoon per 100lbs of body weight. Best taken with food for easier and quicker digestion.

Storage

Just like other plant oil, unrefined wheat germ oil will degrade quickly and turn rancid when exposed to high temperatures, even at normal room temperature. It is best stored in the refrigerator immediately after opening which will extend its shelf life up to a few months. You can tell if the oil is fresh or not, simply by smelling it.

Safety and Side Effects of Wheat Germ Oil

For a healthy adult, other than allergies to gluten (see my article wheat germ and gluten), wheat germ oil should not cause you to have any side effects when consumed at recommended levels.

Octacosanol may interfere with the action of the Parkinson's drug levodopa. Policosanol may thin the blood slightly and thus should be used with caution by people with potential bleeding disorders and by those taking blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin).

Where Can I Buy Wheat Germ Oil?

Wheat germ oil such as the one I recommend here, is sold in health stores or online via stores like Amazon.com as an unrefined oil. This means it hasn't gone through a heating process that destroys much of the important nutrients and fats.

As it is unrefined, it has a thick consistency and a strong aroma.

The numerous health properties make wheat germ oil one of nature's 'super' foods. Add it to cooking or simply drizzle over a salad for a healthy, substitute.

As well as heart and cardiovascular benefits, it can keep your skin suple and younger looking, while strengthening and moisturizing your hair.


If you have any questions or comments regarding wheat germ oil or wheat germ, please drop them below.

Peter

Does Wheat Germ Contain Gluten?

Before I answer this question, let me explain what gluten actually is and what it does:

What is Gluten?

Gluten from the Latin name gluten or "glue" is made up of 2 proteins, glutenin and gliadin found primarily in the endosperm - the inside of the wheat kernel and other related grains such as rye and barley.

As the Latin translation indicates, it has a white, sticky, glue-like texture that provides foods such as dough its elasticity, helping it to rise and keep its shape. All breads, other than those specifically 'gluten free' contain gluten.

Its useful, binding properties mean gluten is found in a wide number of foods and recipes and is often used as a protein additive to foods low in protein.

Unfortunately a large proportion (knowingly or not) have a gluten intolerance in varying degrees, and consuming just a small amount can lead to a number of health related issues.

For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the protein found in gluten, attacks the small intestine lining and causes damage to the tiny villi, which absorb nutrients. As a result the body is unable to absorb most of the vitamins and minerals it needs to remain healthy, leading to autoimmune disorders.

The Center for Celiac Disease Research at the University of Maryland states that as many as 1 in 150 people has a sensitivity to gluten and is one of the most common, life-long disorders in western countries.

If you have intestinal related problems that have been ongoing for a prolonged period of time, you should ask your doctor to test you for gluten intolerance.

People with celiac disease potentially suffer from a long list of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating and other symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is now being recognized by some researchers as being caused by celiac disease.

Once diagnosed and gluten is totally eliminated from the diet, the intestines and villi will make a full recovery. A this present time, this is the only treatment for gluten intolerance and will need to be avoided for the rest of your life.

So Does Wheat Germ Contain Gluten?

The short answer is wheat germ is not gluten-free. If you have celiac disease, an intolerance to gluten or any condition where gluten needs to be avoided, then you should avoid eating wheat germ.

Some people with a gluten intolerance can tolerate a small amount of gluten and wheat germ would probably be fine for most, as the amounts are particularly small. But the bottom line is, that it does contain gluten, so be warned.

Although wheat germ does contain gluten, it is insignificant to the point that you wouldn't consider it for baking, i.e there's not enough to use it as an ingredient for a recipe.


If you have any questions or comments regarding wheat germ and gluten, please drop them below.

Try starting your day with a fruit smoothie that includes some wheat germ. The health benefits to your body are immense. It will be packed with vitamins and antioxidants, is low in fat and high in fiber.

It is also very easy for your body to digest, providing you with instant energy and easier on the intestines.

Here's a wheat germ smoothie recipe that can be easily adapted to include your favorite fruits:

Wheat Germ Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

1 ripe medium banana
1 cup vanilla low-fat or non-fat yogurt
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 cup cracked ice
1 cup sliced fresh peaches or banana slices

What you need:

Blender or juicer
Drinking glasses

Instructions:

1. Cut banana into chunks.
2. Put banana and yogurt in a blender with peaches, orange juice and wheat germ.
3. Add cracked ice.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Serve immediately in tall glass.
6. Garnish with peach or banana slices and sprinkle a little wheat germ on top.

You can find plenty of recipes and books online that contain dozens of smoothie recipes, with varying tastes and textures.

Here is the basics for creating any smoothie:

Chopped Fruit. You can have a specific fruit flavor or use a combination of fruits. All fruits are good for a smoothie, it just depends on your taste.

Thickener. You need to add an ingredient to the smoothie to give it its substance. Good choices include ice, low-fat frozen yogurt and frozen fruit juice concentrate. Add as much as you would like the smoothie to be thick.

Liquid. You may need a liquid to blend all the ingredients smoothly together. Just a ¼ cup is sufficient to begin and add more if required. You can use skimmed milk, soy milk, fruit juice or water.

Sweetener. Some people add a natural sweetener to enhance the flavor such as vanilla extract or cinnamon.

Measurements. To make a smoothie, the ingredient measurements should be 1 part fruit, 1 part liquid, and 2 parts thickener. For example: for 1 smoothie (a little over 1 cup), you would use 1/4 cup fruit, 1/4 cup liquid, and 1/2 cup thickener. But these measurements are not set in stone. The great thing about smoothies is you can experiment to get exactly what you want!

Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate. You may want to serve in a chilled glass if serving immediately.

Top Tip
Add some wheat germ to your smoothie for an extra health kick. The benefits of wheat germ combined with the fruit will create a super healthy drink.