Health Innovation Shifts Focus: Wheat Germ Emerges as Potential Superfood for Morning Meals
Unleash the marvels of wheat germ for a health boost! Despite wheat's questionable reputation due to the rise of gluten-related issues, wheat germ stands tall as a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a spot in your diet.
Wheat is an ancient staple grain, used in everything from bread to pasta to cereals to muffins. With gluten maladies gaining traction, wheat's rep seems to be taking a hit. But not wheat germ – it might just be wrestling the top spot as the new health warrior.
The charms of wheat germ
Wheat germ is rising as a nutritional superhero, applauded for its potential to enhance immune function, aid heart health, and even lift mental health spirits. While science is still delving into its powers, early findings are compelling.
Let's peer into the scientific world to uncover the potential health benefits of wheat germ.
Wheat germ 101
When we hear "germ," we usually recoil, but rest assured, this germ is on our side. Wheat germ is among the three edible parts of the wheat kernel, including the endosperm and bran. It acts akin to a miniature wheat embryo within the kernel. Though removed from most processed wheat, it can be found in whole-grain wheat.
Wheat germ comes in assorted forms, such as oil, raw, and toasted, and the possibilities are endless! Its rich nutrient profile, boasting healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, makes it worth adding to your cereals, granolas, and baked goods for an extra nutrient kick.
Five potential superpowers of wheat germ
Aside from its impressive nutrient content, wheat germ might pack some significant health advantages, based on recent studies. Here's a sneak peek at the science behind its powers:
1. Cancer-fighting warrior
A 2019 study testing wheat germ against A549 cells (a type of lung cancer cell model) found that it decreased the cells' viability in a concentration-dependent manner. In other words, the more wheat germ, the more destructive it gets against cancer cells – a promising sign for future cancer research.
2. Menopause symptoms tamer
Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and is characterized by symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems, and mood changes. Wheat germ could potentially ease these symptoms, as a 2021 study of 96 females found that a wheat germ-containing rusk improved certain menopause factors, including waist circumference, hormone profile, and symptom ratings on a self-assessment questionnaire.
However, since the rusks contained multiple ingredients, it's difficult to discern whether these results are solely due to wheat germ.
3. Mental health mood booster
Wheat germ may help boost mental health by reducing depression and stress, according to a 2021 study of 75 people with type 2 diabetes who consumed wheat germ for 12 weeks. During the study, the participants completed depression and anxiety questionnaires at both the start and end of the study, and researchers found that wheat germ consumption significantly reduced depression and stress as compared to a placebo.
4. Immune system power-up
A 2021 study on mice found that wheat germ boosted the levels of activated T cells and monocytes, key White Blood Cells (WBCs) that play a crucial role in the immune system. The research also suggested that wheat germ helps facilitate the production of new B cells, ready to battle invading pathogens.
5. Diabetes and heart disease restrainer
A 2019 trial of 80 people with type 2 diabetes found that those who consumed wheat germ experienced a significant reduction in total cholesterol concentrations. The study also observed an increase in total antioxidant capacity concentration in the wheat germ consumers.
Diabetes can also lead to insulin resistance, and a 2017 study on mice found that wheat germ supplementation reduced insulin resistance. Additionally, the mice showed promising signs of improved mitochondrial metabolic functioning, suggesting potential benefits for individuals with heart disease.
Dive deeper into the world of wheat germ to discover its secrets and harness its potential powers!
- The potential cancer-fighting properties of wheat germ were observed in a 2019 study, demonstrating that it decreased the viability of lung cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, offering promise for future cancer research.
- Menopause symptoms may potentially be eased by wheat germ, as suggested by a 2021 study of 96 females, who experienced improvements in certain menopause factors, such as waist circumference, hormone profile, and symptom ratings, while consuming a wheat germ-containing rusk.
- Wheat germ could improve mental health by reducing depression and stress, according to a 2021 study of 75 individuals with type 2 diabetes, who showed significant reductions in depression and stress after consuming wheat germ for 12 weeks.
- Wheat germ could boost the immune system by increasing the levels of activated T cells, monocytes, and B cells, according to a 2021 study on mice, which also found that it facilitates the production of new B cells and improves mitochondrial metabolic functioning, suggesting potential benefits for individuals with heart disease.
- Wheat germ may help inhibit diabetes and heart disease by reducing total cholesterol concentrations and increasing total antioxidant capacity concentrations, as observed in a 2019 trial of 80 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the same study revealed that wheat germ supplementation could reduce insulin resistance, promoting potential health benefits in both diabetes and heart disease.
