The germ is the smallest part of a kernel of wheat, yet it packs a significant variety and amount of nutrients. The commercial milling of wheat separates the germ from the rest of the kernel, so many health-conscious individuals consume wheat germ supplements. In recent years, research has discovered health benefits derived from many of the nutrients in wheat germ. You must take care, however, to keep wheat germ from being exposed to the air, as it easily becomes rancid.
Cancer
Wheat germ is an excellent source of the mineral selenium. One cup of wheat germ provides 91.1 micrograms of selenium --- 130 percent of the average daily value of 55 micrograms. The Mayo Clinic cites a 1996 study involving males taking 200 micrograms of selenium daily; at its conclusion, those who took the selenium supplement saw a 63-percent reduction in the incidence of prostrate cancer over males taking a placebo. The results are not conclusive, however, and further research is ongoing as of 2010. Wheat germ is also a source of fiber. The average daily value for fiber is 25 to 30 grams; 1 ounce of wheat germ provides 4 grams of fiber. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, some studies suggest that a high-fiber diet can prevent colon cancer. However, the results of other studies only show a small association between colon cancer protection and a high-fiber diet.
Heart Disease
One cup of wheat germ contains 831 micrograms of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as alpha-linolenic acid, are considered essential fatty acids because they must be consumed through diet. According to the UMMC, clinical evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce risk factors for heart disease. Clinical studies also indicate that omega-3 fatty acids help to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. High blood pressure is a leading factor in the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Wheat germ also contains high amounts of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are free-radical scavengers, helping to limit the amount of oxidative stress that occurs within our bodies as a result of free radicals. The presence of free radicals has been linked to an increased incidence of heart disease, certain cancers and other diseases. The UMMC explains that some population studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of vitamin E have a lower risk of heart disease. However, other studies indicate that taking vitamin E supplements has no effect on reducing heart disease.
Dementia
The vitamin E in wheat germ has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the UMMC reports. Omega-3 fatty acids, also found in wheat germ, are heavily concentrated in the brain, and appear important for brain memory and performance. Wheat germ contains high amounts of B vitamins, as well; an English study demonstrated that B vitamins slowed the progression of Alzheimer's over a two-year period.
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