The Difference Between Wheat Germ & Wheat Germ Oil

Wheat germ is a cereal germ that is the center of the wheat seed. It is sometimes the by-product of the process that produces refined grain products. Wheat germ oil is extracted from the actual wheat germ. Wheat germ and wheat germ oil have different uses and benefits, depending on the type of germ and oil that is produced.

Wheat

According to Len Price, in "Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage," wheat germ is a cereal grass that is native to West Asia. It is commonly cultivated in most regions of the world. The wheat germ makes up 3 percent of the wheat grain. The wheat germ is separated from the wheat grain when the grain is milled for flour, whereas wheat grain oil is extracted from the germ itself.

Types

There are various types of wheat grain. Price writes that wheat grain extracted from the Triticum durum plant species is used to make pasta, and wheat grain extracted from the Triticum aestivum plant species is used to make bread. Wheat germ oil is usually combined with other base oils, such as olive oil, as it is difficult to extract a large quantity of pure wheat germ oil from a single wheat germ. Wheat germ produces only 13 percent oil; the final product of wheat germ oil is approximately 1/3 wheat germ oil.

Benefits

According to the Mayo Clinic, wheat germ is high in nutritional benefits; wheat germ contains vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. It is also a good source of fiber and protein. Wheat germ that has been refined does not contain the same nutritional benefits as whole grain wheat germ. Wheat germ oil is also high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E.

Uses

Wheat germ oil has both internal and external uses, while wheat germ is primarily a dietary source. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, wheat germ as a source of fiber is essential to maintaining digestive health. Wheat germ is added to cereals, yogurt, pancake mix, cookies and fruit smoothies.

According to Price, wheat germ oil has antioxidant properties that are useful in managing cholesterol levels, when you take it internally. It also helps maintain healthy bones and muscles in children. Wheat germ oil is used externally in massage to relieve dry skin and treat skin conditions such as dermatitis. Price cautions against using wheat germ oil if you are allergic to wheat flour, as it may cause skin sensitivity. As with any substance, consult your doctor first before you undergo treatment using wheat germ oil.