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Wheat Germ Oil Supplements

May 7, 2011 | By Jessica Jacobs

Wheat germ oil is a derivative of wheat germ, the germinating portion of the wheat kernel. Consumed as oil sprinkled over salads, pasta, vegetables, and other foods, wheat germ oil is a very good source of vitamin E. You can also take wheat germ oil in capsule form as a nutritional supplement.

Heart-friendly Alcohols

Wheat germ oil capsules contain both policosanol and octacosanol. According to "Integrative Medicine," policosanol and octacosanol are long-chain waxy alcohols that can reduce the levels of the bad LDL cholesterol in your body. In addition, a study published in the 1998 International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that policosanol therapy improves the treadmill exercise-electrocardiogram testing performance of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease over the long term. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, increased consumption of vitamin E may decrease the risk of heart attacks or death from diseases related to cardiovascular in both women and men.

Nourishing Your Skin

Apart from a very high level of vitamin E, wheat germ oil also contains large amounts of the vitamins A, B, C and D. By promoting skin cell formation, wheat germ oil can help to rejuvenate dry, mature and dehydrated skin. In addition, wheat germ oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Further, you can use the germinating portion of the wheat kernel in a variety of massage oils and cosmetic preparations. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," wheat germ oil nourishes dry skin and reduces sunburn, scars and stretch marks.

Energy Booster

Manufacturers of energy booster supplements often include wheat germ oil in the energy supplement. Further, "Prescription for Natural Healing" claims wheat germ oil can not only boost your energy but improve your reaction time. Additionally, wheat germ oil may help to regulate your hormone levels and improve your strength and endurance. Clinical research, however, does not support these purported benefits of wheat germ oil.

Other Benefits

Wheat germ oil may also aid in conception. If you are trying to conceive, the recommended dose is one tbsp of wheat germ oil daily. Additionally, as a dietary supplement or used in meal preparation, wheat germ oil may help to improve the function of your immune, lymphatic, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. Clinical research does not support these purported health benefits of wheat germ oil.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: May 7, 2011

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