Wheat Germ & Heart Disease

Wheat germ has numerous health uses, including weight reduction and prevention of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and memory loss. While wheat germ is rich in many nutrients, not all of these health uses have the backing of scientific research. If you are concerned about heart disease, talk to your physician, who can determine if adding wheat germ to your diet is a good choice.

Heart Disease

"Heart disease" describes a variety of conditions that affect the heart muscle, its valves and the blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen through the body. The first step in determining if consuming wheat germ would be helpful is to know what type of heart disease you have. The most common type is called coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up along the blood vessel walls. This build-up of plaque can narrow the blood vessels and cause angina, high blood pressure, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If left untreated, coronary artery disease can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Coronary Artery Disease

The treatment of coronary artery disease may involve medication, surgery and lifestyle changes. Your diet plays a large role, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends limiting fat intake to no more than 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake; limiting cholesterol consumption to no more than 200 mg per day; eating no more than 1,500 mg of sodium each day; and getting between 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily. A heart-healthy diet involves consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To fully manage coronary artery disease, you will need to lose excess weight, quit smoking and exercise regularly.

Wheat Germ

A grain of wheat has three sections: the bran, the germ and the endosperm. The largest part is the endosperm, which contains a small amount of nutrients. The bran is the outer layer, which is rich in many vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. The germ is the smallest part, a highly concentrated source of nutrients including niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc, notes MayoClinic.com. The germ also contains protein, fiber and some fat. You can easily add wheat germ into your daily diet by sprinkling it on yogurt, cereals and other foods or adding it to many recipes. You can also find products made with wheat germ in supermarkets and natural food stores.

Daily Recommended Intake

Given wheat germ's high nutrient content, the Cleveland Clinic recommends consuming at least 2 tablespoons each day to help manage heart disease. Wheat germ can help due to its high-fiber content, because fiber inhibits the body from absorbing cholesterol. A high-fiber diet can help lower cholesterol levels as well as control blood sugar and prevent constipation, according to Harvard Medical School. Two tablespoons of wheat germ provide about 2.6 of the 25 to 35 grams of fiber you need each day.