There are a few billion (give or take) supplements on the market, all promising to make you skinnier, healthier, and more full of trendy antioxidants. Each is more beneficial than the next, and each comes with a hefty price tag. But if you want to add a little nutritional kick to your daily diet with something that has proven benefits, you may want to try wheat germ!
Wheat germ is just part of a wheat kernel. It’s the reproductive part that later forms wheat grass. (Think “germ” is in “germinate,” not “bacteria.”) Wheat germ feels like a throwback to me — very hippieish. It’s something I think many a crunchy mother sprinkled on her kids’ yogurt back in the day. But hey, I love vintage stuff!
And wheat germ has a lot of great health benefits!
- It contains more than 23 nutrients, including high concentrations of iron and B vitamins (so great for vegetarians), OMG-3s, potassium, protein, and Vitamin E.
- It has been shown to lower cholesterol and promote heart health – not surprising, given the fatty acids, Vitamin E, and high fiber content.
- A 1/8 cup serving has 60 calories, 1.5 g fat, 4 g protein, and 2 fiber. Um, not bad for just 60 little cals!
You can easily incorporate wheat germ into your daily diet. Toasted wheat germ has a nutty flavor and is good on top of yogurt, cottage cheese, or cereal. I sir it into my oatmeal every day, and it blends perfectly with my pimped-out oats. You can also be creative and use it when cooking and baking — add it to cookies and bread, sub it for bread crumbs in meatloaf or meatballs, or sprinkle it on top of baked mac and cheese.
I’m a big fan of Bob’s Red Mill wheat germ!
It’s available at most grocery stores I’ve seen, costs under $3 for a pound, and will last at least a month. Um, works for me! It’s such an inexpensive and low-calorie way to bump up the nutritional profile of a basic food. Like granola, it’s definitely something crunchy that our generation needs to make a trend!
Do it!
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When I was younger my mom always use to add it to Bisquick when she made waffles. Hated it when I was younger but you can barely taste it.