The term ‘Germ’ in Wheat Germ often gives an impression of bacteria or something but here Germ stands for Germination.
Wheat Germ in Hindi will be – गेहूँ का अंकुर
Wheat Kernel is divided into three parts Endosperm, Bran (Choker) and Germ. Germ being the tinniest and inner most part of the kernel. It is the embryo of the wheat which sprout into a new plant. As a consequence it is the most nutritious part of the wheat.
Wheat Germ is the powerhouse of Vitamins like Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Vitamin E and minerals like Zinc, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Selenium. It is also a very good source of folic acid, protein, fibre, Omega3 and Omega6 and many other nutrients. Doctors are recommending wheat germ as dietary supplements instead of tablets.
Nature has filled Wheat will all kinds of nutrients that’s why it is a staple food. But somehow we don’t get wholesome nutrient value of wheat in our diet. This is so because bran and germ are removed from the wheat flour. And even in whole wheat flour, the amount of bran and germ is very small.
Since Germ is the most active part of the wheat and presence of the oil, it is highly perishable. As a consequence, while milling wheat into flour, Germ is removed from the kernel. This extensively reduces the nutrient value of the whole wheat flour resulting in losses of fiber, vitamins B, vitamin E, trace minerals, unsaturated fat and about 75 percent of the phytochemicals. That’s why doctors advices to add wheat germ in flour while making dough for rotis.
It is bran (outer layer) and wheat germ which gives a light brown color to wheat. Once it is removed wheat flour becomes white in color.
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 1,598 kJ (382 kcal) |
|
Carbohydrates
|
51.8 g
|
| Sugars | 7.8 g |
| Dietary fiber | 15.1 g |
|
Fat
|
10.7 g
|
| Saturated | 1.83 g |
| Monounsaturated | 1.5 g |
| Polyunsaturated | 6.62 g |
|
Protein
|
29.1 g
|
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamine (B1) |
(145{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
1.67 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) |
(68{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
0.82 mg |
| Niacin (B3) |
(37{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
5.59 mg |
|
Pantothenic acid (B5)
|
(28{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
1.387 mg |
| Vitamin B6 |
(75{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
0.978 mg |
| Folate (B9) |
(88{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
352 µg |
| Vitamin C |
(7{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
6 mg |
| Vitamin E |
(107{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
15.99 mg |
| Trace metals | |
| Calcium |
(5{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
45 mg |
| Iron |
(70{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
9.09 mg |
| Magnesium |
(90{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
320 mg |
| Manganese |
(950{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
19.956 mg |
| Phosphorus |
(164{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
1146 mg |
| Potassium |
(20{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
947 mg |
| Zinc |
(175{5effdcc5e8da53f2746a03287db1ef27152223a845012ae590a96bd50eb0c257})
16.67 mg |
|
|
| Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database |
|
Also Read Benefits of Wheat Germ or Order Wheat Germ Now.
