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When you think of wheat germ, you may first think of cereals and bread, and how nutritious these foods are to eat, which is true. But wheat germ is so much more than the grains you eat. It comes with a huge list of health benefits to match, even for your hair.
What Is Wheat Germ?
Wheat germ is part of a wheat kernel. It’s the part that is responsible for helping the plant develop and grow new wheat. Hence why it’s called wheat germ, with the “germ” part being short for germination.
The edible part of the wheat kernel contains three parts: the wheat bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Refined grains remove the bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm. This means it lacks the nutritional value the fiber and vitamins provide. Whole grains include all three parts.
The wheat germ is a small part, but is chocked full of nutrients. This is one of the parts left out when wheat is processed into white flour.
Wheat germ is used in a variety of ways for eating and actually has a nutty flavor. It’s added to some cereals, granolas and is also a popular topping for pies, yogurt, and even ice cream. It can even be used as a replacement for making meatballs or meatloaf instead of using breadcrumbs.
Is Wheat Germ Good For Your Hair?
What germ comes in both liquid and gel cap form. And the wheat germ oil is actually really good for your hair. That’s good news if your hair is in need of some repair.
It’s best to apply the wheat germ oil topically rather than ingesting it in order for it to benefit the hair. But keep in mind, if you have a gluten or wheat germ allergy, this may not be a good idea for you. For everyone else, this can help replace some lost moisture and even prevent future damage to your hair.
When hair is dry, it can lead to split ends and breakage as well as being frizzy and prone to static. The scalp secretes oil to moisturize hair, but it usually just builds up around the scalp. For people with long hair, the roots can seem oily, while the rest of the hair is dry.
Wheat germ oil is made up of long-chain fatty acids that give it emollient properties. This can relieve the dryness while adding moisture and making hair softer. It’s also good to use if you color your hair or use a lot of heat tools like curling irons or straighteners.
The B vitamins in wheat germ oil can actually help promote new hair growth. This can help both the length of hair as well as its volume. It encourages strength and elasticity of each strand further preventing breakage.
What Does Wheat Germ Do?
Wheat germ has a lot of benefits, especially as a food supplement. First, it’s a great source of vegetable protein. So for anyone who lacks getting protein from animal sources, this is one alternative to seriously consider.
Wheat germ is also rich in fiber. This is important for good blood sugar balance, to control cholesterol, and also for intestinal health. Plus there is no sodium. It is also loaded with vitamins and minerals. Here are the top ones it contains:
Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant, which can help protect cells and tissues from damage. This is because it is thought to decrease free radicals in the body making it good at preventing diseases. So it’s also a good immunity booster.
Folic Acid
A type of B vitamin that is especially good for pregnant women to take, but is also important for everyone else to consume as well. It helps to make new cells.
Magnesium
A mineral that helps to keep your heart, bones, and immune system strong.
Thiamin
Another type of B vitamin. This one helps to convert carbohydrates into energy. It’s also essential for the heart, muscles, and nervous system to function properly.
Phosphorous
This mineral is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues. It works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
Zinc
This mineral is used by the body in many different ways. It’s mostly known for its ability to help fight viruses and to help wounds to heal.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Surprisingly, wheat germ is full of omega-3 fatty acids. This can help lower cholesterol as well as inflammation in the body. It supports the nervous system, which can help lower anxiety levels and improve mood.
What Is Wheat Germ Used For?
Wheat germ oil has more than 20 different nutrients that can help you both on the inside and outside. The reason wheat germ is so full of nutrients is that it is meant to feed new plants. We can take advantage of those nutrients to better our health.
Internally it can boost the immune system as well as helping to reduce your risk of heart disease by keeping the heart and cardiovascular system healthy. Because it is considered a whole grain, it can help you maintain a healthy weight too. Staying at a healthy weight may lower your risk of other diseases.
What Is Wheat Germ Oil Good For?
We know that wheat germ is good to take internally (as long as you don’t have a wheat allergy that is!) and it is good for your hair. But did you know that wheat germ has benefits for the skin as well?
Facial Cleanser And Moisturizer
On the face, it can help get rid of excess sebum, which can lead to other skin issues like acne. It doesn’t clog pores and is considered non-comedogenic. Being that it is a natural oil, it can actually be used to cleanse your face. And it can also be used as a moisturizer.
Prevent Or Reduce Scarring
Since it is rich in vitamin E, it helps to build collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body. This is what provides skin its strength and structure. Wheat germ oil can repair and prevent scarring. In some cases, it was found to actually get rid of scars completely.
Anti-Aging Properties
Thanks to being a great source of nutrients like vitamins E, B6, and folic acid, wheat germ has anti-aging properties. It can repair tissue damage and promote tissue growth. It can also help skin problems like dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis.
Supplements Can Help
A healthy body, including our skin and hair, starts from the inside. Our body is made up of cells that have to function properly to keep us young and healthy. But over time, our cells can get damaged.
The good news is our body has a way to recycle those dysfunctional cell components known as autophagy. Spermidine is a supplement that can help to activate that. During autophagy, the cell recycles old, non-functioning parts, allowing for a renewal of cellular function.
Spermidine is found in many of the foods that we eat. And in fact, our spermidineLIFE® supplements are extracted from wheat germ. However, we often don’t get what we need from diet alone, especially as we age and our body needs more nutrients. This is where supplements can step in to help support a healthy body.
