Healthy Bits · Nutrition & wellness
Wheat germ
Wheat germ is the tiny, nutrient-rich heart of the wheat kernel, the part that would sprout into a new plant. It's removed when wheat is refined into white flour, which is a shame, because it's a good source of vitamin E, folate, thiamin, zinc, magnesium, fiber and plant protein.
It has a mild, nutty flavor and is an easy way to add nutrients without changing much about your meals. Try this: sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of toasted wheat germ over oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies, or swap it in for a quarter of the flour in muffins or pancakes.
Because it's rich in natural oils, wheat germ can go rancid quickly, so store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. It does contain gluten, so skip it if you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten.
- whole grain
- fiber
- minerals
- protein
Healthy Bits are for general education and aren’t medical advice. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing, take medication, or are managing a health condition.