What Are The Health Benefits Of Wheat Germ?

Wheat germ comes from whole wheat, and these small flakes can be used as a supplement with many foods (per SFGate). Due to their nutty flavor, they blend well with yogurt, cereals, salads, and smoothies. You can even bake with wheat germ, replacing about 25% of the flour you use in cake or cookie mixes, in order to add extra flavor and nutrition.

In fact, you don't even need much to benefit from it. A small portion of wheat germ provides quite a bit of nutrition, including several B vitamins (via Eat This Much). One single-tablespoon serving gives you 8% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 and 10% of thiamine. Some benefits of vitamin B6 include reducing the risk of heart disease and may promote sleep and cognitive ability, according to Harvard Health Publishing. In addition, thiamine, also known as B1, helps the body turn food into fuel. Additionally, it's essential for healthy hair, skin, and muscles.

Aside from being a good source of vitamins, wheat germ has other nutrients that your body needs. For instance, one tablespoon contains 48% of the recommended daily intake of manganese (per Eat This Much). Manganese, which is a mineral, keeps bones strong, according to the National Institutes of Health. Like thiamine, it helps your body convert the foods you eat into energy. It also boosts your immune system.

Along with manganese, wheat germ is guaranteed to have 6% of zinc and iron and 1.7 grams of protein within that single tablespoon serving (via Eat This Much). Zinc, for one, keeps your immune system strong and helps wounds heal, explains the Mayo Clinic. Iron, on the other hand, is essential because your cells need it to deliver oxygen throughout your entire body, per Harvard Health Publishing. Lastly, proteins, also known as the "building blocks of life," are crucial to the body since they aid in repairing and creating new cells, according to MedlinePlus. So whether you're adding it to your yogurt for breakfast or sprinkling some onto your salad at lunch, you can count on the nutty flavor as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.