Wheat has been called the Staff of Life, and the oil from the germ of the wheat has long been used by people for a variety of health concerns. It all started when vegetable oil extraction started to gain momentum in the early 20th century. The oil from the germ of wheat gained popularity as a miracle health oil.

Wheat Germ is the most vitamin and mineral rich part of the wheat kernel. Usually, this part of the wheat kernel is removed as the oil is fragile and can go rancid quickly, which the food industry wants to avoid, making wheat flour products capable of long shelf lives.

What is Wheat Germ Oil?

It takes 50 pounds of wheat to get 1 pound of wheat germ, of which the oil is extracted to make Wheat Germ Oil.

It is the richest source of Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil, and it's also high in Vitamins A and D.

What is Wheat Germ Oil Used For?

This oil is used for many health concerns, and three of the most important are for

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Cholesterol
  • Anti-Aging

It’s also famous for helping skin issues like eczema, psoriasis and vitilago – which is depigmentation of the skin.

Active Ingredients in Wheat Germ

Wheat Germ Oil’s health effects tend to be based on its antioxidant content, such as its high Vitamin E, essential Omega-3, and omega-6 Fatty Acid content.

Vitamin E and Omega 6 protect your cells from damage, are anti-aging and protect your cardiovascular system from damage. This thereby protects you from developing cardiovascular disease.

Wheat germ Oil also contains a type of long-chain saturated primary alcohol called Octacosanols, particularly Polycosanol. Polycosanol has been found in studies to be effective in controlling the production of negative cholesterol in your liver, which lowers your LDL cholesterol in your blood. High LDL cholesterol has been associated with increased incidents of stroke and heart attacks. It also increases blood supply to your heart and to your muscles, so it is thought to increase athletic endurance.

Octacosanols also increase blood supply to your skin, providing nourishment and protection to damaged or aging skin. Increased skin circulation also aids in the healing of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. It also reduces skin scar formation and inflammation.

Supplement Varieties

Wheat germ oil comes in capsule form or liquid form, to be used topically or ingested orally. 2 grams twice daily in capsule form is a standard dose.

If you are buying the oil in liquid form, be sure it has been extracted without chemicals and has not been heated, as it can denature and become rancid easily. Keep this oil in your fridge and use it on salads, in health shakes or combined with crushed garlic and used in place of butter on your cooked food.