Wheat Germ Oil - Benefits, Uses, Dosage, Supplement Reviews
Updated Jun. 20th, 2023
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 being 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 for 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 is also high in Vitamin A and D.
What is Wheat Germ Oil used for?
Wheat germ Oil is used for many health concerns and three of the most important are for cardiovascular health, cholesterol and anti-aging.
It’s also famous for helping skin issues like eczema, psoriasis and vitilago – which is depigmentation of the skin.
How does Wheat Germ Oil work?
Wheat Germ Oil’s health effects tend to be based in its antioxidant content like having high Vitamin E. And Wheat Germ Oil high content of essential Omega 3 and 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, particular Polycosanol. Polycosanol has been found in studies to be effective in controlling 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, psoriases and vitilago. It also reduces skin scar formation and inflammation.
How do you use it?
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, has not been heated as it can denature and become rancid easily. Keep Wheat Germ Oil in your fridge and use on salads, in health shakes or combined with crushed garlic and used in place of butter on your cooked food.
I didn't know that wheat germ oil could help with eczema, psoriasis and vitilago. My brother has severe eczema, so I will suggest that he give it a try, especially since it also has other amazing benefits (such as anti-aging and anti-oxidant). I bet that like wheat germ powder, wheat germ oil is rich in spermidine, which is an anti-aging compound! Thank you for another great article-I love how even though I have a bachelor's in biology and am currently earning a PhD in biology, I usually lean something new whenever I read your articles. Please keep up the good work! :)
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for your kind words and appreciation! We are delighted to hear that our article on wheat germ oil has provided you with valuable information.
Wheat germ oil does indeed have numerous benefits, including its potential to help with eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo due to its nourishing properties. Additionally, it is rich in anti-aging compounds such as spermidine, which can contribute to skin health. We hope your brother finds some relief. You can find more natural ways to help soothe skin concerns here, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/skin-health/
Stay healthy & well