Wheat germ contraindications We have recently received some questions like these: Does wheat germ have any properties and contraindications? What are the contraindications of wheat germ? Is it true that wheat germ makes you fat? Could you publish contraindications of wheat bran?
To answer, let’s look at the botanical aspect of wheat germ.
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General features
Wheat, belonging to the Gramineae family, is an annual cultivated herb native to the Near East, and which can measure up to 2 meters in height.
Its stem or cane, generally hollow at the internodes, usually branches on the ground, giving off shoots that can reach a development similar to that of the main stem.
The leaves are linear-lanceolate, with a long sheath that embraces the stem and a short ligule.
Each cane has a terminal inflorescence in the form of a spike, erect, more or less compact, short or long, with the axis or rasp generally difficult to break. Said spike comprises numerous spikelets, which can be strongly attached to the rasp or easily detached; each one is usually composed of several flowers.
The fruit or grain, light brown. it is a caryopsis; It comprises a small, oily embryo, located at its lower end, a highly developed endosperm or starchy albumen, both surrounded by a layer rich in aleurone and by a cover (formed by the seminal integument and the pericarp closely welded). In turn, the grain is enclosed within the glumelas (husks). After the grain is ground, the covering and the aleurone constitute the bran.
It is important to note that wheat is the second most produced cereal in the world. It is cultivated in many parts of the world. It resists temperatures of 20° below zero, although in these conditions it must be protected by a layer of snow. In equatorial zones it is cultivated at high altitudes. It needs very little humidity and is not demanding in terms of exposure and inclination of the land.
The most common use of wheat consists in obtaining flour to make bread, cakes, biscuits, macaroni and other pasta, cookies, etc. However, it can also be used as in muesli, or fermented to make beer, alcohol and vodka, or biofuels (ethanol). It is also cultivated to obtain fodder for cattle. Let’s see, next, wheat germ properties and contraindications
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Wheat germ properties
The wheat grain contains 70% starch, 12% protein and 1.7% fat.
The wheat germ is the embryo of the grain, which is separated from it before grinding it. Contains no sodium or cholesterol. The grain produces 2.5 percent wheat germ oil, which contains octacosanol, studied as an exercise stimulant agent. This oil has the content in Vitamin E highest of all natural unprocessed foods.
This antioxidant vitamin helps protect the immune system. Wheat germ also has magnesium that helps keep the heart, bones, muscles and circulatory system healthy.
Another mineral found in wheat germ is phosphorus, which builds bones and teeth and promotes growth. metabolism; Vitamin B6 helps the body process food and metabolizes cholesterol and fatty acids. Zinc is another mineral found in wheat germ that is essential for proper growth, immune system function, and hormone production.
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Wheat bran properties
Wheat bran, a laxative, not only prevents constipation and improves digestion, but has also been shown to reduce the concentration of bile acids and bacterial enzymes in the stool, which are believed to induce constipation. colon cancer. It can also alleviate the symptoms of diverticular disease.
Traditionally, wheat bran has many other medicinal uses, as it combats alcoholism, is sedative, good for the skin, stomachic and anticarcinogenic.
It is said to contain sex hormones and has been used in China to combat infertility. the treatment of night sweats and seed sprouts, to combat sore throat, thirst, spasmodic pain, constipation and cough.
In Western medicinal systems, wheat bran is antipyretic and sedative and the young stems and seed sprouts are used in the treatment of bile and intoxication.
Maybe you may be interested in: Wheatgrass juices for weight loss, anemia and more
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Is it true that wheat germ makes you fat?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to natural foods. Although no food by itself is responsible for weight loss or lean mass gain, the introduction of some functional foods into the diet can help achieve this goal. And this is what happens with wheat germ.
The merit is due to the large amount of fibers, which help the intestine function and prevent blood glucose spikes, which prolongs the feeling of satiety. Those who feel less hungry eat less and eliminate fat. Proteins, on the other hand, are allies of those who practice physical activities, for helping to gain lean mass.
But be careful: it is a caloric food and, if consumed in excess, it may not cause the desired effects. When it comes to food, balance must be the watchword. Let’s see now contraindications of wheat germ
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Contraindications of wheat germ and wheat bran
Wheat germ contraindications #1 Can cause nausea For those who drink wheat germ juice for the first time, the amount of 30 milliliters a day is suggested, since some people feel nauseated if they ingest too much. Once you get used to that amount, you can gradually increase it to 30 or 60 milliliters three times a day.
Wheat germ contraindications and wheat bran contraindications #2 May cause allergy. We have placed both, both wheat germ and bran, together because they can cause allergies. In some people it can cause a type of rhinitis called baker’s asthma. While other people may develop hives upon coming into contact with it.
Wheat germ contraindications #3 Do not consume if you are celiac Celiacs have an adverse reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat (germ, bran, etc.), as well as rye, barley, and oats. Therefore, if you have celiac disease and eat gluten, it triggers an autoimmune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This reduces the ability to absorb nutrients from food and can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, infertility, and bowel cancer.
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