Wheat Germ Oil - What is it and Why is it Good for You?

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by: Darrell Miller
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Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 Time: 1:40 PM
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Wheat germ oil has been cited in a number of medical journals to be one of the healthiest forms of oil. It is a good source of essential fatty acids and very rich in Vitamin E. Not surprisingly, it is a favorite among health food junkies even though it costs quite a lot. As its name suggests, it is extracted from the reproductive part of wheat cereals called the germ, which is known for high levels of antioxidants and nutrients.

Increases Energy Levels

Wheat germ oil is fast becoming popular among individuals living an active life like athletes as it has been widely reported to supply the body with needed energy output without relying much on high caloric content of foods. Octacosanol, a chemical compound naturally occurring in plants belonging to families of cereals and legumes, is particularly abundant in wheat germ oil. Octacosanol speeds up the utilization of oxygen in the body, increasing all metabolic processes that require oxygen.

Reduces Inflammatory Responses

Essential fatty acids have long been identified to have a positive effect on inflammation, which is in fact one of the body's defense mechanisms against invasive foreign materials. There is a group of chemical compounds called eicosanoids released by the immune system to contain potential antigens and the infection that they may bring. Influencing eicosanoids, essential fatty acids remove the pain, swelling, and redness characteristic of inflammation and without compromising the healing process.

Lowers Blood Cholesterol

Wheat germ oil is also a good source of the organic compound called policosanol, which has been in use to lower cholesterol levels in the blood for years. This compounds works on the principle of stimulating the liver to increase the amounts of high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol, produced and decrease low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol. In conjunction with essential fatty acids, which contributes to the overall health of cardiac cells and vascular tissues, wheat germ oil proves to be good for your heart.

Neutralizes Free Radicals

Vitamin E is often considered as the best quencher of free radicals, and is no doubt the nutrient best known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Tocopherols, a class of vitamin e, have been observed to promote cellular health and protect cell membranes from lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Wheat germ oil, having the highest content of vitamin E among all unprocessed foods, has been associated in a number of studies concerning its use against medical conditions, notably skin diseases.

Promotes Mental Health

The decline in cognitive functions has been noted to have a correlation with depleting levels of essential fatty acids. In recent years fatty acids have been postulated to prevent mental infirmities brought on by illnesses related to age such as Alzheimer's diseases. Also, high intakes of essential fatty acids have been tied to the decreasing incidence of major depression.

Everything about wheat germ oil clearly contributes to a healthy body. No wonder why it is commonly regarded as one of the healthiest foods. You can find wheat germ oil at your local or internet vitamin store in quality brands like Now Foods. Always choose name brands to ensure quality of what you buy for better health.

About the Author

If you need a health boost, give wheat germ oil a try risk free at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/