Wheat germ oil

Wheat germ oil is extracted from the germ of the wheat kernel, which makes up only 2.5% by weight of the kernel.[1] Wheat germ oil is particularly high in octacosanol - a 28-carbon long-chain saturated primary alcohol found in a number of different vegetable waxes.[2] Octacosanol has been studied as an exercise- and physical performance-enhancing agent. Very long chain fatty alcohols obtained from plant waxes and beeswax have been reported to lower plasma cholesterol in humans.[3] Wheat germ oil is also very high in vitamin E (255 mg/100g), and has the highest content of vitamin E of any food that has not undergone prior preparation or vitamin fortification.[4] As a cooking oil, wheat germ oil is strongly flavored, expensive and easily perishable.[1] Wheat germ oil contains the following fatty acids:[5][6]

Componentg/100g
Linoleic acid (omega-6)55
Palmitic acid16
Oleic acid14
Linolenic acid (omega-3)7
Wheat germ oil in a clear glass vial

Other uses of wheat germ oil have also been explored, including increasing blood flow and reaction time.[7]

See also

References


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