Wheat Germ Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Mar 21, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 25 Avg: 3.9]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Mar 21, 2024Table of Contents
The demand for vegetable oil has risen rapidly due to the awareness of vegetable oil as food and nutraceuticals (health-enhancing food). Cereals are an essential mode of a balanced nutrition. Some cereals like wheat (Triticum aestivum), commonly known as ghehu, have gained much popularity due to their ability to be grounded into flour. Wheat germ is a by-product derived from wheat milling process. Wheat germ is used in the cosmetic, food and medical industry. Egypt is one of the largest producers of wheat germ. Wheat germ oil has a slightly nutty, pleasantly grainy, sweet flavour with several potential uses.1 Let us look at some health benefits of wheat germ oil.
Did you know?
Wheat germ oil may contain several bioactive compounds like phytosterols, policosanol, lipids, sterols, triterpenols and many more.2 Additionally, wheat germ oil may have the following nutrients:
| Nutritional Component | Value |
| Energy | 884 kcal |
| Fats | 100 g |
| Fatty acids (unsaturated) | 18.8 g |
| Fatty acids (monosaturated) | 15.1 g |
| Fatty acids (polyunsaturated) | 61.7 g |
| Choline | 20 mg |
| Vitamin E | 149 mg |
| Vitamin K | 24.7 µg |
| Total carotenoids | 12.23 g |
| Lutein | 2.95 g |
| β- carotene | 2.42 g |
| Other carotenoids | 6.89 g |
| Total steryl ferulate | 48.8 g |
Table 1: Nutritional value of wheat germ oil3,4
Vitamins present in wheat germ oil:
Did you know wheat germ oil contains many vitamins and minerals including vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc? Vitamin E along with Selenium might aid in improving sperm motility. Additionally, zinc plays an important role in maintaining overall sperm health.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Several studies show that wheat germ oil may possess the following properties:
Did you know wheat germ oil is a great source of many nutrients needed for smooth functioning of the body? Vitamin E might help in improving symptoms of mild cognitive impairment in older patients. The presence of vitamin E can aid in improving cognitive function in older patients and patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Wheat germ oil may possess antibacterial properties. It may inhibit the growth of bacteria. Wheat germ oil may be more sensitive to gram-positive bacteria as compared to gram-negative bacteria (categories based on bacteria that take up staining under the microscope).1 However, further studies are yet to be done to check the effect of wheat germ oil on bacterial infections. If you suspect any symptoms of bacterial infection, you must immediately consult your doctor.
Intake of wheat germ oil may be used to reduce swelling. A study conducted by Harrabi et al. in 2021 showed that bioactive compounds like octacosanol, β-sitosterol and α-linolenic acid might be responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of wheat germ oil. Wheat germ oil may inhibit cyclo-oxygenase (an enzyme that causes swelling).2 However, more studies are required to confirm if wheat germ oil can be used to reduce inflammation. You must consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms of inflammatory diseases.
Consumption of wheat germ oil may increase blood flow due to the presence of vitamin E. Increased blood flow in the scalp may help repair the cells in the hair bulb. Additionally, it may help reduce hair fall.5 However, more studies are needed to check if wheat germ oil is good for hair. You should consult a doctor for proper treatment if you are facing hair related issues.
Consumption of wheat germ oil may increase the blood flow in the skin, resulting in better supply of nutrients to the skin. This may be attributed to its high vitamin E content. It may also have an anti-ageing effect on the skin due to the presence of a bioactive compound, ceramide. Vitamin E and ceramides may have a moisturising and soothing effect on the skin. In addition, wheat germ oil may cause skin thickening, which may further help decrease water loss from the skin.5 However, more studies are yet to be done to check whether wheat germ oil may benefit the skin. You must consult your doctor if you see any abnormalities in your skin.
A study conducted by Emam et al. in 2022 on rats showed that wheat germ oil might be beneficial for breast cancer due to the presence of vitamin E and its ability to reduce oxidative stress.4 Oxidative stress is caused by harmful free radicals (molecular particles that harm the body). In addition, wheat germ oil may reduce tumour size.6 However, this study was conducted on animals. Therefore, further studies are required to check the effect of wheat germ oil on cancer in the human body. Cancer is a dangerous disease; hence you must consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with cancer instead of self-medicating.
Wheat germ oil may help to heal wounds. A study conducted by G.C. Türkoglu et al. in 2021 showed that wheat germ oil might have bioactive compounds that may have properties to work on the skin cells and enhance the wound healing process. Wheat germ oil may heal burns and wounds due to its high cellular activity and high fluid handling capacity.7 However, further studies are yet to be done to check if wheat germ oil may be used to heal wounds. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you have a severe wound instead of self-medicating.
Antioxidants in wheat germ oil like phenolic acids, flavonoids, tocopherols and carotenoids may help reduce cholesterol levels. A study by Chadha et al. in 2015 showed that wheat germ oil might lower the bad cholesterol levels- total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).8 However, further studies are yet to be done to check if wheat germ oil may be beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels. Therefore, you must check your cholesterol levels regularly and consult your doctor in case of high cholesterol levels.
Though there are studies that show the benefits of wheat germ oil in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of wheat germ oil on human health.
Wheat germ oil can be added to various food items in the following way:
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Side effects of wheat germ oil may be due to wheat allergy. Its symptoms may include:
You must immediately consult your doctor if you experience any side effects after consuming wheat germ oil.
Also Read: Patchouli Oil: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
Wheat germ oil is generally considered safe; however, the following precautions shall still be taken:
If you have any pre-existing disorder, you must consult your doctor before consuming wheat germ oil.
There are not enough studies on the interaction of wheat germ oil with other drugs. Further studies on the interaction of wheat germ oil are yet to be done. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you are on any other medication before consuming wheat germ oil.
Also Read: Evening Primrose Oil Benefits: A Research-Based Guide to Health Improvements
Vitamin E in wheat germ oil may increase the blood flow in the skin, resulting in a better supply of nutrients to the skin. It may also have an anti-ageing effect on the skin due to the presence of a bioactive compound, ceramides. Vitamin E and ceramides may have a moisturising and soothing effect on the skin. In addition, wheat germ oil may cause the thickening of the skin, which may further help to decrease the loss of water from the skin. 5
Due to the presence of vitamin E, wheat germ oil may increase blood flow. Wheat germ oil may increase the blood flow in the scalp and repair the cells in the hair bulb. Additionally, it may help to reduce hair fall. 5
Consumption of wheat germ oil may cause irritation, swelling or itching in the mouth or throat, swelling of the skin, itchy rash, nasal congestion, headache, difficulty in breathing and may cause diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.9
Wheat germ oil may contain vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, and K.3,5
Yes, wheat germ oil may be beneficial for cancer due to its antioxidant activity. Vitamin E may help to relieve the oxidative stress. It may also reduce the size of tumours.6 However, cancer is a dangerous disease. Therefore, you must consult your doctor instead of self-medicating.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments