Haven’t we always wanted to eat healthily, and by healthy, haven’t we wished that the doughnuts and other fried items will simply shed some of its calories? Of course, will power of a person is stretched to its extreme limit, while one is avoiding the fatty substances and trying to clean their digestive system. The reason why most fatty items like cheese and chocolate are hard to avoid is that it forms a part of our comfort food, for instance, chocolate is known to release Oxytocin in our brain, making us feel in love. However, continuous intake of these items can lead to severe diseases. There are easier ways to reduce the calories in these dishes, and one such is the use of wheat germ.
The uses of wheat germ are plenty. Wheat germ is simply the reduced powder of the embryos, of the wheat grain. They are the sole reason for the growth of the plant, the germination process. When wheat is processed, the germ is removed, and so all the nutrients are lost, giving only the starchy endosperm. This wheat germ is rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, iron, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus among many others.
The wheat germ is removed as the refined flour is expected to be white in color for the resulting product, and the addition of wheat germ will make it brown. So, add them into your diet, as they are good for all age groups. They have a slightly nutty flavor and hence, go great with chocolate and ice creams too!
How do we find use in them?
- Dessert Items: Wheat germ can be used to substitute for the flour you use. The self-rising flour and ‘Maida’ that is currently used in bakeries and most homes, can lead to heart diseases. Instead, substitute it for wheat germ and enjoy your guiltless pleasure of desserts! They can be used for pies crusts, dessert toppings, cakes, etc.
- Germ Oil: Germ oil is available in any store, and can be used as a substitute for your regular vegetable oil that you currently use. Note that it cannot be used for frying purposes, as the oil loses its nutrients when heated. The best way is to use it for salads and pasta, instead of olive oil.
- Smoothies: Running late for the office and have no time for a proper breakfast? Make a smoothie of your choices like bananas or strawberries and add a spoonful of wheat germ, to add nutrients to your smoothie. This can also be used for milkshakes and protein shakes.
- Breakfast: For those health conscious people, add a spoonful of wheat germ powder into your breakfast cereals, oats or porridge. They add nutrients and energy to your meal. If you are not a morning person, then add a small spoonful to your yogurt or any salad that you have as a mid-morning snack.
- Seasoning: Get creative and use wheat germ for seasoning of fish and chicken. The light brown color of the wheat germ is attractive and can be used for plating purpose also. Use as a seasoning and as a garnish for your baked fish or chicken, and see the flavors improve!
- Stuffing: Wheat germ can be mixed with the stuffing for your chicken or turkey and baked for wonderful effects. Apart from adding nutrients to your meal, they also add a nice flavor. They are also substituted for bread crumbs, for dish coatings. For dishes like casserole and meatloaf, wheat germ is substituted for half the flour used. The resulting dish tastes the same, but with fewer calories.
- Have A Snack: When you’re bored or hoping for a between meal snack, make yourself some yogurt or Mac and cheese, and sprinkle wheat germ over it to add nutrients. The wheat germ has a slightly nutty flavor and so, can be used for ice cream toppings, soup flavorings, etc.
There are various ways to introduce the wheat germs into your diet, so they can help you in repairing your body condition, making you stronger and healthier. The best part is, unlike medicine, this wheat germ, when combined with the dessert, is the sweetest medicine you take, to build your immune system!