Wheat germ oil facts for kids
Wheat germ oil is a special oil that comes from the wheat grain. It's taken from a tiny part of the grain called the germ. The germ is like the "baby plant" inside the wheat seed, and it makes up only a very small part of the whole grain. Even though it's small, the germ is packed with good things, and that's where this oil gets its healthy benefits.
What's Inside Wheat Germ Oil?
Wheat germ oil is known for having lots of good stuff that can help your body.
Vitamin E Power
One of the most important things in wheat germ oil is vitamin E. This oil has a huge amount of vitamin E, more than almost any other food that hasn't been specially prepared or had vitamins added to it. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, which means it helps protect your body's cells from damage.
Special Fats and Substances
Wheat germ oil also contains different types of fatty acids, which are important for your body's health. Here are some of the main ones:
- Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid)
- Palmitic acid
- Oleic acid
- Linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid)
It also has a unique substance called octacosanol. Scientists have looked into whether octacosanol can help people with their energy and physical performance, like when they exercise. Some other similar substances from plants might even help keep your body healthy by lowering something called cholesterol, which is a type of fat in your blood.
How Is It Used?
Even though it's healthy, wheat germ oil isn't usually used for cooking. That's because it has a very strong flavor, can be expensive, and spoils easily.
However, people have explored other ways to use wheat germ oil. For example, some studies have looked into whether it can help improve blood flow in the body or even make your reaction time faster.
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