wheat germ?

Question

what foods is wheat germ in and what exactly is it?

i have been told i am intollerant to it so wondered which foods i should avoid?

Answer 1

Webster's definition: "the embryo of the wheat kernel separated in milling and used especially as a source of vitamins and protein"

Wheat germ is not the "outer hull" of the wheat. It is the "heart" of the kernel (id est the embryo). Hence germ from germinate.

You should avoid anything that lists wheat germ as an ingredient and perhaps whole wheat as well (even though the wheat germ is only about 2.12% of the kernel).

It is also not the outer coating of the endosperm. Simple biology: the endosperm surrounds the embryo.

See my third link (www.wheatmania.com) for an actual picture depicting the wheat kernel. There you will see that wheat germ is in the center, so to speak, surrounded by the endosperm and bran.

Answer 2

Its what is in whole wheat but not in bran and not in white bread. White bread uses the endosperm. Bran products are made from the wheat bran. And third part of the wheat kernal and third product type then is whole wheat which uses the wheat germ. I'm sure there are other products out there using various combos of things- but I wanted to use examples that most would be familiar with, not give an exhaustive list. I think I get sick from the wheat germ too! And here I thought I was the only one... I can eat white bread just fine. I can eat bran products just find. But whole wheat gives me terrible indigestion and upsets my stomach! The older I get the less of it I need to eat to get a bad reaction too. And I know I don't have issues with gluten in general because I tried a gluten free diet for nearly a month and I didn't notice any difference in how I felt. I'm pretty sure its just the wheat germ I have issues with, but I don't know it is in that is not in the endosperm or the bran that would cause a person to react badly to it.

Answer 3

You will want to avoid anything marked "whole wheat."

White bread and wheat bread (not marked whole) have the germ removed. This gives the flour, and products made from it, a longer shelf life.

Answer 4

It is as said the outer coating of the endosperm, and is best kept refrigerated as the oils in the germ is delicate and breaksdown quickly. I used it in muffins, pancakes, bread and in burgers as a filler whether it is meat or veggie one's.

You can also add it to smoothies, and can get wheat germ oil at better health food stores, I used it when I was working in the Hospitality business as a chef, it is versitile and a good source of fiber.

Answer 5

wheat germ is the outter hull of a grain of wheat. It is sold in jars as a powder to sprinkle on foods, such as ice cream, pasta, etc.