What's the best way to use wheat germ daily?

Written by
Thomas Wilson
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.To effectively incorporate wheat germ, it's important to understand how many different ways it can be used. This wonderful source of nutrition can add to meals at any time during the day, accommodating existing eating habits. Years of experience in working with clients have allowed me to help many take easy steps to consume wheat germ daily for excess benefit.
Breakfast Boosters
- Stir into oatmeal or yogurt
- Blend into morning smoothies
- Mix into pancake or waffle batter
Baking Enhancements
- Replace 10% of flour in recipes
- Add to muffin or bread dough
- Incorporate into energy bar mixtures
Savory Applications
- Use as binder for meatballs
- Sprinkle over salads instead of croutons
- Coat chicken or fish before baking
Safety Protocols
- Always heat to 165°F (74°C)
- Toast before adding to cold dishes
- Store refrigerated in airtight containers
Integrating breakfast is the easiest point of entry. Stir a tablespoon of it into warm oatmeal, or layer with yogurt and fruit. For smoothies, first blend with some liquid to avoid a grainy texture. I cook it up in weekly batches in my kitchen to have on hand for easy scoring at breakfast time. This consistency allows for lasting habits to develop.
Baking applications alter the ordinary recipe. Substitute 10% of the flour in muffins or breads with wheat germ. It should always be toasted first for flavor. Crunchiness adds texture to baked goods and improves nutrition. My clients' families usually do not notice the improvement in health production.
Wheat germ's binding property is beneficial in savory dishes. Use it in place of breadcrumbs for meatballs or meatloaves. Sprinkle on salads for a nice crunch. When coating proteins, mix them with herbs before putting them in the oven. These methods will keep the meat moist while adding more food value.
*Never skip the safety steps when handling wheat germ. Always heat to the maximum safe temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to kill bacteria.* Store refrigerated, in airtight containers, out of the light to prevent rancidity. Portion control is important. Start with one teaspoon daily. Gradually increase this amount before reaching the maximum of 2 tablespoons (also read just above). This way, you will maximize the benefits while avoiding digestive upsets.
Read the full article: Wheat Germ Benefits: Health and Nutrition Guide