Packed with nutrients - Wheat Germ

Wheat Germ is the nutritional heart of the wheat kernel. It gets removed during the milling of white flour resulting in loss of nutrition. Although the smallest part of the grain, it is packed with nutrients like vitamin E, thiamine, folate, magnesium and zinc. It is a complex carbohydrate that has a positive influence on blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

The other health benefits of wheat germ are -

• It contains vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant that is linked to heart health and a powerful immune system.
• The polysaturated fat in wheat germ , can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
• It is also a source of plant sterols that help reduce cholesterol levels.

Ways to include wheat germ in your diet:

• Include a little wheat germ in all sorts of baked goods like cookies, cakes, muffins, breads, pancakes, pizza doughs, savory pie doughs, coffee cakes and apple crisps.
• Sprinkle wheat germ over cereals and salads.
• Use as a substitute for bread crumbs when coating fish, chicken or vegetables.
• Mix wheat germ into meat loafs and burgers.

Once open keep the wheat germ jar tightly closed and refrigerate to prevent it from going rancid.

Cholesterol Busters

Fruits and vegetables are rich in anti-oxidants that helps prevent cholesterol formation in the blood vessels. The grearer the skin colour the the greater the anti-oxidant content.

Here are some great anti-oxidants to include in your diets.

• Berries - Like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries,mulberries, cranberries etc. are rich in anti-oxidants and strengthen the immune system. They also protect your eyesight and help in improve memory. They also save cells from premature ageing.
• Avocado and grapefruit - These contain glutathione, an anti-oxidant which help oxidise fats and neutralise harmful free radicals.
• Cabbage - Both the red and green varieties are potent in anti-oxidants . It can be eaten raw or lightly cooked with garlic.
• Carrots - Contain beta carotene a powerful anti-oxidant.
• Soy beans - Contain anti-oxidants that reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol and raise 'good' HDL cholesterol.
• Tomatoes - They are the richest source of lycopene, which controls the build up of cholesterol in the arteries.