Tag: Health benefits of wheat germ

Day 2: Of My Vegan Diet – Breakfast

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Ok, it’s day 2 of my vegan diet and it is going great thus far. Earlier for breakfast I had organic oats w/Flaxseeds, mixed with 1 tbs of wheat germ, almond milk and some raw orange blossom honey I purchased at my local farmers market.

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I drink a lot of fluids throughout the day. It’s 10:30am and I already had two cups of green teas and my smoothie. My smoothie had spinach, blueberries, strawberries, mango and almond milk.

I bought a lot of fruits to work just in case I get hungry in between meals. I’m not snacking on any processed foods just raw foods and maybe some nuts.

It’s an amazing feeling because my bowels have been very frequent throughout my first and second day already.

It’s a great feeling!

Spirulina Is High In Protein

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According to Greenmedinfo, spirulina was considered a superfood and the primary source of protein by the Mayans and Aztecs for thousands of years. That’s because it contains between 65 and 71% all-vegetarian protein, the highest concentration found in any food.

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Spirulina is a microscopic algae that flourishes in warm climates and warm alkaline water. It is available dried and freeze-dried. It’s also available in pill or powder form, or as flakes.

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Spirulina is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids as well as 10 other amino acids. This makes spirulina an excellent source of protein for building muscle, bone, strength and endurance, as well as balancing blood sugar and brain chemistry. The protein in spirulina is also four times more easily absorbed by the body than are animal proteins.

In addition to protein, spirulina is the best available source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is an anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid necessary for a strong immune system as well as nervous system health.

Spirulina thrives in salty alkaline water where toxins cannot survive, so it is a very pure food. And because it provides more than 100 nutrients, it is often described as the most complete food source. Among the many nutrients it provides are iron (as much as red meat), vitamin E, zinc, B vitamins, copper, calcium, sulfur and magnesium. It is also a rich source of vitamin A in the form of the antioxidant beta-carotene.

What are the proven health benefits of spirulina?

Studies have proven that spirulina has many health benefits. Here are just a few of the things spirulina may do:

    Promote stem cell genesis and protects against declines in neural stem cell proliferation
    Provide antiviral properties
    Fight inflammation and arthritis
    Favorably affect lipid profiles, immune variables and antioxidant capacity
    Relieve experimentally induced colitis
    Provide high concentrations of zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
    Protect bone marrow cells from radiation
    Improve insulin resistance

What are the Health Benefits of Wheat Germ?

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    The health benefits of wheat germ are enormous. It is a grain fortified with vitamin E, folate (folic acid), phosphorus, thiamine, zinc, magnesium and essential omega-3 fatty acids and fatty alcohols. It is an excellent source of fiber.

The grain of wheat which gives rise to a new plant when sowed is called the wheat kernel or wheat berry. It is the seed which gives birth to the embryo. The germ is that part of the wheat grain which helps in reproducing the plant and therefore has a high concentration of all the nutrients. The good healthy fat in the grain is mostly found in this part. The bran is the outer fibrous layer. The middle layer between the germ and the bran is known as the endosperm. It is this part which is actually milled for flour. When wheat is processed to make everyday all purpose flour, the germ and bran is removed and thrown.

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THIS IS THE BRAND I BUY!

    More and more research shows the advantages of incorporating the germ in our daily diet. Due to high levels of nutrients, the germ is separated from the grain and made into health supplements. I love adding wheat germ to my oat meals, pancake mixes, muffins, and cake batters.

Nutrients Behind the Health Benefits of Wheat Germ
The nutrients which are found in the germ of wheat are as follows:

•Fiber
•Iron
•Magnesium
•Manganese
•Protein
•Omega-3 fatty acids
•Phosphorus
•Potassium
•Selenium
•Vitamin E
•Zinc
•Complex Carbohydrates
•B Vitamins such as folate, Niacin, Thiamine and Vitamin B6
•Calcium

Health Benefits of Wheat Germ
Vitamin E found in it, is a powerful antioxidant when it comes to skin health and beauty. Vitamin E boosts immunity and has anti-aging properties and can prevent heart diseases and even cancer. It can help control LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and promote cardiovascular health. Wheat germ protein aids in muscle development and does wonders to overall energy, stamina and wellbeing. It contains octacosonal which improves mental agility and alertness. It is used in supplements, especially the ones used in weight loss.

    It also improves metabolism and balances the hormones in the body which in turn helps to cope with stress. Vitamin B boosts immunity, aids digestion, gives healthy skin and enables the body to heal quicker from wounds. Folic acid brings down the homocysteine levels in blood and prevents damage to the arteries.

Wheat Germ Oil
The unsaturated oils extracted from wheat germ are a rich natural source of vitamin E. Wheat germ oil can be used as a supplement to boost your intake of this vitamin, which promotes red blood cell formation and supports your immune system. Vitamin E may have antioxidant properties which counteract cellular damage and reduce the harmful effects of environmental toxins. Some cosmetics companies promote wheat germ oil as a product ingredient that may moisturize skin and hair, diminish the effects of aging and reduce the appearance of scars.

Resources:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/natural-foods/natural-weight-loss-food-wheat-germ-ga.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/health-tip/HT00375/rss=6
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/health-gains-from-whole-grains/index.html

Wheatgrass Tip

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Wheat Grass Tip

Whenever I drink a shot or two of wheatgrass I like to chase it with a lemon or an orange slice. The wheatgrass leaves a chalky taste in my mouth and an orange refreshes my pallet.