The phrase "oil from wheat germ" is perceived as a product from the healthy nutrition section, which is stored in the kitchen. But many women keep it in the bathroom, using it as a means to restore skin and strengthen hair. What is the best way to use this oil, what are its properties, what are the benefits, and is there any harm? Read on in the article below.

Chemical composition

A wheat germ is part of a grain. It is removed at the processing stage from most products that are made from wheat grains. Please note that this is not the same as sprouts that have sprouted and are used in healthy diets. In raw form, the embryos are added to granola, cereals, corn bread, yogurts, breadcrumbs and cereal.

Cold pressed oil is obtained from the germ. This is a thick liquid of a very rich yellow color with a recognizable bread flavor.

In 1 tbsp. the spoon contains:

• calories: 120 kcal;
• fat: 14 g.

There are no carbohydrates, starch, fiber, protein and sugar. But it makes fats popular among lovers of healthy nutrition and cosmetologists. This oil contains both existing types of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

In 1 tbsp. spoon found:

• 85% of the daily dose of omega-3;
• 62% of the daily dose of omega-6.

And in addition to this, in a spoon of the product will be 2 g of monounsaturated fat and 3 g of saturated fat, which is considered less healthy.

Important! Fat is more energy dense and provides more calories per gram than carbohydrate or protein. While the latter give only 4 calories per gram, fat — 9, so it should be consumed sparingly.

In general, the component composition of the oil is represented by the following substances (per 100 g of product):

• linoleic acid (Omega-6) - 55 g;
• palmitic acid - 16 g;
• oleic acid - 14 g;
• linolenic acid (Omega-3) - 7 g;
• Vitamin E - 400 mg;
• beta-carotene - 20 mg;
• Vitamin B5 - 11 mg;
• Vitamin B9 - 2 mg;
• vitamin D - 1 mg;
• tocopherol - 150 mg.

The content of vitamin E is the highest among all foods that have not undergone preliminary preparation or enrichment with vitamins. The lack of protein allows you to use it in marinades, in protein smoothies or yogurt to activate all the benefits it gives.

The glycemic index (GI) of wheat germ oil is zero. And this means that the product does not affect blood sugar and can be used by diabetics without restrictions.

Useful properties of oil

First of all, wheat germ oil is a source of vitamin E, considered a powerful antioxidant. It helps fight cell damage due to oxidation by free radicals.

It has more than 23 nutrients, including vitamins, which form a number of beneficial properties:

The presence of immunomodulating and antiviral properties is also noted in the oil.

For men

The powerful antioxidant effect provided by vitamin E improves fertility in both sexes.. It helps maintain sperm motility and health in men, and improves insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance in women with diabetes who are trying to get pregnant, reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to pregnancy.

Biologically active components are involved in the normalization of hormonal levels and increase potency. Minerals in combination with vitamin E affect the processes that occur in the reproductive system.

Zinc in its composition is useful in that activates testosterone production. As you know, it is precisely his lowered level that is the basis of most sexual disorders. Testosterone increases potency, erection and improves overall well-being of men. Minerals, including zinc and manganese, reacting with vitamin E, reduce the likelihood of developing adenomas.

It is good for a man to consume oil in the following amounts:

• 2 teaspoons throughout the day before meals are taken as a means of prevention and strengthening immunity;
• 1 teaspoon in the morning before meals for 1-2 months for the treatment of gastritis and gastrointestinal diseases;
• teenager - 1 teaspoon a day in the morning before breakfast.

Did you know? Germinated wheat grains are very popular in healthy eating. They help regulate metabolic processes, increase energy levels and strengthen immunity.

For women

Normalization of hormone levels, which is carried out by wheat germ oil, is important for both women and men.

• In women with it:
• the menstrual cycle normalizes;
• inflammatory processes are eliminated;
• the state of the nervous system improves.

The product is used to treat female infertility and the prevention of gynecological diseases. Women are recommended to use it for 1 teaspoon 2 times a day before meals.

During pregnancy

Oil can be consumed by pregnant women. It prevents the development of birth defects in the fetus and promotes the formation of healthy red blood cells. In addition, the product contains folic acid. If it is present in the body in sufficient quantities, then this reduces the likelihood of a neural tube defect and other complications in the baby.

• Vitamin E protects the embryo from genetic mutations and is therefore suitable for use during pregnancy. And after childbirth he:
• helps to restore the body;
• improves skin elasticity;
• eliminates stretch marks;
• restores skin elasticity.

Wheat germ oil also promotes lactation, while improving milk quality.

How to use

The scope of the oil ranges from cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and healthy foods to nutritional supplements. It can be sold in pharmacies in bottles, and is also included in the composition of medicines or cosmetics as an ingredient. Trainers recommend using it as a dietary supplement for athletes in order to increase stamina and physical fitness.

Did you know? The combination of several oils began to be used in antiquity. So, the ancient Greek beauties believed that hands should be lubricated with mint, and the face — necessarily palm oil.

Internally

When administered orally, wheat germ oil effectively saturates the body with vitamin E. In all body tissues, redox reactions are activated, there is a general improvement of the body.

Be sure to provide the body with the right balanced diet.. Taking a vitamin supplement does not eliminate the need for regular food. In addition, some products, such as cereals, fruits, green leafy vegetables, interacting with oil, increase its level of usefulness for the body.

Outwardly

The product is widely used for external use, because it helps to get rid of skin irritation, including dryness and cracking. Applied externally, the oil restores and nourishes the epidermis. When applied topically, it promotes the formation of new cells, improves blood circulation and helps to restore mechanical damage and those from sun exposure.

Important! If you set a schedule and take a dietary supplement 2 times a day, but missed the dose, then you can’t take a double dose the next time.

Oil application

In its pure form, wheat germ oil is used only on small areas of the skin - for processing:

• places of peeling;
• scratches;
• abscess;
• inflammation.

If it will be used for massage, then it should be diluted with almond, apricot or peach.

In medicine

Oil is not considered a medicine. It is considered in medicine as a restorative supplement. It is recommended to take:

1. Adults 2 times a day for 30 minutes. before eating. Dosage - 1 tsp.
2. For pregnant and lactating women, you need to reduce the dosage to 1/2 teaspoon 2 times a day. This is due to the fact that their nutrition should be balanced, and it is not necessary to introduce one or another product in large quantities into the body.

For athletes, oil is part of a balanced diet and a valuable source of vitamin E.

• Its advantages over other supplements are as follows:
• it is a very concentrated source of nutrients;
• it contains a lot of essential fatty acids;
• it is believed that its composition in the complex has the ability to increase strength and endurance;
• improves the transmission of nerve impulses;
• accelerates the processes of oxygen metabolism in the body;
• increases the level of energy that fatty acids transmit to muscles;
• reduces the accumulation of fat in tissues.

In the sports supplement store you can find oil in soft capsules or in the form of an oily liquid in bottles. Its daily recommended use is 1–2 g. If other recommended dosages are indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer, try to stick to them. The product is considered completely safe and non-toxic when taken in recommended doses.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, wheat germ oil is used to solve skin or hair problems. This is a very valuable product for use in natural cosmetics. The special composition of its fatty acids prevents premature aging of the skin and strengthens them. This is why it is ideal for mature and acne-prone skin.

Beauty lovers also use it in solving the following problems:

• for facial skin - since it nourishes, evens out color, eliminates microdamages, wrinkles and sagging, rejuvenates, restores balance, improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to cells, disinfects, relieves inflammation, reduces scars and stretch marks, and treats dermatological diseases;
• for scalp - since oil improves blood microcirculation, strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair growth, and helps to eliminate dandruff.

To benefit from this product for skin and hair, consumers use it locally - rub it into the scalp or mix it with conditioners or shampoo to apply to the hair.

Important! If you buy oil from wheat germ, look for one that has not been bleached and has not been hydrogenated. Such a product is sold in small bottles.

From stretch marks during pregnancy

Due to its high vitamin E content, this food supplement helps in creating collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. It also provides the skin with strength, restores, heals and prevents the formation of scars and stretch marks. In fact, regular application of oil to scars can completely heal them.. But be sure to make sure that you are using a cold-pressed product, otherwise it will have much less nutrients.

From cellulite

For women, the appearance of cellulite - a dimpled, textured skin that usually appears on the hips, buttocks, and abdomen - can be a major cause of concern. This problem does not depend on age, weight, level of physical fitness. Of course, there is no panacea that would cure such a condition of the skin.

But oils can improve texture. There are several ways to do this:

• regular massage;
• wrapping.

All procedures contribute to exfoliation of dead skin, restore blood circulation in the subcutaneous layer and contribute to the acquisition of smoothness and elasticity. For this, the product is applied to the skin and massaged well.

To combat cellulite, mix 2 teaspoons of almond oil and wheat germ, adding 1 drop of orange tree and lemon ester to them. Do massage or body wrap.

For nails

The product can be used to strengthen nails. To do this, you will need:

• castor oil: 2 teaspoons;
• wheat germ oil: 1 teaspoon;
• salt: 2 tsp.

Preparation and use:

1. Take a bottle of dark glass with a sealed cap.
2. Pour liquid ingredients into it. Pour in salt, close the lid and shake well. Be sure to shake the contents immediately before each use.
3. Rubbing the mixture on the nails.
4. Leave on for 3-5 minutes, and then wipe them with a cotton swab. Castor oil will fix the surface of the nail plate, turning into a thin, invisible film.

For body

Being an anti-aging agent and a strong antioxidant, the oil promotes skin health by preventing psoriasis and eczema, restoring damaged tissues.

And thanks to the softening properties, it can help eliminate tightening and darkening of the skin on the elbows. It will also help if the skin in these areas is overdried and flaky, and also treats rough skin and microcracks on the heels.

Did you know? From 100 kg of wheat germ turns out to make 3 l of oil. Do it by pressing.

Cracks in the heels are a cosmetic problem that affects the external epidermis.The skin becomes dry and flaky. This causes discomfort, and cracking can expose it to fungal infection.

The most effective in this case will be the use of a mixture of oils. For example, add 2 drops of lavender and patchouli to 1 teaspoon of squeezed wheat germ. The first has antiseptic properties, and the second - antifungal and wound healing. Mix and heat everything in a water bath, and then wait until the mixture cools down and apply to the washed skin of the legs. In 15–20 minutes rinse with warm water.

For hair, eyelashes and eyebrows

The tool is a useful ingredient for maintaining healthy hair. Use it in a 10: 1 ratio with base oils such as olive and sesame. Apply to scalp, leave for a while, and then rinse.

Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties shown by vitamin E, the product helps:

• reduce inflammation of the scalp;
• restore damaged follicles, thereby enhancing hair growth and giving shine.

In addition to including wheat germ supplements in your diet for proper nutrition, you can also apply it to your hair.

Did you know? Wheat — one of the oldest cereals. People began to grow it about 10 thousand years ago.

For hair, the following composition is suitable:

• almond oil and wheat germ 10-15 drops;
• scarlet oil - 1 tbsp. the spoon;
• vitamin E capsules - 1-2 pcs.

Application:

1. Mix the liquid ingredients.
2. Add vitamin E capsules. This is necessary for instant relief if your hair falls out intensively.
3. Heat the mixture a little in a water bath.
4. Massage your hair for 10-15 minutes. You can wrap it in film for 1 hour, but you can leave it all night and then wash your hair.

For face

Our skin suffers from temperature changes, excessive humidity or dryness of the air and its pollution. And this becomes the cause of skin damage: it becomes contaminated, changes fat content, and swells. Wheat germ oil - a natural remedy that helps to cleanse your face effectively. It relieves the skin of excess sebum, which can lead to acne, blackheads and acne, does not clog pores, relieves inflammation and provides restoration of the skin.

A few drops of the product can be applied to the skin or added to the face mask. If you have problem skin, then consult a cosmetologist before use. For massage and application to the skin, as well as the area around the eyes, you can apply the following composition. Take almond and wheat germ oil 4–5 drops, each mix with its usual daily face gel.

Application:

1. Apply with gentle massaging movements.
2. Massage the skin for 10-15 minutes. The mixture will not be absorbed, because it is fat, so your task is simply to rub it on the skin.
3. Remember that all masks are applied only to clean and warm skin, for this you need to hold your face over steam for 5 minutes. This is necessary in order for the pores to open, and the skin to absorb nutrients more actively.

In order to prepare a lip balm, you need:

1. Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Put a bowl on top and put petroleum jelly in it. When it begins to melt, add 6-7 drops of almond oil and wheat germ.
3. Remove from the steam bath and add 1 capsule of vitamin E, mix.
4. Cool. Leave in the freezer for 5 minutes. When the mass hardens, apply to lips or lubricate microcracks on the skin.
5. Remember, the composition must be applied in 1 layer - this is enough to provide a therapeutic effect.

How to choose oil

The natural enemies of fats are light and heat. Under the influence of sunlight as a result of chemical reactions, their usefulness decreases. Heating also contributes to the breakdown of components. therefore oil is sold in pharmacies or cosmetics stores in small dark glass bottles. They must be hermetically sealed, i.e. esters have the ability to evaporate quickly.

Also pay attention to the costAll natural oils are expensive. And if you see a price below the average market, then most likely this is a tool based on synthetic components.

Video: Wheat germ oil

How to store

Keep the oil tightly closed and always out of the reach of children. This should be done at room temperature from + 15 ° C to + 30 ° C, always in a place protected from heat and light. And do not use after the expiration date. If the bottle is not tightly sealed, or the blackout of the glass is below 50%, the oil will deteriorate very quickly.

Important! It is forbidden to store ether mixtures at flame sources. — esters are very quickly and easily flammable.

Contraindications

Oil from wheat germ enters into an active interaction only with levodopa - a drug that is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. As a result, blood thinning is enhanced. And in case you are prescribed a drug that affects clotting, or if surgery is ahead, be sure to consult a doctor.

Also, harm from consumption can occur in the following situations:

1. People who are allergic to gluten - a protein found in cereals, should avoid foods that include wheat germ oil.
2. Despite the fact that the product is useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, you can not use it in large quantities. With uncontrolled use, you can get the opposite result.

Those who follow a low-carb diet should be aware that there are no carbohydrates in the final product, but they are found in raw embryos. Therefore, they are not interchangeable.

• With abuse of the drug, a number of side effects are also possible:
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• gases
• dizziness.

Do not forget about the need to do an allergy test before using any essential oil. To do this, drip a small drop and rub it on the skin. If after 24 hours there is no redness or swelling, you can use the tool.

Using oil from wheat germ for cosmetic purposes, remember that to get results you need to regularly take care of your skin and hair, especially if age-related changes have already begun. But for medical purposes, the intake of any drug should be agreed with the doctor. This also needs to be done if you are undergoing treatment.