Wheat Germ Oil : Source, Chemical Constituents and Uses

Wheat spikes (Triticum aestivum L.)
Wheat spikes (Triticum aestivum L.)

Morphology and Source of Wheat Germ Oil:

Wheat germ oil is a fixed oil obtained from wheat germ, Triticum aestivum belonging to the family Gramineae. It is extracted by solvent extraction or hydraulic expression.

Properties of Wheat Germ Oil:

Wheat germ oil is bland yellow in colour with a nut like odour and nut taste. It is miscible with solvents like ether, benzene and chloroform.

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Chemical constituents of Wheat Germ Oil:

Wheat germ oil contains saturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, oleic acid and unsaponifiable matter. Unsaponifiable matter mainly constitutes vitamin E.

Uses of Wheat Germ Oil:

  • Wheat germ oil is used as a nutritional supplement.
  • Wheat germ oil is chiefly a source of natural vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids (vitamin F).
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