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Is Wheat Germ As Good As Oatmeal to Lower Cholesterol?

When it comes to lowering cholesterol the information can be confusing. Experts recommend diets high in fiber to lower cholesterol however some foods have more fiber than others. Breakfast is the perfect way to start a high fiber day but what is better, wheat germ or oatmeal?

  1. Types

    • There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber has been shown to reduce your LDL or bad cholesterol. It also reduces the absorption of cholesterol in your body. Insoluble fiber helps move material through your intestines. So when we’re talking about fiber lowering your bad cholesterol, soluble fiber is what you’re looking for specifically.

    Definition

    • A kernel of wheat contains the bran, the endosperm and the germ. Where the bran is the outer shell, the germ is what provides nutrients to the seed. That means it is rich with vitamins and minerals.

    How Oatmeal and Wheat Germ Compare

    • When it comes to the hard data, Wheat Germ just doesn't compare to oatmeal in terms of soluble fiber because wheat germ is an insoluble fiber. In fact, 1/3 of a cup of dry oatmeal contains 1.3 grams soluble fiber. And if you add fruit to your oatmeal, you're adding more fiber.

      However, wheat germ has something oatmeal doesn't have, vitamin E. Vitamin E operates helps protect your cell membranes from damage by free radicals. Cholesterol is susceptible to free radical damage and the vitamin E found in wheat germ blocks this destruction.

    Diet

    • Eat oatmeal as part of your daily diet and add fruit like dried apples, bananas, raisins, and even berries to your breakfast to increase the fiber content and to add variety. Add wheat germ to your diet by sprinkling it on yogurt, adding it to smoothies, mixing it in muffins, pancakes and other baked goods.

    Comparison

    • When you’re looking at cold hard data, oatmeal is better for lowering your LDL cholesterol because it is high in soluble fiber. However, adding wheat germ to your diet will go a long way to improve your good cholesterol and to keep your body healthy.

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