The domestication of wheat is an important step in the evolution of man moving from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle. The transition of humanity from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic gives rise to technical, social and even philosophical innovations.
Wheat is the main source of calories and protein for one-third of the world’s population. The Egyptian pyramids were built by slaves, whose diet was based mainly on wheat and vegetables. This largely explains why wheat is called the “king of cereals”.
main nutrients
Nutrients (effects and potential medical indications) | Amount per 100 g of wheat germ |
Proteins (construction and renewal of muscles, bones, skin, nails and hair, protecting the body against bacteria and viruses). | 23,3 g |
Carbohydrates (providers of energy for cells and are actively involved in the production of secretions of the human body). | 38,6 g |
Lipids (important for our body’s energy needs). | 9,20 g |
Other nutrients: sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamins A , B1 , B2 , B3 , B5 , B6 , B9 , B12 , E , K , iron , zinc . | in smaller quantities |
number of calories
The energy intake of 100 grams of wheat germ is 360 kilocalories.
Main dishes and drinks based on this food
– Wheat is consumed every day in different forms. Soft wheat or common wheat is the main raw material in bread making. As for durum wheat, it is mainly used for meals and in the manufacture of various foods such as couscous and pasta.
– Depending on the region, the wheat grain is consumed whole, in flakes, in flour, crushed, semolina or puffed.
– Bread and products made from flour, as well as the biscuit industry, are responsible for 58% of wheat consumption.
– Different wheat-based recipes (see fresh wheat salad).
Importance for nutritional status and health
– Wheat is a food that provides a large number of nutritious substances for the human body. Wheat germ and bran provide essential phosphorus for building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as well as tissue regeneration.
– Iron content in wheat bran is also useful for both men and women. It is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the supply of oxygen.
– It is recommended that people with high cholesterol , as well as diabetics and overweight individuals , regularly consume wheat derivatives.
– People suffering from constipationcan eat wheat bran daily as it is rich in fiber, hemicellulose and cellulose.
– Athletes, pregnant women and students are invited to add wheat germ to their diet to meet increased nutritional needs.
– In the same way, people with gonadal sterility can count on the presence of vitamin E in wheat bran. This intensifies the production of eggs and sperm.
– Wheat germ slows down the aging process, cell degeneration and arteriosclerosis. Therefore, its use is recommended to prevent cancer and coronary heart disease.
Simple recipe to prepare
Wheat salad (for 4 people)
Ingredients
– 250 g of pre-cooked wheat.
– 2 tomatoes.
– 1 cucumber.
– 1 can of tuna in brine.
– 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
– Low-fat yogurt.
– Basil, chives, 1 clove of garlic.
– Salt and pepper
– 200 mL of water.
Preparation:
– Cut the tomatoes and cucumber into cubes.
– Shred the tuna.
– Place the pre-cooked wheat in a bowl with water.
– In a bowl, mix the yogurt, oil, diced vegetables and lemon juice.
– Pour into the bowl, add the herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
– Let it rest for 12 hours in the fridge.
You can serve this dish with goat cheese to enhance the flavor.
Good nutrition advice from Create health
– Wheat mainly contains a protein called gluten. Consumption of it by individuals with celiac disease can lead to destruction of the lining of the small intestine. The presence of gluten can also cause respiratory and skin symptoms like eczema , hives, not to mention headaches and some form of fatigue or irritability.
– It is recommended to consume bread or whole grain cereals that contain bran instead of consuming this food separately. In any case, the daily dose should not exceed 30 grams.
Interesting comments about this food
– About 653 million tons of wheat are produced each year worldwide in an area of 215 million hectares. However, the proliferation of a fungus threatens wheat fields and could especially affect South Asia, which produces 20% of the world’s wheat.
– In addition to food and feed, wheat is also used in the production of biofuels.
– There are around 30,000 species of wheat grown, 200 across France.
– The word “wheat” comes from the Latin “triticum”, which means “that which is crushed”. This word, in turn, comes from the verb “terere”, which means “crushing, grinding, wearing”.
– The word “wheat” appeared in the written French language only in 1080. Researchers are divided on its origin. It can come from the Gaulish “blato”, meaning “flour” or the Frankish “bled” or “blad”, meaning “fruit of the vine” or “harvest”.