Wheat germ oil is extracted from the germ of the wheat kernel, which makes up only 2½% by weight of the kernel. Wheat germ oil is particularly high in octacosanol - a 28 carbon long-chain saturated primary alcohol found in a number of different vegetable waxes. Octacosanol has been studied as an exercise and physical performance enhancing agent.[1] As a cooking oil, wheat germ oil is strongly flavored, expensive and easily perishable.[2] Wheat germ oil contains the following fatty acids:[3]
Component Amount Linoleic acid (omega-6) 55% Palmitic acid 16% Oleic acid 14% Linolenic acid (omega-3) 7%