Forget chia seeds and all these so-called superfoods and try this, the doctor is suggesting
Weight loss is often achieved through a combination of regular exercise and a balanced diet(Image: Getty)
A weight loss doctor has suggested that a simple 10p food might outperform the popular trendy ‘superfoods’ we’re often encouraged to eat. Not only could it improve your overall health, but it may also help you reach your weight loss goals without costing a fortune.
Professor Franklin Joseph, a specialist from Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, is recommending people include wheatgerm in their diet. He explains that the nutrient-dense core of the wheat kernel could be key to curbing cravings, increasing fibre intake and supporting your goals.
While well-known superfoods like chia seeds, flax and quinoa may be on your shopping list, this golden gem also deserves to be on there with it being a little-known rich source of fibre and micronutrients. Health experts at Holland & Barrett also note that wheatgerm oil can help lower cholesterol.
By lowering your levels, you can “decrease your likelihood of developing age-related diseases”. The benefits do not stop there as it’s also revealed it has both vitamin E and beta carotene which are “two nutrients that studies have shown improve cognition in the elderly”.
Have you, or would you, try wheatgerm?
At around 10p per serving, which is roughly two tablespoons, the golden grains are versatile, as you can stir them into porridge, sprinkle them over yoghurt or blend them into smoothies. The professor says they could make a real difference to your waistline, with fibre being the key factor.
“Fibre is the unsung hero of weight management,” Professor Joseph explained. “It slows digestion, balances blood sugar and keeps you feeling full for longer – all of which reduce the risk of overeating. Wheatgerm is an incredibly concentrated source of fibre, yet most people have forgotten it even exists.”
Public Health England recommends adults eat 30g of fibre per day, but the average Brit only manages about 20g. To keep people at the recommended amount, the expert urges people to even just add “two tablespoons of wheatgerm” to your breakfast or a smoothie as this alone will give you 6g of fibre – “that’s a fifth of your daily target in one go” he said adding that this method is an “easy, affordable fix for a gap in most people’s diets”.
Wheat grain and wheatgerm oil can be great in your diet
Unlike expensive health products, wheatgerm is sold in most supermarkets and health shops for pennies. “You’ll usually find it in the baking aisle because it’s often used to enrich bread,” Prof Joseph said, stressing that “it deserves a place on the breakfast table”.
A 500g bag of wheatgerm is priced at around £2.49 in most health food shops or online, making it one of the most affordable health boosts you can get. The doctor suggests starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it, recommending “two to three tablespoons per day as the ideal.
“Stir it into porridge, add it to overnight oats, sprinkle on fruit, or even mix into soups and stews. Because it has a mild, nutty taste it blends easily without overpowering other flavours.”
He added that while no single food is going to magically work overnight, wheatgerm is a powerful tool when combined with a health and balanced diet. He said: “People often spend a fortune chasing exotic powders or supplements, when the real answers are sitting on the shelves for pennies.
“Wheatgerm shows that sometimes the simplest, most old-fashioned foods are the most effective. With its fibre punch, nutrient profile and low cost, it’s one of the best bargains in nutrition – and a secret weapon for anyone looking to lose weight and stay full.”
