Adding Wheat Germ to Your Baby's Food

What is wheat germ?

Wheat germ is the smallest, most nutritious part of a wheat grain. A whole wheat grain is composed of four parts
-the husk (which is the outer layer)
-the bran (a nutritious, high fibre part of the grain)
-the endosperm (this is the main part of the grain and is used in processed grain foods)
-the germ (the smallest part, yet one of the most nutritionally valuable products available)

Why wheat germ is wonderful!

The following list shows just how many beneficial nutrients wheat germ can bring to your baby's diet:
-iron
-vitamin A
-vitamins B1 and B3
-vitamin B5 (helps your baby's body assimilate energy from food)
-vitamin E (strengthens your baby's immune system)
-folic acid
-dietary fibre
-phosphorus (promotes healthy bones and teeth)
-potassium
-riboflavin
-zinc
-calcium
-magnesium
-protein

Tips for adding wheat germ to your baby's food

One of the great things about wheat germ is that its taste is so subtle, it blends nicely with both savoury and sweet dishes. In fact, wheat germ is barely noticeable when combined with other foods, making it ideal for 'picky' babies. Adding wheat germ is a wonderful way to get important nutrients into your baby if he eats little, or will only eat a limited variety of foods.
-Use wheat germ to make an interesting 'topping' for cooked veggies.
-Wheat germ serves as an ideal thickener for overly runny purees.
-If you are baking for your baby, try using a small amount of wheat germ as a substitute for an equivalent amount of flour (for example - if your recipe calls for 6oz flour, use 1oz wheat germ and 5oz flour).
-Stir wheat germ into your baby's yogurt.
-If you are breading foods like tofu or chicken for your baby, stir some wheat germ into the bread crumbs.
-Stir it into your baby's soups, stews and casseroles.
-Make a 'baby apple pie' by topping sugar free applesauce with wheat germ.
-If your baby finds finger foods like bananas, peaches and pears too slippery to handle, coat them with wheat germ and they'll be much easier to pick up!