Wikipedia Article About Wheat germ on Wikipedia The germ is the "heart" of the cereal kernel, the embryo of the seed, and a concentrated source of several essential nutrients including Vitamin E, folate (folic acid), phosphorus, thiamin, zinc and magnesium. Along with bran, germ is often a by-product of the milling that produces refined grain products. Wheat germ, rice germ, maize germ, and others may be used to extract vegetable oil or directly as a food-making ingredient. The germ is retained as an integral part of whole grains.