Wheat germ oil is exactly what it sounds like: oil that has been extracted from wheat germ. Since wheat is not Paleo, we can’t include wheat germ oil.
Omega-3 vs. Omega-6
Wheat germ oil is extremely high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), namely omega-6 fats, which are inflammatory. Ideally, we should be consuming at least as many omega-3 (which are anti-inflammatory) as omega-6 fats, if not more, in order to counteract the inflammatory effects of the omega-6 fats. Because wheat germ is almost entirely composed of omega-6 fats (and hardly any omega-3 fats), it makes it virtually impossible to achieve the proper ratio.
Unstable Fats
PUFAs are also extremely unstable, which means they tend to oxidize when exposed to heat and light. Consuming oxidized fat is dangerous because it results in oxidized cholesterol in our blood, and that’s the stuff that will latch onto the insides of your arteries, creating inflammation and plaque build-up.
According to Chris Kresser, maintaining a proper balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fats can even help cure depression.
