A hot breakfast cereal that has popularized itself as a portable and healthy breakfast for its convenience and speed of preparation. Cream of wheat is prepared from Farina which is a kind of hot cereal obtained from wheat. It is made to make fine consistency.
Cream of wheat with its smooth, dense texture and creamy taste is often combined with milk or water and contains a variety of sweet or savory elements.
If you are feeling different weather, this is a great source of fuel. Wheat cream is a fun food diet that helps you transform into solid food after a stomach upset.
However, in addition to its widespread popularity and availability, it also provides a variety of health benefits. This article reviews the health benefits of a cream of wheat. Read this article to know more.
Best Health Benefits Of Cream Of Wheat
Cream of wheat has been associated with various health benefits which are as follows:
1. Enriched with important nutrients
Cream of wheat has many health benefits because it is rich in important nutrients. Despite being low in calories, it is rich in many important micronutrients. One cup of 241 grams whole cooked cream contains:
- Calories: 133
- Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 28 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Iron: 58% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B6: 38% of the DV
- Niacin: 39% of the DV
- Folate: 33% of the DV
- Thiamine: 37% of the DV
- Riboflavin: 33% of the DV
- Calcium: 11% of the DV
- Selenium: 13% of the DV
- Copper: 11% of the DV
Cream of wheat contains B vitamins. It also contains iron, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, thiamine, and riboflavin. Along with energy production, brain function, and DNA synthesis, B vitamins are involved in many areas of health.
Cream of wheat also has selenium which is a powerful micronutrient. It acts as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation and protect against disease.
2. Vegetarian source of iron
Another health benefit of a cream of wheat is that it is enriched in iron. Iron is an important mineral; it acts as an essential element for oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production.
A deficiency of this basic nutrient can create iron deficiency which can contribute to anemia. This is a serious condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body.
Since iron is found mainly in animal products, many vegetarians and vegans may be at higher risk of iron deficiency disease (anemia).
Wheat cream products are rich in iron. It makes itself a great and vegetarian-friendly source of this important micronutrient.
In fact, a single cup or 241-gram serving of wheat cream provides more than half of the DV for these key minerals.
3. Carbohydrate and Protein
Wheat cream is a natural as well as a good source of whole-wheat carbohydrates. It is made from the endosperm in the center of the kernel, which, if planted, will grow a growing crop.
The largest portion of this kernel is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. One serving (241 g) of wheat cream provides 4 grams of protein and 28 grams of carbohydrates.
4. Delicious and Versatile
Wheat cream is delicious and versatile so it is easy to enjoy in different ways. You can make it with water or milk of your choice and also cook using a microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker.
You can add sweet or fun toppings of your choice to fit your personal palate. Some common additions to wheat cream include:
- Sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fruit
- Nuts
- Spices
- Salt
- Cheese
- Butter
However, you can customize your cream of wheat with any combination you like for your taste.
Is There Any Health Benefits Of Cream Of Wheat For Diabetic Patients?
You can consume cream of wheat with firmness as diabetes but you choose the number of carbs to consider the rest of your meal every day.
Vitamin D that contains in a cream of wheat, its intake can help control the sugars that are addressed by your body.
Recipes related to carbohydrates and sugars do not have such a number. However, this serial has only two prominent elements that can give you a break.
They are: The sugar here is 28g. Experts suggest that if diabetic women consume less than 25g and boys consume a small amount of 37.5 grams, hence, you can choose to change your diet plan accordingly.
Healthful Serving Tips
You can use toppings to add more nutritional value to your wheat cream. Make a wheat “peach and cream” cream by adding a handful of mixed berries and a tablespoon of chopped nuts or chopped fresh peaches and vanilla-flavored nonfat yogurt to the top of your bowl.
Alternatively, add pumpkin puree as your cream of wheat cook, and make a wheat “banana bread” cream by adding a drop of maple syrup or raw banana, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts to the decadent-flavored breakfast.
Possible Downsides Of Cream Of Wheat
Although there are several health benefits of cream of wheat, it has a few downsides also and these are as follows:
1. It is rich in gluten
It is made from farina and also it is a cereal that is made from mixed wheat and due to this, wheat cream contains gluten. It is a group of proteins found in cereal grains. It provides flour with its signature elasticity.
Many people tolerate gluten without any issues. However, people with celiac disease or those who are sensitive to gluten may experience adverse side effects after eating gluten-containing foods.
In people with celiac disease, glue can increase immunity, which can lead to digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
2. High in sodium
Sodium intake has been specified according to the most recent dietary guidelines, whereas for most healthy adults, sodium intake should be limited to about 2,300 mg.
Instant cream of wheat particularly contains relatively high sodium and contains about 590 mg (241g) per cooking cup, more than 25% of the recommended daily limit.
Some studies show that lowering your sodium intake can help lower blood pressure levels, especially at high levels. Studies further show that high sodium intake may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Bottom Line
I hope you know about the health benefits of a cream of wheat. Although rich in nutrients, it may not be a great dietary addition for everyone because it contains gluten and high sodium. If you are not gluten sensitive you can go with it. So, it’s about the health benefits of a cream of wheat.
