Now, we are going to break down all the health benefits this food brings to the table. It is more than just a comfort food, as it is a great source of carbs, fiber, iron, and some B vitamins, which makes it a healthy addition to your diet. summaryĬream of Wheat can be relatively high in sodium and contains gluten, which can cause side effects for those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten.Cream of Wheat can be a very healthy meal if you prepare it with nonfat milk. Therefore, it’s important to moderate your intake of Cream of Wheat and other foods high in sodium to prevent adverse health effects. What’s more, high salt intake can increase the excretion of calcium through the urine, which could potentially lead to bone loss ( 18). Studies also show that consuming high amounts of sodium may be associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer ( 16, 17). Some research shows that decreasing your intake of sodium can help reduce blood pressure levels, especially among those with high levels ( 14, 15). Other varieties like quick or regular Cream of Wheat contain less sodium but are prepared using salt, which can increase the sodium content of the final product ( 12, 13).Īdditionally, some savory toppings like cheese or nuts can ramp up the total amount of sodium.

Instant Cream of Wheat, in particular, is relatively high in sodium, with around 590 mg per cooked cup (241 grams), which is over 25% of the recommended daily limit ( 1). High in sodiumĪccording to the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, sodium intake should be limited to around 2,300 mg daily for most healthy adults ( 11). Meanwhile, people with a sensitivity to gluten often report symptoms like bloating, nausea, fatigue, and brain fog, a condition characterized by an inability to focus ( 9).įollowing a gluten-free diet that eliminates ingredients like Cream of Wheat, as well as wheat, barley, and rye, can help alleviate symptoms for those with either of these conditions ( 10). While most people tolerate gluten without issue, those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten may experience adverse side effects after eating gluten-containing foods.įor those with celiac disease, consuming gluten can trigger an immune response, causing digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain ( 8). Contains glutenĬream of Wheat is a type of farina, which is a cereal made from milled wheat.įor this reason, Cream of Wheat contains gluten, which is a group of proteins found in cereal grains that provides dough with its signature elasticity ( 7). It’s also easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in many ways.Īlthough Cream of Wheat offers several potential benefits, it has a few downsides to consider. summaryĬream of Wheat is rich in important nutrients and a great vegetarian-friendly source of iron. However, you can customize your Cream of Wheat with just about any combination of toppings. Some of the most common additions to Cream of Wheat include sugar, maple syrup, fruit, nuts, spices, salt, cheese, or butter. You can also add your choice of sweet or savory toppings to fit your personal palate. It can be made with water or milk and cooked using the microwave, stovetop, or a slow cooker, depending on your preferences. Easy to enjoyĬream of Wheat is delicious, versatile, and easy to enjoy in a variety of ways. In fact, a single 1-cup (241-gram) serving of enriched Cream of Wheat provides over half of the DV for this key mineral ( 1). Iron is an important mineral that’s necessary for oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production ( 4).Ī deficiency in this key nutrient can contribute to iron deficiency anemia, a serious condition caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body ( 5).īecause iron is primarily found in animal products, many vegans and vegetarians may be at a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia ( 6).Ĭream of Wheat products are enriched with iron, making them a great, vegetarian-friendly source of this important micronutrient.

One cup (241 grams) of cooked Cream of Wheat provides approximately ( 1):Ĭream of Wheat is particularly rich in iron, along with B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate.ī vitamins are involved in many aspects of health, including energy production, brain function, and DNA synthesis ( 2).Ĭream of Wheat also contains selenium, a powerful micronutrient that doubles as an antioxidant to decrease inflammation and protect against disease ( 3). Rich in important nutrientsĬream of Wheat is low in calories but contains many important micronutrients. Cream of Wheat has been associated with several possible health benefits.

Cream of wheat nutrition facts