Calories in Cream of Wheat
Wheat is a cereal crop that is grown and harvested every year, and one of the most mass-produced cereals in the world. It depends on temperature and rainfall, including the apt kind of soil, to have it grown in the right way. There are different types of wheat, which we will get into shortly. Corn, rice bran, wheat germ, and so on, are byproducts of wheat. When wheat is ready to be harvested, the kernels due to their weight, start to bend, stalks sporting a golden-ish hue, signaling farmers that it is ready to be separated from the chaff and stalks. Depending on its texture, shape and color, they are classified under what kind of wheat it is.
Types of Wheat
There are different kinds of wheat, depending on where and how they're grown. Before we take a look at the calories of cream wheat, we first find out how the different types of wheat are grouped.
- Hard Red Spring: This type of wheat is the most preferred kind, being rich in protein and making it perfect for baking bread.
- Hard Red Winter: It has ideal baking characteristics and is a good source of protein, making it a good ingredient as all-purpose flour.
- Soft White: Much preferred kind of wheat when baking items like pastries, muffins, crackers and so on. It is a high yielding crop, but isn't as high in protein as other wheat types.
- Soft Red Winter: Also has a low protein count compared to other kinds of wheat, but makes it ideal for baking cakes, flat breads, crackers and more.
- Hard White: Not a very common kind of wheat that is harvested, but used nonetheless. Makes it ideal for making yeast bread, tortillas or even hard rolls. Has a nice sweet tasting flavor, and good properties of fiber and baking. Cereals high in fiber can be good when supplying the body with good fiber content.
- Durum: Pasta which is made widely from semolina, is from this kind of wheat. It isn't widely used for baking purposes.
The calories of cream wheat like any other food, fluctuate depending on how much you use, and how it is packaged. This is made by mixing 'farina', which is ground wheat, into boiling water, which is then stirred continuously, ultimately getting a pasty texture. It can be eaten with nuts, dried fruit and even fresh fruits. Some people prefer mixing milk into it, for a creamier taste and texture. Many companies provide this in ready-to-make serving packets, with cooking instructions for those who like having creamed wheat as part of their cereal diet.
| Cream Wheat Nutritional Chart | ||
| Nutrient Content | Cream of Wheat (Instant - 241g, Calories = 149) | Cream of Wheat (Regular - 251g, Calories = 131) |
| Carbohydrates | 31.5g | 27.6g |
| Vitamin A | 37% | 0% |
| Sugars | 0.2g | 0.1g |
| Protein | 4.4g | 3.8g |
| Fat | 0.6g | 0.6g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 0.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Iron | 66% | 57% |
| Sodium | 10mg | 8mg |
| Vitamin A | 37% | 0% |
| Calcium | 15% | 12% |
Health Benefits of Cream of Wheat
When one eats any of the by products of wheat, there is a significant supply of health benefits that take form. Wheat germ for instance, is a very healthy form of the wheat grain, which is taken from the embryo of the seeds and can be eaten directly in the form of desserts, casseroles, juices and so on.
- Can stop one from overeating, with its full effect on the stomach, causing one to eat less as a result.
- Can reduce the risk of cancer by including it in one's diet.
- It cuts down on the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, blood coagulation and blood pressure.
- Whole wheat is one of the healthiest cereals to eat, and can control weight gain.
- Rich source of selenium and minerals.
- Aids in reducing the risk of insulin resistance by the body.
