You can describe cracked wheat as a versatile grain that fits in nicely with all meals including breakfast, snacks, lunch or dinner -- as either the side dish or main entree. Processed from the whole wheat kernel, this nutrient-rich whole grain can help your health in a number of ways ranging from weight management to cardiovascular health. You find the grain in your bulk foods section, pasta, rice or hot cereal sections of your market.
High Fiber Food
Cracked wheat is a whole grain and a high fiber food, containing dietary fiber that helps your body operate at a healthy level in a number of ways. Eating dietary fiber provides digestive tract functioning benefits by improving your bowel functioning, reducing constipation and lowering your risks of developing diverticulosis, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Eating more dietary fiber-rich foods, such as cracked wheat, can help remove harmful cholesterol from your arterial walls, thereby improving your cholesterol numbers and lowering your risks of developing heart disease.
Bulgur
Bulgur is an alternative term for cracked wheat. According to both the US Department of Agriculture and the Wheat Foods Council, the terms bulgur and cracked wheat describe the same whole grain. Bulgur is white or red, hard or soft, whole-wheat kernels that gained popularity due to use in Middle Eastern dishes, such as tabouli or pilaf mix. In fact, tabouli wheat is another term for cracked wheat or bulgur grain. Cracked wheat results from a variety of whole-wheat bulgur kernels undergoing a par-cooked process that includes boiling, drying, scouring, cracking and sifting.
Whole Grain
Whole grains include all parts of the wheat kernel including the endosperm, germ and bran portions. Endosperm, the large inner portion of the grain, contains protein and carbohydrates, an energy supplier. Bran, the large outer shell portion, protects the grain's center, contains B vitamins, fiber and trace minerals. Germ, the small inner portion, provides seed nourishment and contains antioxidants including vitamin E and B vitamins. Making certain that half of your grains come from the whole grain category helps ensure a healthy diet.
Cereal
Cracked wheat falls into the cereal catergory. As with any whole grain, you can cook up cracked wheat as a hot cereal that provides a nutritious way to start your day, according to the Wheat Foods Council. A 4 oz. serving of cooked crack wheat contains 76 calories, 3 grams protein and fiber, no cholesterol and no fat.
Cook up four servings of cracked wheat cereal by combining two parts water to one part grain. Place 1 1/2 cups water and 1/8 teaspoon salt into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the water to a boil and add 3/4 cup cracked wheat and 2 tbsp. raisins. Stir thoroughly to reduce clumping possibilities.
Reduce heat to simmering level and cover the pot. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and pour into serving bowls. Top with almonds, sliced bananas, cinnamon sugar or honey. For variety, add chopped apples to the cooking process.
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