People throughout the world have long relied on instant ramen noodles as a quick and easy supper. They’re quick, cheap, and simple to make.
However, some concerns have been raised about the nutritional value of instant ramen and its impact on health.
In this article, we’ll look at how bad instant ramen is for you and if you should eat it on a regular basis.
How Bad Is Instant Ramen For You?
People enjoy instant noodles for their convenience, price, and taste, but many are unaware that there are underlying health dangers.
Consuming instant noodles daily can have a number of negative health implications. Here are some of the reasons why quick noodles are unhealthy:
They Contain A Lot Of Sodium
A single dish of instant noodles can contain anything from 397 to 3678mg of salt per 100g meal, and in some cases, much more. While salt is necessary for your body to function properly, too much sodium is harmful to your health.
Processed goods, particularly quick noodles, are major contributors to dietary salt intake. Eating a lot of salt has been linked to a higher risk of gut cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
For people who are sensitive to salt, a meal high in sodium may raise their risk of high blood pressure, which is very bad for their heart and kidney health.
Given the WHO’s 2-g-per-day salt intake advice, consuming even one bag of instant noodles would make it extremely difficult to stay within the prescribed limits. Folks who consume many packets of instant noodles every day will surely absorb large amounts of sodium.
They Have MSG In Them
MSG is a ubiquitous addition found in many processed foods, including instant noodles. Its major function is to improve the flavor and palatability of foods.
While it is commonly used in various meals and is FDA-approved for eating, there are some worries about its short- and long-term effects on the body.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that MSG use is associated with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, high blood pressure, weakness, muscle tightness, chest pain, heart palpitations, and skin flushing.
If you have any of these symptoms after taking MSG, you may be suffering from the MSG symptom complex.
Although there is no conclusive evidence to support the link, it is known that a small percentage of persons may experience these short-term effects of MSG.
Some studies have also connected MSG consumption to obesity and high blood pressure. However, the low levels of MSG contained in instant noodles are unlikely to cause these negative effects as long as they are consumed in moderation.
They Are Low In Protein And Fibre
Despite being a low-calorie snack, quick noodles are lacking in fibre and protein, making them unsuitable for weight loss. Protein has been shown to boost fullness and decrease hunger, whilst fiber passes slowly through the digestive tract, promoting feelings of fullness.
Given the poor protein and fiber content of quick noodles, eating them on a regular basis is unlikely to satisfy your hunger or make you feel full. Furthermore, a low-fiber diet is linked to an increased risk of digestive problems like constipation and diverticular disease and a decrease in good gut bacteria.
They Have Been Connected To A Bad Diet
According to certain research, regular intake of quick noodles is connected with poor overall diet quality. One study compared the diets of persons who eat quick noodles to those who did not. Protein, calcium, vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, niacin, and vitamin A intake were shown to be considerably lower in quick noodle consumers.
They also had a higher salt and calorie intake. Also, eating instant noodles may make you more likely to get metabolic syndrome, a health problem that makes you more likely to get heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Should You Stay Away From Ramen Noodles?
There’s no need to avoid eating ramen noodles unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from consuming any wheat products, such as celiac disease.
If you have sodium sensitivity or high blood pressure, you may also want to avoid ingesting the entire flavor packet in boxed ramen or broth. When in doubt, though, consult your main health care physician.
Making Ramen Noodles Healthier
There are various ways to make instant ramen noodles healthy for folks who enjoy this quick dish.
Vegetables: Adding fresh or cooked vegetables such as carrots, onions broccoli, or mushrooms to instant ramen noodles will assist to supplement the nutrients that plain ramen noodles lack.
Pile on the protein: Because ramen noodles are low in protein, topping them with eggs, poultry, fish, or tofu can give a protein source that will keep you satiated for longer.
Select low-sodium versions: Low-sodium instant ramen noodles are available, which can significantly reduce the salt content of the dish.
Remove the flavor packet: For a healthier, lower-sodium version of ramen noodles, make your own broth by combining low-sodium chicken stock with fresh herbs and spices.
While instant ramen noodles are a low-cost carbohydrate source, there are many more nutritious, low-cost carbohydrate options available.
Brown rice, oats, and potatoes are examples of diverse, low-cost carbs for individuals on a budget.
Although instant ramen is quick and inexpensive, it has a nutritional disadvantage. Its high sodium content, low nutrient value, and harmful fats make it a poor choice for daily intake. While occasional use of instant ramen may not be harmful to your health, it is critical to prioritize a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods for long-term well-being.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it helpful.
