Ask any college kid what some of their dietary staples are, and chances are ramen noodles will top that list. Ramen noodles are cheap, easy to prepare, and come in a variety of flavors. But why do you crave ramen noodles while pregnant? Aren’t they unhealthy?
Ramen noodles are okay to eat in moderation during pregnancy. They come in various flavors (especially when you include the seasoning) but contain little nutritional value and are high in sodium. Consider omitting the seasoning packet in favor of your own flavorings or adding a healthy protein like eggs and some veggies for nutrition.
Read on to find out which kind of ramen noodles are the healthiest option, as well as what craving ramen noodles while pregnant could mean.
Is Ramen Safe for Pregnant Women?
Ramen noodles are generally safe for pregnant women, but ramen itself is a pretty broad term. In general, ramen noodles are wheat noodles served in broth, although sometimes egg noodles are used.
The toppings are what usually determine if ramen is safe or not, as they can often be made with raw fish, bean sprouts, raw eggs and other foods that are not ideal for pregnant women. When it comes to ramen, stick to cooked meats like beef and chicken.
Instant ramen noodles need to be cooked before consumption, usually in boiling water, and come with a pouch of seasoning and dried vegetables for flavor. Generally, this kind of ramen is safe as long as the other ingredients are pregnancy-safe. However, instant ramen can sometimes have unhealthy ingredients – more on this later.
Fresh ramen noodles are often made with egg noodles which is not an issue for pregnant women because they’re cooked in the broth, and do not contain raw or uncooked egg.
Like instant ramen noodles, the safety concern for pregnant women is not about the broth or the noodles but about the toppings; if you stick with cooked meats (but avoid deli meats), cooked low mercury fish such as cod, shrimp or sardines, and avoid sprouts, then fresh ramen is generally safe during pregnancy.
What Are Ramen Noodles?
Ramen noodles are popular as Japanese style easy-to-prepare noodles that are tasty and mooted as a healthy food option. The noodles contain several nutrients that provide many health benefits. You can also add a variety of spices, vegetables, and other food options and enhance the taste of noodles and enjoy eating them (1).
Ramen allergies to watch out for
If you have any allergies to fish, then I’d avoid ramen because some ramen broth is made from fish or fish flakes.
If you have a fish or seafood allergy, be sure to research your ramen beforehand to be sure it’s safe for you to eat. Certain ramen broth is made from tuna, anchovies, sardines, and more.
There’s also ramen broth made from seaweed or kelp that may be a safer choice, depending on your allergy. Besides the broth, you should also watch out for what’s going into your ramen and double-check for possible food allergies.
