The best invention since sliced bread is instant noodles. Making these things takes less than a minute or two for foodies like me out there, making it simple for full-time parents and workers to prepare something quick and delectable. Can we really trade off our health for something that satisfies our cravings, though?
What many people fail to realize is that the inexpensive noodles we regularly eat at work, at home, or even with our kids are actually harmful to our health.
According to a 2015 estimate from the World Instant Noodle Association, China, Indonesia, and Japan are the nations with the highest instant noodle consumption rates worldwide. The low cost and low calorie content of items like Pot Noodle, which has only 142 calories per 100g, is by far one of the main draws of instant noodles.
There is also the widespread misconception that adding vegetables to your instant noodles will increase their nutritional value. However, like many other foods, vegetables and fruits cannot make up for any unhealthy food product’s negative effects.
Following is a list of health issues that instant noodles can lead to if you’re ready to learn more:
What is the nutritional value of instant noodles?
Depending on the type or flavor of instant noodles, the nutritional value varies slightly. Here is a list of the nutrients in 1 serving (43g) of instant ramen noodles to give you an idea:
The majority of instant noodles are low in calories but high in protein and fiber. They are also infamous for having high sodium, fat, and carbohydrate content. Instant noodles do contain some micronutrients, but they don’t contain essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and others.
Even though many people enjoy eating instant noodles because of their affordability, convenience, and flavor, many are unaware of the health risks they pose. Daily consumption of instant noodles can have a number of very serious health effects. Here are some factors that make instant noodles unhealthy:
The sodium content of a single serving of instant noodles can range from 397 to 3678 mg per 100g, and occasionally it can be even higher. While sodium is a necessary mineral for your body to function properly, consuming too much sodium can be harmful to your health.
Processed foods like instant noodles are one of the main sources of dietary sodium intake. A high-salt diet has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, heart disease, and stroke. A high-sodium diet may increase the risk of high blood pressure in people who are thought to be salt-sensitive, which can harm the health of the heart and kidneys.
If you take into account the WHO’s recommendation of 2 g of sodium per day, eating even just one pack of instant noodles would make it very difficult for you to maintain sodium intake within the suggested limits. That being said, individuals who regularly consume several packs of instant noodles will undoubtedly consume a significant amount of sodium.
MSG, a very common additive present in many processed foods, is present in instant noodles. Enhancing food flavor and palatability is its main function. Despite the FDA’s approval for consumption and its widespread use in a variety of foods, there are worries about both its immediate and long-term effects on the body.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that MSG consumption has been linked to symptoms like headaches, nausea, high blood pressure, drowsiness, tight muscles, chest pain, and skin flushing. After consuming MSG, if you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a condition called the MSG symptom complex. Although the link has not been proven conclusively, it is acknowledged that a small proportion of people may experience these temporary reactions to MSG.
Additionally, some studies link excessive MSG consumption to obesity and elevated blood pressure. However, as long as MSG is consumed in moderation, the small amounts found in instant noodles are probably not going to cause these side effects.
They Are Low in Calories, but Also Low in Fiber and Protein
Instant noodles have 188 calories per serving, which is less than some other types of pasta (2).
A serving of pre-packaged lasagna, for example, contains 377 calories, while a serving of canned spaghetti and meatballs has 257 calories (3, 4).
Instant noodles have fewer calories than traditional noodles, so consuming them might help you lose weight.
However, many people consume the entire packet of noodles at once, which amounts to two servings.
It’s also crucial to remember that instant noodles are low in protein and fiber, so they might not be the best choice for weight loss.
Protein has been shown to increase feelings of fullness and decrease hunger, making it a useful tool in weight management (5, 6).
Fiber, on the other hand, moves slowly through the digestive tract, helping to promote feelings of fullness while enhancing weight loss (7, 8).
With only 4 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber per serving, a serving of instant noodles likely won’t make much of a dent in your hunger or fullness levels. So despite being low in calories, it may not benefit your waistline (2).
They don’t digest quick enough, and are even linked to cancer
Your digestive system has to work hard for hours to break down the highly processed instant noodles, which is taxing. If digested too quickly, it can also affect the way insulin is released and your blood sugar levels. Slow digestion causes toxic chemicals and preservatives to be retained in the body for an extended period of time, which frequently results in an excess exposure to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ).
Despite the fact that TBHQ and BHA are added to products to extend their shelf lives and allow us to keep them stocked on our shelves for months at a time, both substances are carcinogenic. This means that if we consume them or are exposed to them over an extended period of time, they can cause cancer and even result in asthma, anxiety, and diarrhea.
FAQ
Are instant noodles unhealthy?
The majority of instant noodles are low in calories but high in protein and fiber. They are also infamous for having high sodium, fat, and carbohydrate content. Instant noodles do contain some micronutrients, but they don’t contain essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and others.
How unhealthy is instant ramen?
Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health discovered in 2014 that women who consumed instant ramen noodles at least twice per week had a 68 percent higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that include high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, as well as obesity and other conditions that increase the risk of developing chronic diseases.
How often should I eat instant noodles?
The heart desires what it desires, and nothing can stop you from actually obtaining your maggi. Once or twice a month is generally okay if you’re a hopeless addict but you care about your health, but once or more a week is a recipe for disaster.
Do instant noodles make you gain weight?
Instant noodles are high-calorie foods with a poor macronutrient balance. The majority of calories come from carbohydrates and fats, with protein being largely ignored, which increases the risk of weight gain and fat storage
