I don’t have to describe the picture of the drunk college student struggling to eat who finds comfort in the instant ramen she hoards in piles in the closet’s back corner. You know her. You were her. You now understand how harmful that material is to you. But lets lay it out anyway, shall we?.
There isn’t a single option that provides you with a level of sodium that is reasonable for a human to consume on a semi-regular basis. Of course, the levels of sodium in the ramen broth will vary based on the brands and flavors. The amount of unhealthy saturated fats you consume in each packet is also detrimental to your health. This content is imported from poll. On their website, you might find the exact same information in a different format or more details.
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).
Instant Noodles May Provide Important Micronutrients
Instant noodles contain a number of micronutrients like iron, manganese, folate, and B vitamins despite being relatively low in some nutrients like fiber and protein.
Some instant noodles are also fortified with additional nutrients.
In Indonesia, about half of instant noodles are fortified with vitamins and minerals, including iron. One study actually found that consuming iron-fortified milk and noodles can decrease the risk of anemia, a condition caused by iron deficiency (9).
Additionally, some instant noodles are made using fortified wheat flour, which has shown potential in increasing micronutrient intake without changing the taste or texture of the final product (10).
Additionally, studies have suggested that consuming instant noodles may lead to higher intakes of specific micronutrients.
A 2011 study compared the nutrient intake of 6,440 people who ate instant noodles and people who didn’t.
Those who consumed instant noodles had a 31% greater intake of thiamine and a 16% higher intake of riboflavin than those who did not eat instant noodles (11).
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common food additive used to improve flavor in processed foods, is present in the majority of instant noodles.
Though the FDA recognizes MSG as safe for consumption, its potential effects on health remain controversial (12).
Products must disclose the presence of added MSG on the ingredients label in the US (12).
MSG is also naturally present in foods like tomatoes, cheese, yeast extract, soy extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Some studies have linked extremely high MSG consumption to weight gain and even increased blood pressure, headaches and nausea (13, 14).
However, other studies have found no association between weight and MSG when people consume it in moderate amounts (15).
Some research has also suggested MSG may negatively impact brain health. One test-tube study found that MSG could cause swelling and death of mature brain cells (16).
Nevertheless, other research has shown that dietary MSG likely has little effect on brain health, since even large amounts are not able to cross the blood-brain barrier (17).
MSG is probably safe in moderation, but some people may be sensitive to it and should keep their intake to a minimum.
This condition is known as the MSG symptom complex. Sufferers may experience symptoms such as headaches, muscle tightness, numbness and tingling (18).
Despite being a convenient and tasty food, instant noodles have high sodium, unhealthy saturated fat, and high glycemic loads, which may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, according to Hyun Shin, a doctoral candidate at Harvard School of Public Health and study co-author.
In 2012, the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) in South Korea discovered Benzopyrene, a carcinogen, in six different brands of noodles produced by Nong Shim. The discovery prompted a widespread product recall of both domestic and foreign goods.
11,000 South Koreans between the ages of 19 and 64 whose diets and health were examined by the researchers The study found that South Korean women’s high ramen consumption put them at risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Men were not included in the study, which the researchers say is due to biological differences between the sexes. Increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels brought on by metabolic syndrome frequently increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
52 nations consumed 97 billion instant noodles, claims the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA). 7 billion servings last year alone. China and Hong Kong are two of its biggest consumers, consuming 40 43 billion servings, followed by Indonesia, with 13. 20 billion servings consumed. Unsurprisingly, the U. S. with 4 billion instant noodles consumed in 2015, is not far behind.
Despite having a bad reputation for being unhealthy, instant noodles have become a favorite food in many nations around the world because they are inexpensive, simple to make, and indisputable delicious.
FAQ
Is Cup noodles a junk food?
Nutrition and health Instant noodles are frequently criticized as being unhealthful or junk food. Instant noodles are low in protein, fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals, but high in carbohydrates, salt, and fat.
Is cup of noodles good for weight loss?
Instant noodles are high in fat, carbohydrates, and sodium and low in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They might not be the best option for people trying to lose weight because they can lead to weight gain and an increase in belly fat.
How often can I eat instant noodles?
You can eat it however often as you want, really. But keep in mind that even without the seasoning packet, one package of ramen still contains a sizable amount of sodium. You can check the individual brand you buy online. If I recall correctly, experts advise against consuming more than 2,000mg per day.
What happens if you eat too much cup noodles?
They contain a lot of salt, which increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease (both of which are persistent health issues linked to every ingredient in these instant noodles).
