Ingredients in Noodles That Can Be Harmful During Pregnancy
Instant noodles contain certain ingredients that should not be included in your diet as they could be harmful to the developing fetus. Some of these are given below.
Refined flour, or maida, is devoid of all nutrients because it is thoroughly stripped of them during the refining process. It also takes longer to digest and remains in the digestive system longer. Additionally, it lacks fiber and can cause constipation during pregnancy.
Because they contain a lot of salt, eating noodles frequently during pregnancy may have negative effects. Additionally, consuming too much salt while pregnant increases your risk of developing hypertension down the road.
Artificial coloring and flavorings added to instant noodles are meant to extend their shelf life, but they can stunt your baby’s growth.
It is well known that monosodium glutamate is a frequent ingredient in a variety of foods, particularly savory snacks. Because it improves the flavor of the food, noodles use a lot of it. While small amounts of MSG can be processed by pregnant women, high levels in the body can be harmful to the unborn child. So avoid noodles and other food items containing MSG.
Largely present in processed foods, they can dramatically raise cholesterol levels when pregnant. Therefore, stay away from processed foods and noodles as much as you can when pregnant.
Side Effects of TBHQ
Large-scale consumption of TBHQ-containing foods during pregnancy may cause tinnitus, delirium, nausea, and dyspnea. The body gets rid of it quickly, but if you regularly eat instant noodles, it might remain in your body for a long time. Moreover, it may result in metabolic syndrome, which raises bad cholesterol, alters blood pressure, and even causes obesity. TBHQ can also lead to heart issues and diabetes.
Nutritional Profile of Instant Noodles
If you’re craving instant noodles while pregnant, take a look at the nutrients they contain below.
Nutrients | Amount |
Calories | 385 kcal |
Carbohydrate | 55.7 g |
Total fat | 14.5 g |
Saturated fat | 6.5 g |
Protein | 7.9 g |
Fibre | 2 g |
Sodium | 986 mg |
Thiamine | 986 mg |
Niacin | 4.6 mg |
Riboflavin | 0.4 mg |