Instant noodles are a staple of many households. It is a college student’s best friend, midnight snack savior, binge-watch partner and many more. When we think of some quick, filling, and flavorful snack to eat during our highs and lows, we quickly picture instant noodles. Instant noodles have become a comfort food for everyone worldwide. But can it be a potential hazard? Yes, it is true. The food item is loved and praised by millions in the world can hamper our health at times. They can be undeniably cheap and convenient to prepare, but they can come with a hidden cost. Despite its popularity, instant noodles side effects can’t be ignored. Let’s dive into the not-so-delicious side effects of instant noodles. And find out the dark side of these curly strands.
In this article, we will find out instant noodles side effects and how it can hamper our health. We will also share a few healthy recipes to substitute the harmful ones in the market.
What are instant noodles?
Instant Noodles are part of culinary dishes. They are pre-cooked and dried noodles; these are primarily sold with a seasoning packet. The purpose of creating instant noodles was to make something quick and easy to prepare. The main ingredients of instant noodles are wheat flour, palm oil, starch, water, salt, or a salt substitute known as kansui, and various addictive to enhance the flavor and shelf life. They come with flavoring packets, which include seasoning, salt, and monosodium glutamate (MSG). It’s easy to prepare; all you have to do is either put hot water inside, and it sits for a while, or cook it on the stove. Earlier, these noodles were made by flash frying, but lately, air-dried noodles are also available.
The history of these instant noodles dates back to 1958 in Japan, when they were first made. The world’s first instant noodles were invented by a man called Momofuku Ando. He was a Taiwanese-Japanese inventor and businessman who founded the Nissin Food Products Co. Ltd. These noodles are convenient and affordable and are loved by millions worldwide now. But these instant noodles also contain high amounts of sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. They can hamper our health if we consume them very often.
Nutritional values of instant noodles:
The nutritional value of these noodles varies from product, but most of these ramen noodles are low in calories and also lack nutrients. For example, one serving of chicken-flavored instant ramen noodles has:
- Calories: 188
- Carbs: 27 grams
- Total fat: 7 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 891 mg
- Thiamine: 16% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Folate: 13% of the RDI
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
- Iron: 9% of the RDI
- Niacin: 9% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 6% of the RD
Instant noodles are often made of synthetic material. So, the instant noodles side effects come in many ranges.
What are instant noodles side effects?
If you are consuming these instant noodles daily, you need to stop right now! As they can hamper your health. There are a few side effects of having instant noodles mentioned below:
1. High Blood Pressure or Hypertension:
Instant noodles can become the carrier of high blood pressure, as they are dangerously high in sodium content. You need to keep a check on your sodium intake and diet; it is important for your well-being.
2. Nutrition Deficiency:
Instant noodles lack various vital nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you are consuming them in a higher amount, it could result in nutrition deficiency.
3. Weight Gain:
One of the most unhealthy instant noodle side effects is if you consume it daily, it could cause excessive weight gain. These noodles are high in carbohydrates and fat content, also high in calories, and lack essential nutrients, which could lead to you feeling hungry sooner rather than later.
4. Disturb Your Digestive Health:
Preservatives and other additives present in instant noodles can interfere with your digestion, resulting in gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or bloating. It also has low fiber content that can disrupt regular bowel movements, leading to further discomfort.
5. Potential Cancer Risk:
It is right that eating instant noodles daily could make you vulnerable to cancer. Some studies have shown how instant noodles can hamper health. The harmful chemicals present in instant noodles, like MSG and preservatives in these noodles, have long-term health implications.
6. May Affect Your Mental Health:
It is found in recent studies by ICMR that processed food, such as instant noodles, can cause harm to one’s mental health as well. Research has linked diets laden with processed foods to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
7. Unhealthy Choice For Your Heart:
Consumption of instant noodles can provoke metabolic syndrome comprising conditions that escalate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These noodles are high in sodium content, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates that could lead to heart diseases.
Conclusion:
Instant noodles have gained popularity because of their flavor taste. It has also become a staple as it is easy and quick to prepare. So most students and teenagers consume these snacks during some activities. However, we cannot ignore that instant noodles side effects are countless and can seriously affect our health. It could lead to many dangerous health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and nutritional deficiency. It may be tasty and flavorful, but consuming it every day could affect our well-being. So say goodbye to these curly strands and start eating healthy alternatives.
FAQ:
Is it OK to eat instant noodles every day?
In summary, while instant noodles can be convenient and tasty, eating them every day is not recommended due to their low nutritional value and potential health risks.
What happens if I eat too much instant noodles?
Preservatives and other additives in instant noodles may interfere with your digestion, causing gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or bloating.
Are there healthy instant noodles?
McDougall’s, Koyo and Lotus Foods are just a few brands that sell some healthier varieties of instant noodles. You can also use your instant noodles as a base and top them with some healthy ingredients to make a more well-rounded meal.
