Instant ramen is a go-to meal for anyone, not just for college students but also for those lazy enough to cook a proper meal. Not only are they a breeze to prepare but also delicious and fills you up in no time.
These noodles pack in plastic or contained in Styrofoam cups come in a variety of flavors that easily attract the eyes first more than the palate. They come in colorful packages that promise delightful flavors and mess-free cooking.
However, what they do not promise you is a healthy meal that fills you up fully. Instead, you only get a momentary feeling of fullness because instant ramen noodles contain no fiber or protein, which are important components that keep you full for hours.
Regardless if it is a noodle in a cup or the ones boiled in water, this instant food does more harm to your body. It mainly consists of carbs and sodium or salt. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that too much of both can lead to serious health concerns. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke in the long run.
Likewise, sodium is known to retain water in the body. This means slurping on the instant ramen soup can lead to serious water retention or the feeling of being bloated.
Most of all, too much intake of sodium makes you thirsty. It could lead to dehydration, and this is a big no-no for everyone. Water dehydration can make you disoriented. It can result in palpitations, constipation, and even memory issues.
Jim White, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Jim White Fitness Studios, points out that ramen also contains MSG. The FDA considers MSG safe to consume, but it can have side effects on some people, including a headache and nausea.
Another downside of eating instant ramen noodles is its negative effect on the body's metabolism. The preservative-filled food takes a long time to get digested in the stomach. This is because noodles contain a preservative called TBHQ, which extends the life of fatty foods and hard to break down.
Dr. Frank B. Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard University, suggests eating instant noodles twice a month to avoid any health risk. If you eat it a few times a week, then you are attracting problems.
On the plus side, instant ramen noodles have less sugar. They also contain micronutrients including thiamine and riboflavin.
