RAMEN NOODLES-min

RAMEN NOODLES: ARE THEY GOOD OR BAD?

///

Ramen noodles are fast, sweet, and flavored foods eaten around the world. They are not expensive and they are easy and fast to prepare.

You might decide to prepare Ramen noodles when you have a tight schedule and a fixed budget or even when having a bad craving for them. They can also be handy when you are experiencing a shortage of food. In addition they will also make you feel comfortable since they are delicious and salty. However, you may be wondering if instant ramen noodles are good or bad for your health. Keep reading to find more. 

Nutritional facts

 Nutritional values differ from one product to another. Sometimes they might lack essentialnutrients to the body. For example, the chicken-flavored contains the following ingredients per 100 grams

  • Calories: 188                                    
  • Total fat: 7g                                       
  • Carbs: 27g
  • Proteins: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 891g

These noodles are made from wheat flour that has been fortified with nutrients that are synthesized such as B vitamins and iron. Noodles made from these nutrients are more nutritious.

However, you should note that instant ramen is different from fresh ramen noodles, which are served traditionally Japanese soup. Apart from ramen noodles having advantages, they also lack some important nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The package contains a huge amount of calories without balancing it with proteins vegetables and carbs.

Sodium content

Sodium is an essential mineral in the body. However, it becomes harmful when taken in large quantities. Taking low quantities can also lead to negative adverse effects too.

 Dietary sodium, used in processing the noodles is not favorable to your health.

High diet sodium increases the risk of stomach cancer, heart disease, and stroke. If you are salt-sensitive you might risk getting increased blood pressure levels thus impacting the health of the kidney and the heart negatively. Therefore, you should limit the salt intake.You can take several amounts of ramen due to its nature: cheap and easy to prepare thus ending up ingesting high amounts of sodium putting your health at risk.

How is it Prepared

Ramen noodles are made from wheat flour; different flavors and vegetable oils. There are more than a hundred basic ways you can prepare ramen noodles. Majorly water is always a common ingredient in all ways.

The instant noodles are always fried or steamed before being packed after processing. They are first added to measured amount of boiled water and left for a few minutes. Seasonings such as black pepper, white pepper, and crushed garlic can be added to enhance the taste of the noodles. You can then serve them in a bowl and eat. 

Different Goodies to Spice up your Ramen Noodles

  • You don’t need to be a chef so that you can add toppings to your ramen. There is a fun delicious that can add flavor to your ramen noodles: kimchi, sesame seeds, crumble bacon eggs, and fresh veggies such as cabbages mushrooms broccoli, and many others more.
  • You can also prepare the instant noodles then mix them with well-cooked stew rice
  • You might also add some fresh green onions, garlic, or ginger to add a fresh aroma to your ramen. The fresh ginger adds a pleasant medicinal value to your soup.
  • You can as well sauce up your ramen to give it a pleasant sight and flavor. You can also use chili sauce as a substitute for the red sauce or combine them.
  • You can also make ramen buns. This is done when you put ramen in between buns.
  • Spiced peanut butter can also be used when preparing ramen for babies.  

Instant Ramen Noodles and Poor diet

Since Ramen noodles contain 188 calories per serving than other types of pasta, people end up taking two servings in one package in a sitting. Instant noodles are lower in calories, hence may lead to weight loss when taken continuously.

However, they contain low amounts of fiber and protein, making them a bad option when trying to lose weight. Protein is useful in weight management since it increases the feeling of fullness and decreases hunger.

On the other hand, fiber helps in satisfying you because it takes longer for it to be eliminated in the alimentary canal thus contributing to weight loss. However, this may not add any value to your waistline. 

Research has found that taking noodles daily leads to a poor diet. A study was conducted between a noodle consumer and a non-noodle consumer. It was realized that the noodle consumer had a higher, few selected micronutrients that led to decreased amount of proteins, vitamin C, and phosphorus intake and an increased intake of sodium compared to the non- noodles consumer.

You may also increase the risks of having metabolic syndrome: heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Instant noodle consumers may also have decreased levels of vitamin D. since it is associated with sedentary and increased intakes of sweetened beverages lifestyle.

How to Choose a Healthy Instant Ramen Noodles

If ramen noodles are your number one dish, you can make it healthier in different ways like:

  • By picking Ramen instant noodles made from whole grains, you will increase your fiber intake thus being full for longer periods.
  • You can also use ramen as a base then top them up with healthy ingredients such as fruits and vegetables such as broccoli and carrots boosts vitamin c and fiber to be consumed making it a balanced diet. Moreover, the vegetables will make your broth look colorful.
  • You can also add protein. This will not only increase the flavor but also be a fantastic way to add nutrients to your ramen. Next time when you prepare ramen consider adding stir-fried beef or flavored beef.
  • Finally, you can also take instant noodles in moderation to decrease their negative effects on your body. 

Conclusion

With its delicious flavor and unique shape, Ramen noodles are considered to be a good option for a tasty evening meal. Due to the rich flavor and easy preparation, its consumption has been surged globally.

Charlotte Cremers
Latest posts by Charlotte Cremers (see all)

MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

Latest from Health