The salty, slurpy goodness of instant ramen is unmatched, especially when the cupboards are bare or you’ve just got home from the bar.
Obviously it isn’t the healthiest food for you, but do you know what it’s really doing to your body?
To start, instant ramen packs are more or less a bundle of salt and carbs. While you probably at least know ‘salt and carbs bad’, you might not know how it affects your body.
“One container of instant ramen can have almost half the daily recommendation for sodium, and is often low in beneficial nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals,” says Patricia Bannan, RDN, author of Eat Right When Time is Tight.
Eating that much sodium in one sitting leads to your body overcompensating, and retains more water as a result. This temporary water weight gain makes you feel bloated and lethargic.
You’ll feel bloated, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be full. Comprised of virtually nothing more than refined carbs, instant ramen is the definition of empty calories. And you’ve heard all about those dreaded refined carbs before – like how they’ll spike your blood sugar level, leaving you back to square one (hungry), which can lead to weight gain.
Related: 5 Simple Ways to Decrease Salt Intake
A study published in 2014 in the Journal of Nutrition, assessed the long-term consequences of ramen consumption in South Korea, where it’s weeknight meal staple. The study found that women who ate instant ramen noodles at least twice a week had a 68 percent higher risk for metabolic syndrome – a combination of factors that increases risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease – compared to those that ate less ramen.
You can still enjoy instant ramen every now and again, like most processed foods. Just be smart about it.
“If you still want to enjoy instant ramen soup, use half the amount of the flavour packet provided, or don’t use it at all,” Bannan adds. “Flavour the soup yourself to control sodium amounts, and add fresh vegetables for fibre and lean protein for staying power.”
Photo Credit: Suphaksorn Thongwongboot/Shutterstock.com; watchara panyajun/Shutterstock.com
