You come back tired from work and reach out for a packet of instant noodles to fix a quick dinner. Your kids insist on instant noodles for lunch. The reasons why instant noodles are so popular are endless. They’re quick, convenient and don’t taste too bad either. However, these same instant noodles are known to be poor in protein and fiber while being high in carbs, fats, sodium, and MSG. They may seem like a life-saver on the outside, but they’re silently harming your health. Here are 8 reasons why you should give instant noodles a miss.
1. Causes High Blood Pressure
The high sodium content in instant noodles can lead to high blood pressure. If you already have a history of high blood pressure, avoid instant noodles completely. The sodium in them can also cause water retention. If you’re an instant noodles enthusiast and have noticed your feet looking a little swollen, you know what’s to blame.
2. Increases Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome causes heart disease, diabetes and strokes. A study carried out in 2014 showed that women who regularly had 2 servings of instant noodles per week had a much higher risk of being affected by metabolic syndrome. The findings are a serious cause for concern because it implies that you do not need to eat instant noodles every single day for them to harm you. Just 2 servings a week could mean that you’re slowly damaging your health.
3. Can Lead To Miscarriages
The additives and preservatives can affect fetal growth and lead to miscarriages. If you’re pregnant or are trying to conceive, instant noodles are best avoided. This is a time when you need to make a more serious effort towards eating healthy. Your focus should be on getting healthy, nutritious food into your belly, not saving time with instant noodles.
4. Increases Obesity
Instant noodles are known for their empty calories and their high sodium content which causes water retention. With these two dangers going hand in hand, regular consumption can lead to obesity. What’s worse is that most people who eat instant noodles, like a bottle of sugary soda to go along with it. If you’re trying to lose weight or avoid putting on any, instant noodles are not your friend.
5. Causes Digestion Issues
Instant noodles have absolutely no fiber content. Fiber is essential for a healthy digestive system. It helps your food breakdown, move along the intestine and finally gets excreted from the body. When your diet is heavy in instant noodles, you’re depriving your body of much needed dietary fiber.
6. Affects Nutrient Absorption In Kids
Thanks to all the debates raging on about MSG, most people are aware of the fact that instant noodles contain this. Monosodium glutamate is used to enhance the flavors and is added to the seasoning package. Children below 5 years are advised not to be given any instant noodles as it can affect the normal absorption of other nutrients and affects growth. Older people who are allergic to MSG may suffer from headaches, reddened face and burning sensations.
7. Increases Heart Disease Risk
Most instant noodles packets list vegetable oil as an ingredient. However, the vegetable oil used is mostly palm oil which is rich in saturated fats and is not a healthy option. Frequent consumption can increase the cholesterol levels in the blood. Diets high in saturated fats have been linked to heart disease and obesity.
8. Heightens Cancer Risk
To increase their shelf life, preservatives are an important part of instant noodles. Most of the preservatives used in instant noodles are petroleum by-products. While eating noodles once in a while may not affect you, frequent servings can cause a build-up of these petroleum by-products that can affect your health. Many preservatives used are also known carcinogens. So put instant noodles back on the shelf if you want to protect your health.
