Classic cup noodle name brands such as Shin Ramen Noodles and Nissin Cup Noodles are a tradition in a college student’s life; however, few students stop to think of the consequences associated with this cheap, easy meal. Research has shown that massive consumption of cup noodles can lead to devastating future health problems. So, we’ll be examining the health consequences behind eating cup noodles.
High Amounts of Sodium
Cup noodles contain way too much sodium; some cup noodles have 4,350 mg of sodium, twice your daily recommended amount! Why is this? Well, cup noodles contain MSG, monosodium glutamate, a compound used commercially for flavor enhancement. MSG is especially harmful for people on low sodium diets and people who are allergic to sodium. People who are suffering from high blood pressure, taking diuretics or certain antidepressant medications, or suffering from congestive heart failure should also avoid eating lots of sodium.
High amounts of saturated and trans fats
Cup noodles also contain high amounts of saturated fats and trans fats, which have been linked to strokes and clogged arteries. Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital has found that eating instant noodles two or more times a week is associated with cardiometabolic syndrome, which raises a person’s likelihood of developing heart disease and other conditions, such as diabetes and stroke. The center also found that these results are more common in women, due to biological differences in obesity and metabolic syndrome components.
Cup noodles include high amounts of sodium, fats, flour and other chemicals.
Image Source: Chris McGrath
High amounts of white flour
In addition to high fats, cup noodles mainly consist of white flour, or refined complex carbohydrates. White flour is harmful to the body because your body quickly digests the refined carbs, causing an increase in insulin from blood sugar spikes. Not only do you stay hungry with high insulin levels, but your body is also heading towards insulin resistance and diabetes.
Other chemicals
Cup noodles also contain bags of ingredients, such as flavor mix and dry vegetables. Scientists advise to not add the flavor mix prior to boiling the water because the spice mix contains glutamate that, when heated over 100 degrees Celsius for longer than 10 minutes, can lead to cancer of a slow poisoning of the nervous system.
Also, cup noodles contain dioxins and hormone-like substances from the glue used to seal the bowls. These toxic chemicals are carcinogenic and have extremely negative effects on the reproductive and immune systems. In addition to dioxins, BPA (bisphenol A) is used for packaging the noodles in Styrofoam containers, and interferes with the way hormones send messages throughout the body, especially estrogen. These hormone disruptions and toxic chemical activity interfere with everyday bodily functions.
The styrofoam containers that cup noodles come in also affect the nutritional value of the noodles.
Image Source: Douglas Sacha
The Verdict on Cup noodles
Nutritionists usually say that eating the occasional cup noodle bowl will do no harm, but eating it everyday would be very unhealthy. While it would only cost you $140 a year if you ate cup noodles for every meal, you should avoid making cup noodles a main part of your diet, no matter how tempting it is. Other cheap and relatively easy-to-cook alternatives include Caesar salads, microwavable pizzas, and fruits. So, next time you’re at the supermarket looking at the attractive and appetizing selection of instant ramen, remember to think about whether the consumption is worth the consequences.
Anytime diabetes is referred to in this article, it is type 2 diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 are very different conditions with very different causations.