John Myers
Instant noodle soups: quick to make but unhealthy
Instant noodle soups are very popular because you only need some hot water in addition to the contents of the packet. After a few minutes of waiting, the noodles are soft and the meal is ready. But don’t eat this quick meal too often.
- The effect of instant noodle soups has been tested in various studies. Among other things, the doctor Dr. Braden Kuo at Massachusetts General Hospital on how the ramen is digested.
- The results, which can be seen in this YouTube video: While fresh pasta is digested very quickly, the stomach struggles with the snack pasta for a very long time.
- The reason for this is probably the high amount of flavor enhancers in the instant powder. Glutamate is one of the flavor enhancers in instant noodles. You will also recognize glutamate in the ingredients list as E621, yeast extract, or meat extract.
- Although not harmful in small amounts, regular consumption can cause food intolerance and affect hormone levels. It is also suspected of promoting Alzheimer’s.
- The ingredient bisphenol A (BPA) is also of concern. It can have a negative impact on fertility and can increase the risk of cancer and diabetes.
- Of course, a pack of instant noodles only contains small amounts of these questionable substances. So if you eat a pack every once in a while, it won’t make you sick. However, you should be aware that the snack is not a substitute for a balanced meal.
- Due to its poor digestibility and chemical content, you should never eat ramen more than twice a week if you don’t want to suffer the ill effects.
