Content
Excessive consumption of instant noodles, popularly known as noodles, can be bad for your health, as they have a large amount of sodium, fat and preservatives in their composition, which is due to the fact that they are fried before being packaged, which allows that get ready faster.
In addition, each package of noodles contains twice the amount of salt recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 4 g per day, this sodium being found mainly in the flavor packs that come with the package of noodles.
Because it is a fast food to prepare, it also contains additives, artificial colors and toxins, such as monosodium glutamate, damaging long-term health. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer made from sugar cane and can be found on the label as yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein or E621.
Main health consequences
The frequent consumption of instant noodles can lead to the appearance of several changes in health over time, such as:
- Increased blood pressure;
- Higher risk of heart problems due to changes in cholesterol levels, especially increased bad cholesterol, LDL;
- Increased stomach acidity, which may result in gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux;
- Weight gain due to the large amount of fat;
- Development of the metabolic syndrome;
- Long-term kidney problems.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the consumption of this type of food as much as possible, choosing healthier foods and, if possible, prepared with little salt, such as fresh salads and cooked vegetables.
To give some flavor, it is recommended to use fine herbs and spices, which are not harmful to health and are pleasant to the palate. Check out which herbs replace salt and how to use it.
Nutritional composition
The following table shows the nutritional composition for each 100 grams of instant noodles:
Nutritional composition in 100 grams of instant noodles |
Calories | 440 kcal |
Proteins | 10.17 g |
Fats | 17.59 g |
Saturated fat | 8.11 g |
Polyunsaturated fat | 2.19 g |
Monounsaturated fat | 6.15 g |
Carbohydrate | 60.26 g |
Fibers | 2.9 g |
Calcium | 21 mg |
Iron | 4.11 mg |
Magnesium | 25 mg |
Phosphor | 115 mg |
Potassium | 181 mg |
Sodium | 1855 mg |
Selenium | 23.1 mcg |
Vitamin B1 | 0.44 mg |
Vitamin B2 | 0.25 mg |
Vitamin B3 | 5.40 mg |
Folic acid | 70 mcg |
How to make healthy noodles fast
For those who are in a hurry and need a quick meal, a good option is to prepare a traditional spaghetti pasta that is ready in less than 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 serving of pasta for 2 people
- 1 liter of water
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Oregano and salt to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Preparation mode
Place the water in a pan and bring to a boil. When it boils add the pasta and let it cook. In another pan, sauté the garlic with the oil and when it is golden brown add the sliced tomatoes, the bay leaf and the spices. After the pasta is completely cooked, drain the water and add the sauce and grated cheese.
To add nutritional value to this meal, accompany with a salad of green leaves and grated carrots.