Eating Instant Noodles Often? These Are 7 Risks That Lurk The Body

Illustration of instant noodles. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Instant noodles are the favorite food for many people. It tastes good, practical cooking, and the price is cheap. No wonder instant noodles are often a quick choice when hungry. But behind the deliciousness, instant noodles are not at all healthy foods.

High instant noodles (natrium), preservatives and other additional ingredients that are consumed excessively can trigger serious problems. Starting from high blood pressure, heart disease, to metabolic syndrome. So, although practical, it is important to limit consumption.

Here are 7 reasons you should stop consuming instant noodles for a day, as quoted from the Healthshots page.

1. Minim Nutrition

Instant noodles are known to be malnourished. There are almost no vitamins, minerals, protein or fiber in them. On the other hand, there are actually high calories from processed carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. If often consumed, the risk of malnutrition can increase.

2. Containing MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is usually added to strengthen the taste of fever. Although the FDA (US Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) considers MSG safe, several studies have found that high consumption of MSG can trigger headaches, nausea, weight gain, and high blood pressure.

3. High Salt

One pack of instant noodles can contain more than half the recommended daily sodium limit. According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, too much salt can damage organs, increase the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.

"For people with a history of high blood pressure, consumption of regular instant noodles can worsen conditions," explained nutritionist Saloni Arora.

4. Made of White Flour

The main ingredients of instant noodles are processed white flour which is very low in fiber and nutrients. Large amounts of maide consumption can make blood sugar soar, harmful to diabetics or insulin resistance. High diets of processed carbohydrates are also associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.

5. Long-Term Health Risk

Research at Nutrition Research and Practice shows that instant noodle consumption is routinely associated with metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, buildup of fat in the stomach, and cholesterol is abnormal. Another study from the Journal of Korean Medical Science also found that instant noodle eating habits are related to the low levels of vitamin D.

6. Full Of Evil Fat

The process of making instant noodles usually uses palm oil or other unhealthy oils. As a result, instant noodles contain saturated and trans fats that can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) while reducing good cholesterol (HDL).

"The diet of high saturated and trans fats can trigger atherosclerosis, namely the buildup of fat in blood vessels which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes," said Aurora.

7. Wawet Sarat

To extend the shelf life, instant noodles plus preservatives such as TBHQ (Tertiary butylhydroquinone) and BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole). In small amounts it is still safe, but long-term consumption can be dangerous. Studies from the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences found chronic TBHQ exposure related to nerve damage, lymphoma risks, and enlargement.