Health & Life

Does Eating Instant Noodles Cause Weight Gain?

Does Eating Instant Noodles Make You Gain Weight? Discover the nutritional value of instant noodles and their effect on weight management. Learn how to prepare and enjoy this delicious and nutritious snack safely!

Administrator

26 July, 2024

Instant noodles are a staple food for many Vietnamese, especially for students. It’s a go-to meal during late-night study sessions or when you’re running low on cash at the end of the month.

However, several studies have highlighted the potential negative effects of instant noodles on our health, including skin issues and digestive problems.

1Do instant noodles cause weight gain?

Instant noodles are high in calories and carbohydrates, leading to a 33.7% increase in body fat and a 10.7% increase in weight. While it may seem that instant noodles can contribute to weight gain, they lack essential nutrients and are not effective for weight gain.

Moreover, the fat in instant noodles is of the unhealthy variety (Trans fat), and regular consumption can lead to weight gain resistance and meal skipping.

Instant noodles are high in calories and carbohydrates

Relying solely on instant noodles as a meal replacement without incorporating protein and vegetables can lead to severe nutrient deficiencies and increase the risk of various health issues:

Internal heat: Instant noodles, made from fried wheat flour, can cause internal heat if not consumed properly.
High salt content can lead to high blood pressure and kidney stones.
Phosphate content (added for flavor): This can lead to calcium deficiency, resulting in osteoporosis and weak teeth.
The high-temperature frying process can produce toxic substances, increasing the risk of cancer and accelerating aging.

Therefore, using instant noodles as a means of gaining weight is not scientifically supported, and those aiming to lose weight should also be aware of the potential negative impacts on their health.

See also: A list of healthy snacks for those trying to shed some pounds.

2How to consume instant noodles healthily

To ensure optimal nutrition when consuming instant noodles, it is recommended to supplement with green vegetables and protein sources such as meat and eggs.

You can also use external seasonings like broth powder, MSG, and self-made seasoning mixes to reduce the amount of oil and unhealthy additives in the noodles.

Instant noodles should not be a primary meal choice and should be limited to once or twice a week. Check out these tips for a healthier instant noodle experience:

Rinse the noodles with hot water before adding the seasoning to remove the coloring.
Limit instant noodle consumption to no more than 10 times per month.
Pair instant noodles with vegetables, eggs, tofu, seafood, meat, and dairy products to reduce salt and oil intake.
Avoid eating instant noodles at night or before bedtime.

Learn more about healthy instant noodle consumption.

Do instant noodles cause weight gain?

3Other potential harms of excessive instant noodle consumption

Stomach and digestive issues

Instant noodles contain high levels of oil, flavor enhancers, and additives. Regular consumption can dull your taste buds and put a strain on your stomach during digestion, potentially leading to stomach disorders and discomforts like bloating and stomach pain.

Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

If you want to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and avoid conditions like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and stroke, it’s best to limit your intake of instant noodles.

Instant noodles are high in fat, including trans fat and saturated fat, which are particularly harmful to the elderly and those with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Kidney stones

Instant noodles are loaded with salt, and excessive consumption can harm your kidneys and even lead to kidney stones. The high phosphate content in instant noodles can also contribute to osteoporosis, bone loss, and weak teeth.

While instant noodles may not be effective for weight gain, they can still be enjoyed as a tasty treat when consumed in moderation and combined with nutritious ingredients.

Source: Health & Life

Frequently asked questions

Yes, instant noodles can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently and without moderation. They are often high in calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates, which can lead to excess calorie intake and weight gain over time.

Instant noodles are typically high in saturated fat and sodium, which can negatively impact heart health if consumed in excess. They may also be low in essential nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, leading to an imbalanced diet.

To make instant noodles healthier, it is recommended to limit your consumption and opt for them only occasionally. When eating instant noodles, you can add vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats to increase their nutritional value. Also, choose varieties that are lower in sodium and saturated fat whenever possible.

Frequent and excessive consumption of instant noodles has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. It may also contribute to higher chances of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

You can satisfy your cravings for instant noodles by practicing portion control and enjoying them in moderation. Opt for healthier cooking methods like stir-frying or using less of the seasoning packet. Pair your instant noodles with a side of vegetables or a source of lean protein to make it a more balanced meal.