Any doctor will tell you that instant noodles are nothing more than the very worst kind of junk food. They are simply a fast-food that is accessed via your grocery store rather than a drive-thru window, and that fools people into thinking that they are eating relatively healthy food. But with little to offer nutritionally and the ability to do a lot of damage to your body’s systems over time, instant noodles have become the bane of nutritionists everywhere.
#1. Low Nutritional Value.
Instant noodles are extremely low in nutritional content, offering virtually nothing in the way of vitamins, minerals or fiber.
#2. High Sodium Content.
These convenience foods are high in sodium, which can cause kidney damage and an increased chance of strokes.
#3. High in Carbs.
Instant noodles are also loaded with unhealthy carbohydrates that can lead to weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.
#4. Cups of Chemicals.
The plastic cups that instant noodles come in are made from dioxin and other substances that resemble human hormones and that can be leached into the soup when hot water is added.
#5. MSG Flavoring.
Instant noodle seasonings are full of MSG (monosodium glutamate) which is known to cause ill effects in many people, from a flushed, burning sensation in the head and chest to headaches and bodily pain.
#6. Harmful Ingredients.
Propylene glycol, one of the same ingredients used in antifreeze, is also approved for use in instant noodles, as an agent to help keep the noodles from drying out.
#7. Obesity and Bowel Issues.
Because of all the extra fat and water retention that instant noodles can bring on, they can be a major contributor to irregular bowel movements, which is capable of causing not only major discomfort, but a whole host of issues deep in your gut.
#8. Artificial Additives.
Noodles use a lot of artificial flavors and colorings, as well as a lot of preservatives, and all of these ingredients can wreak havoc on your metabolic system, making it very difficult to lose weight.
#9. Risk of Delayed Development.
When instant noodles are eaten regularly by children under the age of five, they can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. This denial of nutrients creates a risk of delayed physical or mental progress in the child.
#10. Not Recommended for Pregnant Women.
There are reports out that eating a lot of instant noodles, especially early in your pregnancy, can inhibit the fetus’ ability to develop and lead to miscarriage. While this theory is still waiting for research to back it up, most doctors don’t recommend eating instant noodles regularly during pregnancy, simply for the fact that they are so lacking in nutrients.