1. Ramen’s Two Problems: The Broth and The Noodles
There are two main reasons why instant ramen is considered unhealthy. The first is the broth with its high ‘sodium’ content, and the second is the noodles, which are ‘fried refined carbohydrates.’ Avoiding the broth can significantly reduce sodium intake, but the problem of the noodles themselves remains.
2. The Problem with the Noodles
– Refined Carbohydrates: Ramen noodles are made from white wheat flour, which has been stripped of its bran. Lacking fiber, it is digested and absorbed very quickly, causing a sharp rise in blood sugar upon consumption.
– Fried Noodles: Most instant ramen noodles are fried in oil for preservation and distribution. In this process, the noodles absorb a large amount of oil, especially ‘saturated fat,’ which is not good for vascular health. High intake of saturated fat can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. The Unresolved Problem, Even Without the Broth
Therefore, even if you leave all the broth behind, the act of eating the fried noodles alone places the following burdens on your body:
– Blood Sugar Spike: Blood sugar rises sharply due to the refined flour.
– Excessive Calorie and Saturated Fat Intake: You still consume the high calories and saturated fat contained in the fried noodles.
– Nutritional Imbalance: It becomes a meal focused on carbohydrates and fat, lacking essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary: Not drinking the ramen broth is a good habit to reduce sodium intake, but that alone does not make ramen a healthy food. The refined carbohydrates and saturated fat in the fried noodles themselves still pose a significant burden on blood sugar and vascular health.
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