Instant Noodles Are Linked to Stroke, Diabetes, and Weight Gain According to Studies

Instant noodles are a convenient and tasty dish popular worldwide. China is the number one global consumer, and the United States ranks sixth in instant noodle sales, with 4.1 billion units sold in 2017. However, studies have shown that eating instant noodles is linked to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and possibly cancer.

In the U.S., instant noodles are often referred to as Ramen. However, real Japanese Ramen is not a fast-food dish; it's a noodle soup that is a cultural icon in Japan, with much care put into its preparation. When instant noodles were first invented, they were sold under the brand name ‘Chikin Ramen.’ Soon, instant noodles became known as Ramen outside of Japan, even if they are technically not Ramen.

The Ingredients in Instant Noodles Could be Toxic

A look at the composition of instant noodles reveals potential dangers. They are high in fat, salt, and calories, and they are highly processed.

Instant noodles also contain tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), a chemical preservative derived from the petroleum industry.

TBHQ in Instant Noodles May Be Carcinogenic

Tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) is a preservative found in instant noodles and has been the subject of much health discussion. TBHQ is used to extend the shelf life of oily and fatty foods, often found in fast food. It's also used in varnishes, cosmetics, and perfumes. TBHQ is highly toxic in larger doses but has been permitted in the food industry in small amounts.

A number of studies have suggested that prolonged exposure to high doses of TBHQ may be carcinogenic. However, the conclusion remains inconclusive, as some studies have also indicated that TBHQ could prevent cancer.

Small doses of TBHQ have been approved for consumption by the FDA. The FDA has set a limit of up to 0.02% of the total oils in food to be TBHQ. Consuming 1 gram of TBHQ would very likely cause an adverse reaction, and 5 grams could be lethal. The exact safe limit remains uncertain, but prolonged exposure to TBHQ in the gut doesn't seem advisable.

MSG in Instant Noodles Could Have Possible Toxic Effects

Another potentially toxic substance found in instant noodles is monosodium glutamate (MSG), a chemical called an excitotoxin that overexcites nerve cells.

The Experimental and Clinical Sciences journal reported that "MSG has been linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, neurotoxic effects and detrimental effects on the reproductive organs." The journal also added, "in conclusion we would like to state that although MSG has proven its value as an enhancer of flavour, different studies have hinted at possible toxic effects related to this popular food-additive."

Clearly, an occasional package of instant noodles won't kill you, but no one can say with certainty what this processed food will do to you in the long run.

Eating Instant Noodles Could Cause Stroke and Heart Attack

In June 2014, a comprehensive study published in The Journal of Nutrition revealed the dangers lurking inside your cup of noodles. According to the international group of scientists, instant noodles are associated with cardio-metabolic risks, primarily referring to the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It seems that the convenient and delicious dish comes at a price.

The study was conducted in South Korea, which has the highest per-capita instant noodle consumption in the world. In recent years, a higher proportion of Koreans have also started developing conditions such as heart disease and obesity, making it worthwhile to explore the reasons behind this decline in health.

A total of 10,711 adults (54.5% women) between the ages of 19 and 64 were included in the study. Their dietary patterns were analyzed by Hyoun Shin, a doctoral candidate at the Harvard School of Public Health, and his colleagues.

Two major dietary patterns were identified:

• "Traditional dietary pattern": Rich in rice, fish, vegetables, fruit, and potatoes.

• "Meat and fast-food pattern": Rich in meat, soda, fried food, and fast food, including instant noodles.

The researchers observed that people who ate traditional food were less likely to suffer from high blood pressure. The fast-food diet was associated with abdominal obesity, higher levels of LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol), and high triglycerides, all of which increase the risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome.

Eating Instant Noodles is Linked to Stroke, Diabetes, and Heart Conditions

When Shin specifically examined instant noodles, the analysis showed that women who ate more than two portions per week had a higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome, which is linked to heart conditions, stroke, and diabetes. The association was found even among young women who were slimmer and more physically active. This correlation was not observed in men.

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Instant Ramen Noodles Don’t Break Down After Hours of Digestion

In another study, scientists inserted a small, pill-sized camera inside the stomach of a person who had just eaten instant Ramen noodles. This allowed them to follow the digestive process and observe what happens once the quick meal reaches the stomach.

The results were disheartening for instant noodle lovers. It appears that the body has great difficulty breaking down these noodles. After two hours, the meal was still more or less intact, which is highly unusual. For comparison, when the participant ate homemade noodles, they digested much quicker; after two hours, there was hardly anything left to see in the stomach.

This small study was conducted by Dr. Braden Kuo of Massachusetts General Hospital and was the first experiment of its kind. Dr. Kuo points out that his experiment does not conclusively prove that instant noodles are necessarily harmful. The sample size was too small, and further research is needed to establish the effects of the slow digestive process on the gastrointestinal tract and the body as a whole. Dr. Kuo even admits to still eating instant Ramen noodles himself, but he does so in moderation.

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Instant Noodles are Bad for You

You should be extremely cautious about eating instant noodles after these latest revelations. By remaining in the stomach for so long, the noodles put a strain on the digestive tract as it has to work continuously.

Additionally, instant Ramen contains many different additives and preservatives, which remain in the digestive tract for an extended period. The long-term effects of this prolonged exposure on the body are not fully understood, but it is likely not beneficial to your health.