There is no doubt that instant noodles are a staple of almost every Indian household. These ready-to-cook noodles are a great choice for many youngsters and college students, as they are not only easy to cook but also affordable. In fact, students consume it as a full-fledged meal and not just as a snack. But does this come at a cost?
Why are instant noodles unhealthy and addictive?
With each spoonful of instant noodles, we experience a flavourful and addictive taste due to the emulsifiers present in the noodles as well as the tastemaker. “All processed foods contain emulsifiers which help enhance their taste,” says Pitchiah Kasinathan, clinical dietitian, Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai. “These additives also help in enhancing and retaining the product’s appearance and texture apart from increasing the shelf-life.”
Crafty marketing is also one of the main reasons why young people are tempted to eat instant noodles. “Because the appealing colours and visuals of the advertisements are consistently being played on TV or found on social media, these brands tend to make these children their primary demographic and get them hooked on their instant noodles,” says Kasinathan.
Instant noodles can lead to obesity and other health risks
Overindulgence in instant noodles can lead to excessive intake of sugar, salt and fat, posing significant health risks.
A 2017 study found a positive association between the consumption of instant noodles and cardiometabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and hypertension, among college students (aged 18 to 29 years) in Seoul. It was also observed that the subjects in the study had high diastolic blood pressure (pressure in the arteries between heartbeats) and blood sugar.
Similarly, Dr Sanjeeva Reddy, consultant in pediatrics, PICU and neonatology, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru, says that overconsumption of instant noodles is a serious worry for children’s growth because this high sodium-packed food is unhealthy and provides no good nourishment. “Because they are low in calories and proteins, they can jeopardise their nutritional requirements if consumed frequently or as a replacement for regular meals,” explains Dr Reddy.
He emphasises that consuming nutritious food is critical for children till the age of five, as this is their developmental stage. He uses the example of children and youngsters who come to him frequently because they are overweight or have other problems. “Children do not gain weight easily, especially between birth and the age of five, because they are often physically active. However, if kids consume food without any physical activity, problems such as obesity will develop in their adolescent years (16-17 years).”
Kasinathan warns that some of the ingredients in instant noodles can cause long-term health problems other than obesity. “Some of the additives can cause hormonal imbalances in women. An additive called TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) causes rashes and liver problems and MSG (monosodium glutamate) can cause cerebral problems,” he notes.
He also emphasises that children with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) ought to steer clear of additives such as TBHQ because it can affect their behaviour.
Ditch instant noodles for healthy alternatives
Dr Soumita Biswas, chief clinical nutritionist at Aster RV Bengaluru, says that organic whole wheat noodles are a healthier alternative to instant noodles. “Make sure they’re made with vegetables because it makes the dish much healthier and ensures there’s no nutritional deficit,” she advises.
She shares some healthy alternative snack options that parents can prepare for their teenagers and college-goers who are on the run.
- Fruits of any kind
- Yoghurt, preferably homemade and not packed set curds
- Vegetable/egg/chicken rolls made with chapatis
- Dry fruits
- Homemade sandwiches.
“My only advice is to eat as much home-cooked food as possible instead of satisfying hunger with an unhealthy packet of cup noodles, whether it comes with added vegetables or not. Ultimately, it is processed food and it will continue to be unhealthy,” says Dr Biswas.
Takeaways
- Children and adolescents are addicted to instant noodles due to their taste-enhancing additives and emulsifiers.
- Overconsumption of instant noodles, in the long run, can lead to obesity, hormonal issues and cerebral problems.
- Experts suggest sticking to healthier snack options that can be prepared at home.
