Instant noodles are now common in most households due to their flexibility in preparation, cheap, and delicious. But if it comes to the factors which are apparent to health, one needs to be rather careful when consuming instant noodles, despite that they are packed quite attractively and very easy to cook. Here, are five reasons why it is advised to avoid regular consumption of those instant noodles:

1. High Sodium Content

But of all the ingredients contained in the instant noodles that might be of most importance it is the sodium content. Although sodium is required naturally in the body in right proportion for normal functionality, high amounts of sodium can pose some harm to the human body. Ready-made noodles usually have spices which are normally in small sachets and contain high levels of salt to boost the flavors.

Ingestion of a lot of salt is associated with high blood pressure, which poses the potential for heart disease as well as stroke. Long term effects include water retention in the pocket and possible harm to the kidney. Even for those who have a chance to take a single serving of instant noodles, it can be very hard to stick to the recommended level of no more than 2g of sodium per a day, set by the World Health Organization.

2. Poor Nutritional Value

Instant noodles naturally consist of refined flour, and this is a flour that has had many important nutrients removed. It contains little fiber, protein and healthy fat, therefore, it is not a good item to take nutritionally.

As they may be useful in that they offer a quick, grab and go meal they do not offer the necessary nourishment for a holistic diet.When taken regularly, instant noodles as a main food source have negative effects on one’s diet and general health.

3. Linked to Obesity

Instant noodles also contain high carbohydrate content which in turn affects their consumers’ health especially those who undergo a regular consumption of the food product as it contributes to the increase of obesity levels. A survey of people in South Korea confirms that those people eating instant noodles more than twice a week are likely to have metabolic syndrome, a group of risks that include high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol.

Eating such high carbohydrate foods often can contribute to weight gain among individuals and lead to other health complications since the foods do not necessary have accompanying nutrient value via physical exercises.

4. Increased risk of cancer

One more scandal connected with instant noodles is the usage of environmentally dangerous chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) in packaging. BPA is known to interfere with the endocrine system and increases the likelihood of cancer especially stomach cancer.

Scholars have established that women who regularly take instant noodles with a frequency higher than two times per week are 68% more likely to develop the diseases of the stomach cancer type. Research has revealed that some brands of instant noodle have been having higher than normal level of BPA in the packaging paper that it can migrate to the food when consumed in the long run.

5. Digestive Problems

Instant noodles also have low fiber content hence can lead to digestive disorders. The food contains fiber that is vital in digestion; if this aspect is not well controlled, it leads to congestion of the stomach, formation of certain gases or constipation. However, these instant noodles are also very salty and these recorded effects are also bad for the body as it has been associated with increase in sale of fluids in the body and impacts of the people’s digestion system.

Consumption of many bowls of instant noodles at one time leads to complications of the stomach and irregular bowel movement. This may culminate in to digestive complications and many other complications to any of the body systems in any given person.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that instant noodles can be considered to be a kind of fast food because it does not take a long time to be prepared, it has several adverse effects on the health of an individual and, therefore, should be discouraged. As a result, instant noodles provide high sodium, low nutritional value, are identified as a cause of obesity, have links to cancer, and are said to have deleterious effects to the digestive system of consumers.

However, it must be noted that instant noodles should best be eaten in limited quantities coupled with a balanced intake of other foods rich in nutrients including vitamins and minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and other micro-nutrients found in healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meats among others. Thus, there is no need to deprive yourself of the pleasure of having a cup of instant noodles once in a while when you have understood the right portions to take.

By paying attention to what you eat, replacing instant noodles with a healthier version, you’ll effectively minimize the negative outcomes of frequent consumption of instant noodles and prolong the general state of your health.