Instant noodles, including popular 2-minute varieties, are often considered unhealthy due to several factors:
- High sodium content: A single serving can contain between 397-3678mg of sodium, contributing to high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney issues when consumed frequently.
- Low nutritional value: While low in calories, instant noodles are low in essential nutrients like fibre, protein, and vitamins (A, C, B12). They are also high in fat and carbohydrates.
- Presence of MSG: Although approved by health authorities, MSG is linked to potential short-term symptoms like headaches and high blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
- Poor overall diet quality: Regular consumption of instant noodles has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and poor diet, with lower intake of beneficial nutrients.
Occasional consumption in moderation may not be harmful as part of a balanced diet, but only eating noodles could pose significant health risks.
