Not a few sources that states the dangers of eating instant noodles. According to Professor of Community Nutrition Department of Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Prof. Dr. Hardinsyah, there are three myths related to instant noodles that need to be known, the following.
- Replacing boiled water of instant noodles or boiling it twice
According to Hardinsyah, replacing the water of instant noodle stew is not necessary.
He added that some instant noodles in Indonesia, the flour has already contained good folic acid for the body, and the folic acid is soluble in water, so if it is automatically dumped we do not get the folic acid2. The body takes several days to digest the instant noodles
Hardinsyah denied the myth.
According to him, if the body feels energized after eating, it means the food is processed properly by the body. Conversely, if after eating even feel weak, meaning the food can not be digested properly.
He then added, after eating instant noodles, the body will feel energized, which means instant noodles can be directly processed by the body. - Eat rice with instant noodles. Good or not?
The answer is no good. Because both rice and instant noodles are both carbohydrates. Hardinsyah suggests diversifying food intake, for example, eating instant noodles with eggs and vegetables to balance protein and vitamin intake.
Another version
As reported by German media, dw.de, Thursday (12/3/2015), here are some facts of instant noodles harmful to the body.
Reduce Body Absorption Nutrition
If you eat instant noodles and afterwards eat healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, then the body will not be able to absorb all the nutritional content of healthy foods. This is because the instant noodles you consume, negatively affect the digestive process for several hours after eating.
Triggers of Cancer
Instant noodles usually contain preservatives, anti-frozen substances, and other elements that are carcinogenic or can lead to cancer.
Moreover, instant-brewed noodles are usually packaged in "polystyrene cups" containing cancer-triggering substances, plasticizers and dioxins, and can be mixed into noodles so brewed with hot water.
Sodium content is excessive
High sodium levels can lead to kidney stones and other kidney disorders. The average content of sodium in a pack of instant noodles is more than 800 mg. Meanwhile, according to the advice of health experts, the maximum amount of sodium intake per day is 2400 mg.
So a serving of instant noodles alone is almost half the recommended amount of sodium intake.
MSG Side Effects
Instant noodles are also rich in MSG (monosodium glutamate) flavoring. Some are allergic to MSG, or also feel headache or chest pain after eating instant noodles. MSG consumption also correlates with other diseases, including cancer.
Contains Anti-Frozen Substance
Instant noodles are usually added with anti-frozen substances such as propylene glycol which aims to prevent noodles from being dry.
Consumption of anti-frozen additives is believed to trigger a variety of health risks, including liver, heart and kidney disorders and can weaken the immune system.