Fact Check: Instant noodles, instant damage, says Dr Fawad Ali

Hyderabad: A post claiming downsides to consuming instant noodles is making rounds on social media.

“Noodles could send you to an early grave. Eating instant noodles 2 to 3 times a week has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes,” said the viral post.

Let’s ask the doctor.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be true. We spoke to Dr Fawad Ali, Diabetic Speciality from John Hopkins University, USA currently working as a consultant General Physician at Udai Omni Hospital to debunk the claim.

“We should instead make this slogan, ‘Instant noodles, Instant damage’,” he told NewsMeter.

Instant noodles are delicious, and a comfort meal as they can be made in an instant and are quite popular and available across the world for a minimum price. Many concerns have been raised in the past regarding its ill effects on health.

Let’s take a look at the effects of instant noodles and why you must avoid eating them.

1. Low in Nutrition

Instant noodles contain a lot of calories, saturated fats and sugars and very less or no protein and fibre.

2. High in MSG (Monosodium glutamate)

MSG is an additive that enhances the flavour of food, used in varieties of fast food. Excess MSG can have detrimental effects such as weight gain, increased BP, and headaches and it is highly addictive.

3. High Sodium content

Instant noodles are loaded with sodium and excess sodium is known to cause high blood pressure, kidney stones, cancers, heart failure and other serious health concerns.

So, the overall benefit of instant noodles and similar fast foods when compared to the damage they can cause to health should make us realise the food choices we are making for ourselves and our children.

Eating healthy, exercising regularly and a well-balanced diet, rich in green leafy vegetables and fruits, and timely adequate sleep is key to attaining good health and improving productivity and positivity!