Dr. Thomas Dwan - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Thomas Dwan

Are Cup Noodles Bad For You?

Also Known As: Nissin Cup Noodles, instant ramen


Grade

F


Short answer

Yes, Cup Noodles are bad for you. In fact, there isn't a good thing to be said about them.

Grade

F

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Despite its popularity - particularly among financially challenged college students around the country - Cup Noodles are one of the worst things you can eat. Besides being little better than eating salt out of the shaker, Cup Noodles also have several other unhealthy attributes. One of the worst things about Cup Noodles is, of course, the amount of sodium. The amount of sodium in a single serving of Cup Noodles ranges from a "low" of a little under 800 mg to nearly 1,500 mg. High amounts of sodium consumed on a regular basis can cause hypertension, cardiac arrest, stroke, kidney and liver damage, coma, and in the worst case possible death. In addition to a high amount of sodium, Cup Noodles also contain large amounts of calories and fat, as well as carcinogenic artificial colorings, flavorings, and additives. As if that weren't enough, the very containers Cup Noodles come in are dangerous, with BPA seeping out into your food. BPA, besides being a known carcinogen, is also responsible for hormonal disruption.

Due to the high amount of sodium and other unhealthy factors, Cup Noodles are a leading cause of metabolic syndrome, which seriously increases your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For those who haven't heard of metabolic syndrome.

"Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of at least three of five of the following medical conditions: abdominal (central) obesityelevated blood pressureelevated fasting plasma glucosehigh serum triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels."

If you are wondering whether or not Cup Noodles have any nutritional value that could in some way offset the dangers already describes, the answer (unfortunately) is "no." Regular consumption of Cup Noodles is equivalent to eating yourself to an early grave - or at least a very uncomfortable life after hitting middle age.


Possible long-term side effects

  • hypertension
  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • liver damage
  • kidney damage
  • metabolic syndrome
  • obesity
  • cardiovascular disease
  • cancer

Ingredients to be aware of



Healthier alternatives

  • authentic ramen noodles
  • whole wheat pasta variety

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Dr. McDougall's Vegan Ramen

  • Plant-based noodle soup
  • Oil-free recipe
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Organic noodles
  • Convenient & quick
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-19-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-19-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023




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