Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Top Ramen Bad For You?

Also Known As: Nissin Top Ramen, instant noodles


Grade

F


Short answer

Top ramen is bad for you. If you are going to eat top ramen, do so in extreme moderation. This stuff should not be considered part of one's diet.

Grade

F

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Top ramen is an instant noodles brand that has existed in the market for two or more decades. It is a popular food - a common fast food among college students, people working from 9-5 who need a quick meal, and most especially people who are ‘budget eaters’.

Unfortunately for the manufacturers and consumers, recent studies carried out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on top ramen discovered and revealed the presence of monosodium glutamate and a high level of lead that can lead to serious health problems. This came up in the wake of the controversy over Maggi noodles, and since then, the manufacturer has been ordered by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to withdraw top ramen until further notice.

Top ramen is also said to be unhealthy as it contains Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a petroleum-based byproduct used to preserve foods. TBHQ is known to cause nausea, delirium, collapse, ringing in the ears, and vomiting, as well as hyperactivity in children. When given to animals in high doses, the animals showed forerunning signs of cancer in their stomachs.

To go even further, top ramen contains high amounts of sodium (salt), saturated fat and calories. As it presently stands, you are strictly advised to move away from the consumption of top ramen until further notice.


Possible short-term side effects

  • headaches
  • nausea

Possible long-term side effects

  • harmful metabolic changes
  • increased blood pressure
  • weight gain
  • heart disease

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • it's cheap
  • quick prep time

Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Organic Millet & Brown Rice Ramen

  • Rich in nutrients
  • Gluten-free
  • Quick to prepare
  • Includes gourmet broth
  • Organic ingredients
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-27-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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