Can packaged ramen pose a health risk to children? An expert’s opinion

For many families, packaged ramen is a regular dinner as it is easy to prepare, affordable and does not require much time. But did you know that this seemingly harmless lunch comes with several health risks, especially for young children? While a single bowl of ramen may not seem bad, eating it frequently can have a negative impact on your child’s health. We got in touch with Dietitian Parmeet Kaur, Director and Nutritionist and Dietician at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, who tells us why feeding your children packaged ramen can increase the risk of health problems.

1. High sodium level

The excessively high level of salt in packaged instant noodles is one of the major causes of concern. As much as 800-1000 mg of sodium can be found in a single serving of instant noodles, which is about half of the recommended daily intake for adults, not counting children. Dietary guidelines state that children aged 4-8 years should not consume more than 1200-1500 mg of sodium per day. Children who consume too much salt are at risk of developing high blood pressure, kidney problems and heart problems in the future.

– Immediate effects: Dt Parmeet explains that because sodium increases water retention, consuming too much of it during childhood can lead to dehydration. Children’s body reactions to such high levels of salt can include bloating, excessive thirst or even migraines.

2. Lack of nutritional value

Packaged ramen lacks important elements like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It may satisfy a child’s hunger, but it offers little to no nutritional value. Preservatives and refined wheat flour are the main ingredients in ramen, neither of which are very healthy. For healthy growth and development, children need a well-balanced diet rich in protein, good fats, vitamins, and minerals. They may be deprived of these essential nutrients if they only eat packaged ramen for dinner.

– Long-term effects: Malnutrition can result from a diet high in empty calories but low in nutrients, even if the child appears to be eating enough, explains Dr Parmeet. This can eventually weaken the immune system, stunt growth and affect cognitive development.

3. High in unhealthy fats

Most packaged ramen products are fried before being packaged, which increases their unhealthy fat content, especially saturated fat. Diets high in saturated fat raise cholesterol, increase the risk of heart disease later in life, and lead to childhood obesity. Because processed, high-fat foods are so widely available, children today are more likely to become obese, and instant ramen increases this problem.

– Immediate effects: Dt Parmeet shares that children who consume excessive amounts of saturated fats may also suffer from constipation or stomach aches due to digestive issues. It can also be a factor in unhealthy weight gain, which increases the risk of fatigue and joint problems.

4. Chemicals and preservatives.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that can irritate sensitive people, particularly children, is frequently found in packaged ramen. Fatigue, nausea, and headaches are some of the signs of MSG sensitivity. It’s clear that ingesting a lot of artificial chemicals is harmful to the developing body, although evidence about the long-term consequences of MSG is conflicting.

Dt Parmeet shares that to enhance the taste and prolong the shelf life, ramen is also packed with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. A child’s health can be negatively affected by certain chemical additives. Certain components can cause allergies or sensitivities in certain children, which can manifest as rashes, stomach problems, or behavioral abnormalities like hyperactivity.

5. Hazardous packaging materials-

According to research, instant ramen packaging, especially those that come in polystyrene cups, can be harmful to health. Dt Parmeet shares the dangerous substances present in packaging, such as styrene and bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach into the noodles when boiling water is added. BPA has been linked to hormonal disruption and other health problems, including developmental delays in children.

6. Blood sugar level increases

The refined carbohydrates in packaged ramen are quickly converted by the body into glucose or sugar. If you eat it without protein and fiber to balance it out, you run the risk of experiencing blood sugar spikes. Children may have a brief surge of energy due to these blood sugar spikes, followed by a sharp drop. Children may find it harder to focus on homework or other tasks as a result of this inability to concentrate, tiredness, and irritability.

Regular consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as those found in ramen, may eventually increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Substitutes for ramen packets

Dr. Parmeet believes that parents should consider offering their children healthier options instead of packaged ramen, given the risks involved. Some options include:

– Homemade noodle soups: Parents can prepare a healthy version of ramen by combining lean protein, fresh vegetables and whole-grain noodles.

– A simple and healthy dinner can be prepared with pasta or brown rice, some vegetables and a light sauce.

– Quinoa and couscous are high in nutrients and can be easily prepared with the addition of vegetables and protein.