Instant noodles are one of the most popular food in the market. Because of its convenience and cheapness, noodles are present in every home. However, this food is also known for being unhealthy. Instant noodles impose health threats that only few people knew about.
Dr. Braden Kuo of Massachusetts General Hospital conducted a study which reveals how dangerous consuming instant noodles can be. He used a pill-sized camera to see how the stomach digests instant noodles. The video showed that it has been two hours but the noodles were still intact inside the person's stomach. Because it is hard to digest, the stomach is forced to work harder causing indigestion and otehr gactric problems.
According to researches, noodles contain tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) which is used to prolong its shelf-life. TBHQ is a by-product of petroleum and has anti-oxidant properties which extends the life of products containing this chemical. However, it is not a natural antioxidant. It is a harmful chemical which can be found in varnishes, lacquers, and pesticide products, as well as cosmetics and perfumes.
Too much exposure to TBHQ may cause nausea and vomiting, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), delirium, sense of suffocation and collapse of the body. The chemical is also known for its ability to accumuklate in the body. This chemical is also being linked to metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can cause entral obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood sugar, elevated fasting triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol.
Consuming instant noodles can also lead to the development of harmful diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.
Aside from TBHQ, instant noodles contain excessive amount of sodium and monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is classified as an excitotoxin which overexcites the cell until it damages itself or dies. This reaction may cause Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and more.
Instead of consuming noodles, experts suggest to replace it with wholegrain pasta instead to avoid health problems that may cause health issues. It is best to avoid overconsuming instant noodles.