Instant noodles: benefits and harms

Instant noodles are one of the most popular dishes in Russia and in the world. She has many fans and haters. This article contains all the information about this product, which will help to understand many issues related to it. For example, is instant noodles harmful? Can I eat it with weight loss, children, pregnant?

What is instant noodles

First you need to figure out: what kind of product is it? These are pasta that can be cooked in a few minutes. It is enough to pour boiling water over them and let them brew for a while.

What are they made of

Many people mistakenly believe that it is made from some special, useless chemical base, but, fortunately, everything is not so scary at all. The instant product is exactly the same noodles that everyone is used to cooking, just made using a slightly different technology: it has already been cooked at the factory and dried to minimize its cooking time. Therefore, the composition of the product is not much different from ordinary pasta. It includes, first of all, flour (it can be absolutely any, but most often they use wheat baking, as it helps noodles not to lose their structure). Some manufacturers add starch or guar gum to the future dough, which by their nature are natural thickeners.

How to produce

Of course, many people are interested in the question: how exactly cook instant noodles? How is it that it can be brewed in a few minutes? Is there really any special technology? In fact, everything is much simpler than it seems at first glance. Initially, the dough is made from the ingredients described above. Then roll out the dough and cut the noodles. After the resulting mass is steamed and fried in oil, packaged and already sent to stores. The most important stage in the entire production is frying in oil. It is because of this that we get it that you can cook in just a few minutes.

Kinds

The noodles presented on the Russian market, for the most part, differ only in the manufacturer. The most popular types in our country are Rollton, Doshirak, Big Lunch and Big Bon noodles. In some stores you can also find noodles “7 minutes”, “Pandabox”, “Petra”, “Anacom”. Despite the fact that some people often give out the taste qualities of a certain brand, the main difference lies solely in price.

In addition, instant noodles are popular not only with us, but also in many other countries. Moreover, Japan is considered the birthplace of this product. There, the choice of instant noodles is much wider than ours, and is limited not only by various flavors, but also, for example, in composition and quality. In Japan, even side dishes and salads are made of such pasta.

Composition and calorie content

The composition can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, but most often the bag itself includes noodles, butter, spices and dry broth. If we have already figured out the composition of the noodles, it will be important to also say about the contents of the spice bags themselves. It includes various dried vegetables (most often onions, corn and carrots), meat (mainly soy), fish, seafood, various herbs and seasonings for taste.In addition, in the composition of such bags you can find monosodium glutamate, which many are very afraid of and try to avoid in every way. But you should not be very scared and immediately give up the pleasure of enjoying delicious noodles. WHO (World Health Organization) has recognized sodium glutamate safe, because it is nothing more than the usual salt of glutamic acid.

Macaroni usually contains the following elements: folic acid and vitamins B1, B2, B6, PP.

The calorie content of such noodles also greatly depends on the manufacturer and composition. Fortunately, it is easy to find on the packaging. On average, per 100 g of product accounts for 452 kcal, 8.7 g of protein, 21 g of fat and 56.7 g of carbohydrates. For comparison, the calorie content of the popular Snickers bar is 507 kcal per 100 g.

Are Rollton and Doshirak Useful?

If you look at the composition of the noodles of these brands, you can understand that such products are not extremely unprofitable. Unfortunately, it contains a lot of salt, but if you do not add a bag of dry broth to the noodles, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with such a dish. Of course, such pasta should not be eaten every day, because they have relatively few vitamins. But if you sometimes use such noodles, then nothing terrible will happen.

By the way, speaking about vitamins, it will not be amiss to say that even in instant noodles they are. Their composition and quantity depends on the particular brand that you choose. For example, in Rollton noodles there is folic acid and vitamins of groups B1, B2, B6, PP. Moreover, for comparison, the amount of protein in such a pack of noodles is equal to the amount of protein in one glass of kefir or its value is slightly less than in one average egg.

Many people are also scared that in the production of instant noodles, some manufacturers use palm oil, as it is the cheapest (including because of this you can find pasta that are prepared for less than 10 rubles). Scientists do not have a unanimous opinion about this product, so each person has the right to decide for himself whether he should eat foods with palm oil or not. But if there is instant noodles several times a month, then nothing will happen to the body. In addition, do not forget that palm oil is found in very many familiar products, where it is sometimes even much more than instant noodles. For example, such products include cakes, cookies, chips and many other sweets.

Can I eat during pregnancy and HB

A lot of girls during pregnancy are drawn to instant noodles. As we have already examined a little higher, nothing bad will happen if a pregnant girl will sometimes eat such pasta. The most important thing here is not to eat them constantly, replacing the main meals, and not to forget about vitamins and doctor's prescriptions.

But a girl who is breastfeeding her baby will have to give up such food for a while. The product has chemical elements that can cause allergic reactions and problems with the digestive tract in a child. Moreover, with caution, the girl during the GV should also relate to the consumption of pasta themselves. On this occasion, it will not be superfluous to consult with your doctor.

Is instant noodles good for kids?

This issue has long been a subject of controversy. Whether or not to give such noodles to your child is a personal matter for each parent. But, as scientists say, there is nothing in it that could adversely affect the body of a healthy child. Therefore, if children rarely eat such noodles (for example, once a month), then it will not do any harm to the young body, but, of course, it is definitely not worth it to get involved in it.

Is it possible to eat with weight loss, proper nutrition and veganism

Another popular myth is that instant noodles can get better.In fact, a person gains weight due to eating too many calories (the so-called "surplus" calories), regardless of what foods he eats. You can gain weight, even eating exclusively the right food. This means that instant noodles can be eaten with weight loss, if it fits into the daily calorie intake (which is easy to calculate on the Internet formulas). Another question is whether it is rational to do this, because this product has a rather high calorie content, but it does not provide much energy and saturates for a short time (due to the fact that it consists mainly of simple carbohydrates).

Speaking of instant noodles for people on proper nutrition, many argue that if you remove the spices, the product will become the most common pasta that such people can eat. This is not entirely true. The fact is that the product consists of simple carbohydrates, which, as we have said, saturate for a very short time, that is, this option does not quite suit people with proper nutrition. In addition, the noodles are fried in oil, which may not be suitable for everyone.

What about vegetarians and vegans? There is no definite answer to this question, because it all depends on the composition of a particular noodle and the type of nutrition of the person himself. Many manufacturers assure that their product contains meat, but, as practice shows, in most bags this is soy meat. Moreover, Roskomnadzor conducted its research, which showed that manufacturers almost do not add real meat. Chicken can only be in the broth, so if you remove it, then a vegetarian can safely eat such noodles. Vegans will have to give up many types of instant noodles, because it is made from eggs. In any case, vegetarians should read the composition very carefully if they want to please themselves with instant noodles.

Pros of Instant Noodles

Of course, this product has many advantages. For example:

1. Price. If it comes to the need to spend some time on a small amount of money, then only the lazy will not offer instant noodles. Due to its extremely low price (in some stores you can find a product for a few rubles), it has even become popularly called “beach packages” or “food of the poor”. It is not surprising that instant noodles are in demand mainly among students.
2. Taste. A lot of people, regardless of gender, age and wealth, love instant noodles for one simple reason - it's delicious. Now in the store you can find a variety of tastes of such noodles: ham and cheese, mushrooms, bacon, chicken, beef and many others. There are noodle options with various sauces and additives, that is, everyone can find a product to their liking.
3. Convenience. Noodles, which are sold in special trays with a fork, are very convenient for traveling (especially associated with trains for many). In addition, it does not require special preparation and washing dishes after. And the preparation itself will not take a very long time. It is enough to wait for the kettle to boil, and after 3-5 minutes you can enjoy delicious and hot food.

Harm and contraindications

But, of course, such noodles also have disadvantages. It should not be used for diseases such as gastritis and pancreatitis, for pathologies of the cardiovascular system (due to the large amount of salt), and also if you are on a certain diet on the recommendation of a doctor.

Also product:

1. Has a high calorie content. Instant noodles are definitely not a low-calorie product. Considering also that she will not be able to saturate for a long time because of the predominantly simple carbohydrates in her composition, it will be difficult to fit into the calorie norm for the person who is currently on a diet.
2. Addictive. It sounds like a scary inscription on a pack of cigarettes, but, in fact, many people will agree that having tried such noodles once, it is difficult to pass it in a supermarket. This is especially true for children who often buy this noodle with pocket money and eat it secretly from their parents.

How to choose and store

Choosing instant noodles is based on your taste preferences and budget. Fortunately, on the Russian market there are a lot of all kinds of products and with different flavors.

The shelf life of instant noodles depends on the specific manufacturer. Tentatively it is 1 year. After this period, nothing critical will happen with noodles, except that, perhaps, it will lose some of its taste.

Store instant noodles in a dry place at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight.

Is it possible to eat dry Rollton or Doshirak

A lot of people like to eat instant dry noodles. Of course, if you do this rarely, then there will be no critical harm to health. But be that as it may, there is still a product in its finished form, reducing the possible adverse effects on the digestive tract, especially if you eat instant noodles quite often.

What can be cooked from instant noodles

Instant noodles can be not only a delicious snack without additional ingredients, but also the basis for unusual and interesting dishes.

Burger from Doshirak

Ingredients:

• 100 g instant noodles.
• 130 g boneless chicken.
• Bow.
• Lettuce leaf.
• A few pieces of cheese.
• Pickle.
• 2 chicken eggs.

For the sauce, you will need to mix ketchup and mayonnaise.

Cooking method:

1. Pour boiling water over the noodles and let it brew. Spices, stock and butter should not be added to pasta. After the noodles are brewed, drain the water and add eggs to it, mix thoroughly.
2. Add oil to the pan and let it warm up. Fry the future buns of our burger (noodles) on both sides.
3. We chop chicken with a knife, add spices to taste, form cutlets and fry them on both sides.
4. Next, we collect the burger. We grease one bun with sauce, put cutlet, vegetables and cheese on it, pour it with sauce and cover with a second bun.

Instant noodle burger is ready!

Noodle salad

Ingredients:

• 100 g instant noodles.
• 2-3 tomatoes.
• 2 lightly salted cucumbers.
• 1 bell pepper.

For refueling:

• Greens to taste: onions, dill, parsley.
• Butter.
• Spices to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Cooking noodles with spices and dry vegetables. Let it brew for a few minutes, drain the water and let cool.
2. Chop vegetables.
3. Melt the butter and add spices and herbs to it to taste.
4. Mix everything thoroughly in a large container.

Tasty salad is ready!

Vegetables with noodles

Ingredients:

• 100 g instant noodles.
• Favorite vegetables or ready-made vegetable mix.
• 250 ml of water.
• Vegetable oil.
• Salt and spices to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Add oil to the pan and let it warm up. Pour vegetables and fry them for several minutes.
2. Put dry noodles in the pan and pour water. Add spices to taste.
3. Stew over very low heat for several minutes.

The dish is ready!

Teriyaki Noodles

Ingredients:

• 2-3 packs of instant noodles.
• 300 g of chicken.
• Favorite vegetables.
• Half a glass of soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon of sugar.
• 1 tablespoon of three percent vinegar.
• Half a glass of white wine.
• 1 head dried garlic.
• 1 teaspoon dried ginger.
• 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds.

Cooking method:

1. We mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sugar, wine and sesame for marinade. Mix thoroughly.
2. Leave the chicken to marinate for several hours.
3. Favorite vegetables (cucumber, pepper, carrots or others) are cut into slices.
4. 3-4 minutes, fry the chicken in a preheated pan.
5. Add vegetables to the same pan and cook for 7-8 minutes.
6. At the same time, brew instant noodles.
7. Add the pasta to the vegetables and chicken, fill it all with teriyaki sauce. Stew until chicken is cooked.

Before serving, you can sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and garnish with herbs. Refined and unusual dish is ready.

Interesting Facts

1. Instant noodles are very popular in Asian countries. There they eat it with eggs, fresh or pickled vegetables. It is even sometimes brewed not on water, as we used to do, but on green tea!
2. Japan has a museum dedicated to instant noodles. Visitors can learn the history of the product, everything about its production, they can even create noodles according to their own recipe, using all their favorite ingredients. Museum workers assure that in total you can try more than six thousand different variations of noodles. The last hall is the most beloved of all, because you can not only make your own noodles, but also try it right there. In addition, you can buy rare noodles with different unusual tastes.
3. When instant noodles appeared in the mid-twentieth century in Japan, it was considered the food of wealthy people, as it cost almost six times more than now. The manufacturer of such noodles himself initially wanted to make an inexpensive product that would feed everyone in the post-war period.
4. In 2004, a special vacuum packaging was invented for instant pasta so that astronauts could take it into space. The noodles that the astronauts take with them into space are quite a bit different from what we are familiar with: they are a little thinner so that it does not need to be brewed, and already tastes like broth, spices and vegetables.
5. The man who invented instant noodles lived 97 years. He claimed to be the secret of his longevity in his invention.
6. In China, over 28 billion instant noodles are consumed annually.
7. And all over the world every year people eat more than 100 billion packages of this product.
8. Instant noodles are considered the main Japanese invention of the twentieth century (according to the inhabitants of the country of the rising sun). The fact is that such pasta products best convey the spirit of Japan.
9. In New York, there is a restaurant serving exclusively instant noodles. Moreover, when this institution only opened to get there, people had to reserve tables for several months.
10. Georgie Ridman is an American who eats exclusively instant noodles, as she is afraid of other foods after a series of food poisoning in childhood.
11. The product is the best-selling dish in Rickers, NY.
12. World-renowned chef David Chang prefers dry instant noodles. This habit began in his childhood, when every day, returning from school, he ate a pack.
13. The average cost of packing instant noodles is only 30 cents or 8 rubles. It turns out that a person who eats exclusively instant noodles every day spends $ 140 or 9000 rubles a year on food. At that time, the average American spends almost $ 8,000 or 500,000 rubles a year on food.
14. The first Vietnamese billionaire made his fortune by starting to make instant noodles in Ukraine. In 2017, his fortune is estimated at one and a half billion US dollars (or about 95 billion rubles).

To summarize, it is worth saying that, despite its simplicity, instant noodles are a rather interesting dish, which for some reason unreasonably gained fame by no means the most useful product. In fact, in pasta there is nothing that would cause significant harm to the human body (in this case, we simply could not buy a similar product in a store). If you do not abuse instant noodles, and enjoy it only several times a month, then it will not do much harm.Despite its, unfortunately, poor reputation, this product has millions of fans around the world.

Photo of instant noodles