Sometimes, there’s just not enough time for a full-course meal. Whether you’re a college student, a mom on-the-go, or a youngster who can’t yet cook, instant cup noodles seem like the perfect lunch or afternoon snack.
But does it give you all the nutrients your body expects from a meal?
The first instant noodle was introduced in 1958 by Nissin’s founder, Momofuku Ando of Japan. After facing a food scarcity post World War II, he believed that the convenient food product would help feed hungry masses.
Although it was a roaring phenomenon at first, health experts today are steering consumers away from the product. It does contain some nutrients such as Vitamin A and iron, however, it has an unequal distribution of major food sources. According to Livestrong’s nutrition profile, Nissin’s Chicken Flavored Cup Noodle contains 49.7% carbohydrates, 42.3% fat, and 8.1% protein.
In comparison, Livestrong states that a proportionate diet would include approximately 50% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 20% protein. Cup noodles have a significantly lesser amount of protein and a higher fat content.
Nissin’s instant meal is also high in sodium, with an estimated 1,400 mg per serving. To put things into perspective, a person’s daily intake of sodium is about 1,500 mg. With just one cup of noodles, you’re close to fulfilling a full day’s serving of salt.
Therefore, plan ahead. If you know you’re not going to have time to cook, make an extra dish the night before and save it. There’s nothing wrong with eating leftovers!
