Is instant noodles worse than fast food?

With the rush of everyday life, many people resort to quick and practical food options, such as instant noodles and fast food. However, these choices can have serious long-term health consequences. In this article, we are going to compare the two and find out which one is worse for our body.

What are fast foods? 

Fast food is a type of fast food that became popular in the 20th century, mainly in the United States, and spread throughout the world. These foods are characterized by being prepared quickly and practically, and are often sold in specialized establishments, such as fast food chains.

The most common foods in fast food are hamburgers, fries, soft drinks and other processed products. They are generally high in calories, fat and sugar, and low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Excessive consumption of fast food may be associated with various health problems¹, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to adopt healthier and more balanced eating habits, with a varied and nutrient-rich diet.

The results showed that frequent consumption of fast food is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. These health problems are related to the high content of saturated fats, sodium and sugar present in typical fast food foods.

Can we compare them to instant noodles?

Fast food is known to be high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and added sugars, which can contribute to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Studies have shown an association between frequent consumption of fast food and a higher risk of developing these conditions.

On the other hand, instant noodles are high in refined carbohydrates, sodium and saturated fats. Instant noodles and fast food are practical and quick options for those who have little time to eat. Looking at the recommendation not to overconsume these products, let's look at some aspects to compare them.

• amount of sodium

O sodium² It is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the body, but excessive consumption can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.

According to the World Health Organization³ (WHO), daily sodium consumption should not exceed 2 grams per day, which corresponds to about 5 grams of table salt. However, many processed and packaged foods contain amounts far in excess of this recommended limit.

One study⁴ published in the scientific journal Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics evaluated the amount of sodium present in 30 popular fast food dishes in the United States and concluded that the average sodium per portion was 1,750 mg, which is equivalent to about 70% of the recommended daily intake.

As for instant noodles, one study⁵ carried out in South Korea showed that each portion of instant noodles contained about 1,719 mg of sodium, which corresponds to more than 85% of the recommended daily intake.

• amount of fat

Fat is another nutrient that needs to be consumed in moderation, as excess fat can lead to weight gain and increased bad cholesterol. If we compare the amount of fat in the two products, we can see that fast food and instant noodles contain significant amounts of fat in their compositions. However, the sources of fat and the amount vary between them.

In the case of fast food, the worst fats are saturated fats and fats trans⁶. In the case of instant noodles, the worst fats are also saturated fats and trans fats, which are often present in high amounts in the seasonings and oils used in the preparation of instant noodles.

In the case of fast foods, for example, a typical fast food burger can contain between 9 and 20 grams of saturated fat and between 0.5 and 2 grams of trans fat, depending on the size and type of burger. In addition, side dishes such as chips and soft drinks can also contribute to excessive consumption of saturated fat⁷ e trans.

• Amount of carbohydrate

In general, it's important to remember that the quality of carbohydrates is just as important as the quantity. Choosing foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and provide important nutrients for health. Which is not the case with fast food and instant noodles.

In the case of fast food, many of the foods are rich in refined carbohydrates⁸, such as white bread, chips and soft drinks. These carbs are digested quickly by the body and can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain. Additionally, many fast food foods are high in added sugar, which can also contribute to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In the case of instant noodles, most brands contain refined carbohydrates, such as white wheat flour, corn starch and added sugar in seasonings. Because refined carbohydrates are quickly digested by the body, excessive consumption of instant noodles can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain. In addition, some types of instant noodles also contain food additives such as monosodium glutamate, which can have negative health effects.

• Presence of preservatives and additives

Both instant noodles and fast food are full of preservatives and chemical additives, which can be harmful to your health in the long run. 

Fast food may contain a variety of preservatives and food additives to improve the taste, texture and appearance of food and extend the shelf life of products. Some of the more common preservatives found in fast food include sorbic acid, sodium benzoate and sodium nitrate, while additives can include coloring, flavoring and thickening agents.

In the case of instant noodles, many brands also contain preservatives and food additives, including monosodium glutamate, which is added to seasonings to enhance flavor. Additionally, some types of instant noodles may contain preservatives, such as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), which are used to extend the shelf life of products.

What would be the best alternative for a healthier and more practical meal?

Chef's Foodz is a healthy and nutritious instant meal with pea and soy proteins, carbohydrates from fortified wheat pasta, good fats from coconut milk, natural fibers and a mix of vitamins and minerals. It is easy to prepare and offers incredible health benefits.

It has 25g of protein, 8g of fiber, 25 vitamins and minerals, and is seasoned with natural spices and seasonings for a comfort food taste with garlic powder, mustard powder, parsley flakes, pink Himalayan salt, smoked paprika , turmeric, and all flavors are of plant origins.

To prepare, just add boiling water, stir well and let stand for 5 minutes with the lid closed. And ready! Enjoy a quick and healthy meal as if it were fast food, but with incredible benefits for your health!