Are Cup Noodles Bad For You?
Also Known As: Nissin Cup Noodles, instant ramen
Short answer
Yes, Cup Noodles are bad for you. In fact, there isn't a good thing to be said about them.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Despite its popularity - particularly among financially challenged college students around the country - Cup Noodles are one of the worst things you can eat. Besides being little better than eating salt out of the shaker, Cup Noodles also have several other unhealthy attributes. One of the worst things about Cup Noodles is, of course, the amount of sodium. The amount of sodium in a single serving of Cup Noodles ranges from a "low" of a little under 800 mg to nearly 1,500 mg. High amounts of sodium consumed on a regular basis can cause hypertension, cardiac arrest, stroke, kidney and liver damage, coma, and in the worst case possible death. In addition to a high amount of sodium, Cup Noodles also contain large amounts of calories and fat, as well as carcinogenic artificial colorings, flavorings, and additives. As if that weren't enough, the very containers Cup Noodles come in are dangerous, with BPA seeping out into your food. BPA, besides being a known carcinogen, is also responsible for hormonal disruption.
Due to the high amount of sodium and other unhealthy factors, Cup Noodles are a leading cause of metabolic syndrome, which seriously increases your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For those who haven't heard of metabolic syndrome.
"Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of at least three of five of the following medical conditions: abdominal (central) obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting plasma glucose, high serum triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels."
If you are wondering whether or not Cup Noodles have any nutritional value that could in some way offset the dangers already describes, the answer (unfortunately) is "no." Regular consumption of Cup Noodles is equivalent to eating yourself to an early grave - or at least a very uncomfortable life after hitting middle age.
Possible long-term side effects
- hypertension
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heart attack
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stroke
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liver damage
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kidney damage
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metabolic syndrome
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obesity
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cardiovascular disease
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
- authentic ramen noodles
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whole wheat pasta variety
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Dr. McDougall's Vegan Ramen
- Plant-based noodle soup
- Oil-free recipe
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Organic noodles
- Convenient & quick
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-19-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-19-2016
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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