Koreans love their instant noodles or ramyeon (라면) a lot. They can’t get enough of it.  For most families, they would eat at least once a week or so. This number is even higher for individuals who live alone or too busy to make home-cooked meals. South Koreans are crazily in love with their instant noodles. Want proof? According to Statistica.com, South Koreans have the highest consumption per capita in the world with 75 servings annually for the average South Korea in 2019. But you can’t blame them though. Instant noodles are easy to get when you feel the need for one. But, are Korean instant noodles good for you?

Instant noodles are actually a part of Korea’s pop culture. Try to watch a Korean drama. More likely than not, there will be a scene where someone is enjoying a hot cup of instant noodles. Also, it’s Korean’s comfort food. South Koreans are known as hard-drinkers. And instant noodles are they go-to food to ease that hangover.

Instant noodles have also reached other parts of the world, especially to the neighboring countries in Asia. At one point, Samyang, a certain type of instant noodle went viral for being the “world’s spiciest noodle”. Samyang contains a spiciness of 8,000 Scoville Heat Units. Scoville Heat Unit is a unit measurement of the number of times capsaicin needs be to diluted with sugar-water. For reference, jalapeño peppers and chipotles contain 2,500 to 8,000 SHU.

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Nowadays, Korean instant noodles are a common sight in shelves at convenient stores and groceries, even if you are living outside Korea. Ramyeon is easily distinguished from local noodles, and Japanese noodles for their visually-pleasing packaging and the Hangeul characters written.

Are Korean instant noodles good for you?

Instant noodles are very popular in South Korea that they are often eaten, especially by people on-the-go like students and workers. Do not be misinformed though. Instant noodles are generally unhealthy. Noodles are very high in sodium and fat. Too much salt intake may lead to certain circulatory illnesses like high blood pressure, certain heart disease and even stroke. Just one serving of instant noodles contain 860 mg of sodium.

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Instant noodles are also high in carbohydrates but low on key nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals, that are necessary for a growing body.

Another issue with instant noodles is the use of MSG or monosodium glutamate. MSG is one of the most commonly added flavor-enhancing additive not only for instant noodles, but in other food items as well. Dietary intake of MSG-containing food like instant noodles is fine. But moderation should be observed as MSG can cause health side effects like headache, nausea and heart palpitation.

Then why South Koreans consume them more?

Instant noodles originated in Japan in 1958. The first cup of instant noodles was made by dehydrating steamed and seasoned noodles by flash frying. The formula was later marketed under the Japanese company, Nissin.

Then South Koreans upgraded it.

South Koreans made instant noodles more than just a quick meal. Aside from a packet of seasoning, they would add anything to make it as healthy as possible. South Koreans are very creative when it comes to their instant noodles. Most Koreans would throw in kimchi, vegetables, eggs, cheese, beef, and even seafood. Common Korean side dishes or banchan (반찬) are also a favorite.

Key takeaways

Korean instant noodles are no different to most processed food items. Nutritionists and experts alike viewed them generally unhealthy. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t deprive yourself of a delicious cup of Korean instant noodles. A serving or two every 2 weeks in fine.

If possible, consume instant noodles that are low in sodium and fat. Thoroughly read the label before purchasing.

Eat instant noodles the South Korean way. Add ingredients that contain nutrients that instant noodles lack. Meat and vegetables are ideal.

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