Ramen noodles are being hailed as one of the healthiest foods in the world. After all, it’s cheap, filling, and requires just a few basic ingredients to make. But how healthy is ramen? And what exactly are we talking about when we say “ramen”? There are many different types of ramen with different flavors and toppings, so what exactly is healthy about this dish? In this blog post, we take a look at the various types of ramen and explain whether any of them are actually healthy. We also answer some common questions about this iconic noodle dish…
Is Ramen Healthy?
No, ramen is not healthy. The noodles are often made with refined flour and processed food additives which are not good for your health. The soup base is usually high in sodium and may also contain MSG. Vegetables often added to the ramen contain high amounts of sodium and can contribute to a high-calorie count.
Why Is Ramen Not Healthy?
1. The Noodles
The noodle used in ramen is not the best choice for a healthy diet. Ramen noodles are made from refined flour and food additives, which are not good for your health. They also contain high amounts of sodium and can contribute to high-calorie diets.
2. The Soup Base
Ramen soup base contains high amounts of sodium which can contribute to high-calorie diets and cause water retention in the body. This can lead to weight gain and make it harder for you to lose weight. It’s also not a good choice for people with heart issues or those who are trying to lose weight because it can cause an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
3. Vegetables Added To The Soup Base
Vegetables added to ramen contain a lot of sodium, so they’re not really good choices for a healthy diet as they contribute towards a high-calorie count, especially if they’re deep-fried or cooked in the soup base.
4. The Toppings
The toppings that you add to your ramen can also contribute towards a high-calorie diet and cause weight gain. The more toppings you add the higher the calorie count, so make sure you only add the toppings that are good for your health and don’t exceed what is recommended on the back of the package. It’s also important to note that some toppings such as seaweed or egg can also contain high amounts of sodium and should be avoided if you have heart issues or are trying to lose weight.
5. The Extras
There may be other ingredients added to ramen noodles that may not be healthy for your body, such as preservatives or additives, so it’s important to read the ingredients list carefully before buying any product just in case there are any unhealthy additives in the product. For example, many brands use sugar in their noodles which is not good for your health because it can lead to tooth decay and can cause weight gain.
Which Type Of Raman Are Actually Healthy?
1. Nissin Super Ramen
Nissin Super Ramen is a brand that uses only natural ingredients and is made from whole grains of rice. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
2. Nissin Chicken Flavor
Nissin Chicken Flavor is also a healthy choice because it contains only natural ingredients and is made from whole grains of rice. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
3. Nissin Top Ramen
The noodles that are used in this brand are made from whole grains of rice and contain no artificial ingredients. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
4. Nissin Top Ramen Light
The noodles that are used in this brand are made from whole grains of rice and contain no artificial ingredients. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
5. Nissin Top Ramen Cup
The noodles that are used in this brand are made from whole grains of rice and contain no artificial ingredients. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
6. Nissin Top Ramen White Style
The noodles that are used in this brand are made from whole grains of rice and contain no artificial ingredients. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
7. Nissin Top Ramen Chashu
The noodles that are used in this brand are made from whole grains of rice and contain no artificial ingredients. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
8. Nissin Top Ramen Shoyu Style
The noodles that are used in this brand are made from whole grains of rice and contain no artificial ingredients. It’s also low in sodium, fat, and calories, which means it’s a healthier choice than other ramen noodles.
How To Make Ramen Even Healthier
Go For The Healthy Noodles
There are many varieties of ramen noodles, and some are healthier than others. The healthier noodle varieties are usually made from whole wheat and have more fibre than the lighter, whiter varieties. Whole wheat noodles have more protein and fewer calories than white varieties, so you can eat a bigger portion for the same amount of calories. You can also choose to go for vegetable noodles or shirataki noodles to make your ramen even healthier.
Add Some Greens
One of the easiest ways to make any dish healthier is to add greens – it’s an instant health boost. The most common addition to ramen is spinach but you can also use other leafy greens like kale, chard, and even parsley. You can either add these greens raw to the bowl, or you can lightly steam or stir fry them to make them a little softer and impart a bit more flavor.
Go For Light And Lean Meat
Most ramen recipes call for pork as the meat. Pork is a great protein for ramen because it imparts a lot of flavors, it’s cheap, and it’s a very versatile meat. Another great option is chicken because it’s lower in fat and calories than pork, and it’s relatively inexpensive as well. If you want to make your ramen even healthier, you can choose to go for breast meat and remove the skin.
Use Bone Broth Instead Of Water
If you make your own bone broth, you can use it in place of water in your ramen. Bone broth has a ton of health benefits and is great for your gut and overall health. Not only is bone broth incredibly flavourful, but it’s full of vitamins and minerals that you’d otherwise have to take a supplement or eat a ton of vegetables to get.
Add Some Veggies
Veggies are a great way to make any meal healthier, and you can add a ton of veggies to your ramen to make it even healthier. You can add in any veggies you want really, but some great ones to choose are green beans, carrots, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, and sprouts. You can either stir fry them before adding them to your ramen, or you can just throw them in raw. Any way is fine, it just depends on the type of veggies you’re using.
Condiments And Other Add-Ons
Condiments and other add-ons are a great way to make your ramen even healthier by adding in some more veggies and protein. You can choose to add in just about any type of vegetable, meat, or even other types of noodles. Some great options include adding in broccoli, mushrooms, sprouts, bell peppers, napa cabbage, and green onions. You can also add in some protein such as eggs, tofu, or seitan.
Final Words
All in all, ramen is a pretty healthy meal thanks to its simple ingredients and modest calorie and sodium content. It is also very easy to customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who enjoys a good bowl of ramen from time to time, this dish is perfect for you.
