For countless students, workers and families watching their budgets, instant noodles have become an essential kitchen staple. They're affordable and ready in minutes, so it's no wonder the convenient packets are flying off supermarket shelves.
But researchers are raising concerns about what happens when these quick fixes become regular fixtures on our dinner tables rather than occasional treats.
A major Korean research project examining 10,505 adults has uncovered worrying patterns among regular instant noodle consumers.
The study found that people who ate instant noodles more than twice each week faced a 48 per cent increased chance of developing metabolic syndrome compared to those who rarely consumed them.
Most Britons consume more salt than recommended
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The condition is diagnosed when a person has at least three of five risk factors, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, low levels of good cholesterol or high triglycerides.
Over time, this cluster of health conditions raises the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes and other serious medical problems, with women appearing particularly vulnerable to these effects.
The research team analysed dietary information gathered between 2012 and 2016 through Korea's national health survey, using detailed food questionnaires covering 112 different items.
The sodium levels in instant noodles appear to be driving many of these health risks. Those who regularly consumed noodles showed a 38 per cent higher likelihood of developing hypertriglyceridemia - elevated blood fats that can damage arteries.
The research also revealed connections to abdominal obesity, another key component of metabolic syndrome.
These findings suggest the high salt content plays a significant role, as excessive sodium intake has long been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
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What's more, most Britons already consume more salt than recommended, with processed foods being the primary culprit in our diets.
The nutritional gaps in instant noodle diets extend beyond just salt concerns, as they typically contain minimal fibre, which can lead to digestive problems, constipation and increased risks of type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer.
The sodium levels in instant noodles appear to drive many health risks
| GETTYWhen instant noodles become dietary mainstays, people miss out on vital nutrients found in vegetables, legumes, fruits and wholegrains. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals and compounds that protect our long-term health.
While the occasional bowl won't cause harm, the research suggests that regular consumption patterns do matter. What we eat day after day shapes our health outcomes, making dietary variety crucial for wellbeing.
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