Ramen noodles are a type of Japanese noodles enjoyed worldwide. You may crave ramen noodles while pregnant due to their flavorful varieties and minimal cooking time. But many women may have concerns about eating these noodles during pregnancy, especially if they ate them as a staple meal before becoming pregnant. Is it safe to consume them during pregnancy, and could they affect your baby? Read through to know about eating ramen noodles during pregnancy, including their benefits and side effects.
What Are Ramen Noodles?
Ramen noodles are popular as Japanese style easy-to-prepare noodles that are tasty and mooted as a healthy food option. The noodles contain several nutrients that provide many health benefits. You can also add a variety of spices, vegetables, and other food options and enhance the taste of noodles and enjoy eating them (1).
Is It Safe To Eat Ramen Noodles During Pregnancy?
Yes, you can eat ramen noodles while pregnant! However, not every day for every meal! The noodles contain plenty of salt and preservatives, while lacking in whole-food ingredients like fibre and antioxidants. So, make sure you eat them in a limited amount. Also, have a word with your doctor before you eat ramen noodles (2).
Health Benefits Of Eating Ramen Noodles During Pregnancy
Eating ramen noodles during pregnancy can not only be easy, but it offers some health benefits. Here are some common health benefits of eating noodles.
1. A Good Source Of Proteins:
You need a good intake of proteins during pregnancy to repair and build body tissues, ensure appropriate fetal development and growth, and maintain good health. You will need about 46g of protein in the first half of your pregnancy and 71g in the second half. Ramen noodles contain good amounts of proteins. One serving of the noodles offers you about five grams of protein. Add in some egg, fish or meat to boost the protein and keep you feeling satisfied while growing a healthy baby.
2. Prevents Anemia:
You need plenty of iron during pregnancy to ensure appropriate transportation of oxygen in your body cells and growth of the fetus. Your iron needs in pregnancy increase from 18mg to 27mg per day in pregnancy. Ramen noodles contain a decent amount of mineral iron, as the noodles are often made with fortified flour. Again, topping them with eggs, meat or even leafy greens will boost the iron content of your ramen dish. So, eating these noodles can help you have optimum levels of hemoglobin, prevents the risk of anemia, and ensures a healthy pregnancy
3. Energy Supply:
Ramen noodles contain good amounts of carbohydrates. Low carb is not the way to go when you’re pregnant to best support your energy levels and growing baby. While not normally whole grain, ramen flour is usually fortified with iron and b-vitamins. A good intake of carbohydrates helps provide the required energy during pregnancy.
Side Effects Of Eating Ramen Noodles During Pregnancy
You may be badly craving ramen noodles during pregnancy, but excess of consumption can make you suffer from certain side effects. Find below some common side effects of eating the excess of ramen noodles.
1. Risk Of High Cholesterol:
High saturated fat content in ramen noodles can raise bad cholesterol in your blood and increase the risk of heart diseases during pregnancy (3).
2. Risk Of High Blood Pressure:
Ramen noodles contain a lot of sodium which increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart-related ailments while you are expecting (4). So, you should restrict you intake of ramen noodles while expecting and take care of yours and your unborn baby’s health.
3. Constipation
You need to focus on plenty of fibre and fluids while pregnant to prevent constipation. As ramen is made from refined grains, it contains little fibre. Add in some veggies to boost the fibre in your ramen dish.
