Eating instant noodles while pregnant, is it dangerous?

Easy access, low prices, convenient cooking methods, and delicious instant noodle flavors are among the favorite foods of most people.

This is not an exception for pregnant women. However, behind this practical and practical instant noodles store a controversial danger. This problem certainly does not escape the thought of pregnant women, greatly protecting the health of their fetuses.

Is it dangerous to eat instant noodles during pregnancy?

Pregnant women naturally wonder about the dangers of using instant noodles during pregnancy and the risks to the baby. In terms of nutritional content, most instant noodles have few calories.

Although low in calories, instant noodles are rich in carbohydrates, fats, and sodium. In addition, instant noodles have a low fiber and protein content.

The low fiber and protein content sometimes can't even satisfy hunger, which forces you to increase the portion of instant noodles consumed. Addition of food portions means an increase in salt levels in the body.

One serving of instant noodles contains around 861 mg of salt or sodium. If you consume two servings of instant noodles, then you have consumed approximately 1722 mg of salt.

This level of intake almost reaches the recommended daily intake for salt intake, which is less than 2,300 mg per day or the equivalent of about one teaspoon of salt.

Eating instant noodles during pregnancy excessively increases salt levels in the body, which can trigger preeclampsia or complications during pregnancy that are characterized by high blood pressure.

Vitamins and nutritional content needed for pregnant women. However, research in South Korea shows that consumers of instant noodles have low levels of protein, phosphorus, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and vitamin B3 (niacin).

Even if pregnant women need a balanced intake of nutrients, adequate nutrition and vitamin content.

How about MSG?

Glutamate or monosodium MSG is a spice that always comes in instant noodle packages. MSG with good taste makes instant noodles more delicious to eat.

Is eating instant noodles during pregnancy with MSG seasoning dangerous? Similar to salt, excessive consumption of MSG will increase sodium levels in the body, which can trigger hypertension in pregnant women.

For some people who are sensitive to GMP, consumption of MSG causes "complex symptoms of MSG", including headaches, nausea, numbness or tickling in the neck or face, sweating, pain in the mouth. chest, weakness and palpitations.

However, if you don't have problems when taking MSG before becoming pregnant, you don't need to worry because "complex symptoms of MSG" won't appear when you eat instant noodles during pregnancy.

Pay attention to the consumption of TBHQ preservatives in instant noodles

T-Butylhydroquinone, also known as TBHQ, is one of a variety of food preservatives that is used to extend shelf life and prevent food discoloration.

In general, TBHQ intake of 0.62 mg / kg body weight has reached around 90% of the permitted TBHQ intake.

Although research shows that TBHQ consumption has no effect on the fetus in pregnant mice, TBHQ has the potential to cause several health problems in humans if consumed in excessive amounts, such as disorders. a vision.

In this study, mice that received food containing TBHQ experienced enlargement of the liver and exposure to TBHQ in mice caused neurotoxic effects in the form of seizures and paralysis.

In fact, in other studies, THBQ can increase tumor risk in mice. However, further research is still needed on the effects of TBHQ on human health.

Is it not allowed to eat instant noodles while pregnant?

Eating instant noodles during pregnancy is not recommended. But if you really want to taste instant noodles, you can do better than choosing the type of instant noodles that are healthier, for example by finding instant noodles with mixed vegetables.

You can also look for types of instant noodles with low sodium content. Cook or add other food ingredients that can add nutritional deficiencies to instant noodles.

Vegetables and protein-rich foods can be added to the instant noodles that you want to eat. In addition, pay attention to the portion of consumption of instant noodles during pregnancy, including the amount of MSG spices to be added.
 
Ask the doctor

If you are not sure about eating instant noodles during pregnancy, don't hesitate to ask your doctor whether instant noodles are safe for your health during pregnancy or not.

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