Even though instant noodles are so tempting to the tongue, it cannot be denied that most people consider them unhealthy foods because of their low nutritional content. But when you have cravings during pregnancy, is it safe to eat instant noodles? Here is the full explanation.

Preservative Content in Instant Noodles

Instant noodles are foods made from wheat flour and are a favorite food for many people. To ensure that this product complies with health standards, WHO recommends that all instant noodles be fortified with additional nutrients, such as vitamin A, B vitamins, folic acid, iron and zinc.

However, we must remain wise in consuming instant noodles. Preservatives, coloring and flavoring agents may be present in instant noodles, even if they are at safe levels. However, excessive consumption is certainly not recommended.

Apart from being delicious and practical, we need to realize that consuming instant noodles in excessive amounts can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. This syndrome consists of a number of disorders, such as high blood pressure, accumulation of fat in the abdomen, high blood sugar levels, and high triglyceride levels.

The high number of calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt in instant noodles can trigger these disorders. Therefore, managing a wise and balanced diet is very important.

Considerations of Consuming Instant Noodles During Pregnancy

The thing that you shouldn't miss is the content in instant noodles. The reason is, you have to consider this before consuming it. Especially when you're pregnant.

Instant noodles contain 0.35 mg of Sodium Benzonate and 0.4 mg of Sodium Metabisulfite. Don't worry, the content of these preservatives is still within safe limits for consumption during pregnancy, as long as it's not done too often.

Of course, for pregnant women who want to enjoy their favorite instant noodles, that's fine, as long as it's not too much. Although until now there is no definitive literature that determines how often pregnant women may consume instant noodles.

However, keep in mind that instant noodles also contain MSG and are high in calories. Both of these substances can trigger hypertension or high blood pressure, and can even lower insulin levels, which can cause pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.

Instant noodles can also make the stomach more hungry because of the high carbohydrate content and can increase blood sugar quickly. Blood sugar that rises quickly can inhibit the digestive process of instant noodles so that it has a longer feeling of fullness.

Not only that, the longer instant noodle digestion process can also force the digestive tract to work hard in breaking down nutrients for hours. In fact, eating processed foods that are low in fiber can usually be digested more quickly.

Tips for Eating Instant Noodles for Pregnant Women

Even though cooking instant noodles is quite practical, you should consume it within reasonable limits. Especially in pregnant women. Because instant noodles have an effect that is not good for health. Even though you're pregnant, you don't need to be confused about how to eat instant noodles to make it healthier. Come on, see some tips for cooking instant noodles to keep it delicious and healthy for pregnant women:

1. Reduce the use of instant noodle seasoning by half. This will help reduce the excessive salt content and preservatives in instant noodles, making it safer for pregnant women.
2. Add a source of protein and fresh vegetables. For example, you can add boiled eggs which are rich in protein, carrots which are rich in vitamin A, tomatoes which are fresh and rich in lycopene, and green vegetables such as mustard greens, broccoli or spinach which contain fiber and iron.
3. Make sure the instant noodles are cooked to perfection. By cooking it thoroughly, you can ensure that instant noodles are safe for consumption by pregnant women and don't pose a risk of harmful bacteria or chemicals.

Remember that consuming instant noodles for pregnant women should be done only occasionally and more as a snack. It is even more important if pregnant women continue to consume healthy and natural foods to support the development of their little one in the womb.

References:

https://www.alodokter.com/bolehkah-ibu-hamil-makan-mie-instan

https://bocahindonesia.com/ibu-hamil-makan-mie-instan/#Apakah_Boleh_Ibu_Hamil_Konsumsi_Mie_Instan

https://hellosehat.com/kehamilan/kandungan/prenatal/boleh-makan-mie-instan-saat-hamil/