BHT itself is a carcinogen that can cause liver enlargement, chromosomal abnormalities, and reduced fertility. The seasoning packets in instant noodles, whether meat packets, oil packets, or salt and MSG packets, all contain antioxidants, and excessive consumption can affect the human liver.
How to Cook Instant Noodles
In the past, many people thought, "Instant noodles contain preservatives, and eating too much will turn you into a mummy."
In fact, this is incorrect. Some instant noodles do not contain many preservatives, and the noodles themselves are not a problem. However, for convenience of preservation, instant noodles are fried, and BHT (a stabilizer to prevent food from rancidity) is often added to the oil.
BHT itself is a carcinogen that can cause liver enlargement, chromosomal abnormalities, and reduced fertility. The seasoning packets in instant noodles, whether meat packets, oil packets, or salt and MSG packets, all contain antioxidants, and excessive consumption can affect the human liver. Moreover, its salt (sodium) content is also quite high, which not only causes water retention in the body but can also lead to high blood pressure and increase the burden on the heart and kidneys.
The Truth About Instant Noodles
Even more frightening are the cup noodles. Because the cup is made of polystyrene, BHT stabilizer is added to prevent deformation when heated. However, during the steeping process, these substances dissolve out when exposed to high temperature. In Japan, scholars have conducted research on this. They pointed out that the dangerous amount of styrene ingested by the human body per kilogram of body weight per day is 0.001 milligrams, while the amount dissolved from one cup of instant noodles is 0.015 milligrams, which is almost a quarter of the dangerous amount.
The Nutrition and Calories of Instant Noodles
Research has confirmed that the seasoning packets in instant noodles must undergo high-temperature sterilization and vacuum packaging, so the B vitamins and iron from the meat, or the vitamin C and vitamin A from the vegetables, are long gone. All you are consuming is a pile of calories. For example, a small cup of instant noodles has 350 calories, and a large bowl with seasoning packets has at least 500-600 calories. Therefore, if you spend more money to buy a seemingly more premium large bowl of noodles, you are at most just buying an extra 200-300 calories.
A Healthier Way to Cook Instant Noodles
First, bring the water to a boil before adding the noodles. Do not add any other seasoning packets.
When the noodles start to soften, stir them slightly, then immediately scoop them into a bowl. Discard the water you just cooked the noodles in. Then, boil a new batch of water for the other seasoning packets, using only one-third or half of the usual amount. You can also add an egg or vegetables. After cooking, pour the contents into the bowl with the noodles.
This way, you can be sure you won't consume the fried noodle oil or BHT, and the noodles will not become soggy easily. Although this method is more troublesome, eating less oil is healthier.
Reminder: It's best not to buy cup noodles. Even when you are out, it's best to bring your own steel cup. You can choose rice noodles or vermicelli, which are not fried.
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