For busy modern people, eating instant noodles seems to be an inevitable thing. Although instant noodles have become increasingly delicious with the progress of the food industry, they never quite meet healthy principles; however, with a little 'processing', they can still be made healthy.
Instant noodles, commonly known as ramen (including rice noodles or vermicelli), can be enjoyed simply by steeping them in boiling water for three to five minutes; however, if boiled, you can freely add some vegetables and ingredients, and finally crack an egg into it, making the nutrition more than sufficient.
One thing to note is that the seasoning packets for instant noodles are usually high in oil, salt, and MSG. It's best not to use the entire packet; using only half and adding some healthier seasonings will not only make the flavor better but also make you feel more at ease.
The noodles of general instant noodles are wrinkled. This is because during the manufacturing process, the noodles are dehydrated by frying to facilitate preservation; the wrinkled shape creates gaps between the noodles, allowing for even dehydration and gelatinization (frying to a crisp), which prevents mold or rancidity during storage.
For the storage of instant noodles, it is generally advisable to consume them within a month in the summer; they can be stored for three months in the winter. However, during storage, they should also be kept in a cool, low-humidity place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the oxidation of oil. Indoors, instant noodles should also be kept away from light to avoid rapid deterioration of the oil.
After opening an instant noodle package, it's best to finish it all at once to prevent the noodles (or vermicelli, rice noodles) from oxidizing and deteriorating in the air, or from being contaminated by cockroaches.
For health, the preservation of instant noodles is indeed very important; and for health, never treat instant noodles as a staple meal. Occasional consumption of instant noodles is harmless, and adding appropriate 'ingredients' can further ensure that your body is not harmed.