Instant noodles: what are they made of, benefits and harms

Instant noodles - one of the most popular dishes in Russia and in the world. It has many fans and haters. This article contains all the information about this product, which will help to understand many issues related to it. For example, are instant noodles harmful? Can it be eaten when losing weight, children, pregnant women?

What are instant noodles?

To begin with, it is worth understanding: what exactly is this product? It is a pasta that can be cooked in a few minutes. It is enough to pour them with boiling water and let them boil for a while.

What is it made of?

Many people mistakenly believe that it is made from some special, unhealthy chemical base, but, fortunately, it's not that bad at all. Instant noodles are exactly the same noodles that everyone is used to cook, just made with a slightly different technology: they have already been boiled in the factory and dried to minimize the time it takes to cook them. Therefore, the composition of the product is not much different from conventional pasta. It includes, first of all, flour (it can be absolutely any, but most often baking wheat is used, as it helps noodles not to lose their structure). Some manufacturers add to the future dough starch or guar gum, which by their nature are natural thickeners.

How they are made

Of course, many people are interested in the question: how exactly are instant noodles made? How is it that it can be brewed in a few minutes? Is there really any special technology? In fact, everything is much simpler than it seems at first glance. First, the production facility makes dough from the ingredients described above. Then this dough is rolled out and cut into noodles. Then the resulting mass is steamed and fried in oil, packaged and sent to the stores. The most important step in all production is frying in oil. This is what gives us the kind of noodles that can be prepared in just a few minutes.

Types

Noodles presented in the Russian market, for the most part differs only in the manufacturer. The most popular types in our country are noodles "Rollton", "Doshirak", "Big Lunch" and "Big Bon". In some stores you can also find noodles "7 minutes", "Pandabox", "Petra", "Anakom". Despite the fact that some people often make out the taste of a particular brand, the main difference is solely in the price.

In addition, instant noodles are popular not only in our country, but also in many other countries. Moreover, the homeland of this product is considered Japan. There, the choice of instant noodles is much wider than in our country, and is limited not only by various flavors, but also, for example, by composition and quality. Of such pasta in Japan even make side dishes and salads.

Composition and calories

The composition can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, but most often the bag includes the noodles themselves, oil, spices and dry broth. If with the composition of the noodles we have already figured out, it will be important to say also about the contents of the bags themselves with spices. There are various dried vegetables (most often onions, corn and carrots), meat (mostly soy), fish, seafood, various herbs and spices for flavor. In addition, in the composition of such packages can be found monosodium glutamate, which many are very afraid and try to avoid in every possible way. But do not be too frightened by it and immediately give up the pleasure of enjoying delicious noodles. The WHO (World Health Organization) has recognized monosodium glutamate as safe because it is nothing more than a common salt of glutamic acid.

Pasta usually contains such elements: folic acid and vitamins B1, B2, B6, PP.

The caloric value of such noodles also depends greatly on the manufacturer and the composition. Fortunately, it is easy to find it on the packaging. On average, there are 452 kcal, 8.7 g of protein, 21 g of fat and 56.7 g of carbohydrates per 100 g of the product. For comparison, the caloric value of the popular Snickers bar is 507 kcal per 100 g.

Are "Rollton" and "Doshirak" useful?

If you look at the composition of the noodles of these brands, you can understand that such products are not extremely unhealthy. Unfortunately, it has quite a lot of salt, but if you do not add a bag of dry broth to the noodles, there is absolutely nothing wrong with such a dish. Of course, such noodles should not be eaten every day, because they have relatively few vitamins. But if you eat such noodles from time to time, then nothing bad will happen.

By the way, speaking of vitamins, it is not superfluous to say that even in instant noodles they are present. Their composition and quantity depends on the particular brand that you choose. For example, Rollton noodles have folic acid and vitamins B1, B2, B6, PP. Moreover, for comparison, the amount of protein in a similar packet of noodles is equal to the amount of protein in one glass of kefir or its value is slightly less than in one average egg.

Many people are also frightened by the fact that in the manufacture of instant noodles some manufacturers use palm oil, as it is the cheapest (including because of this you can find pasta that is cooked for less than 10 rubles). Scientists have no consensus on this product, so each person has the right to decide for himself whether he should eat products containing palm oil or not. But if you eat instant noodles several times a month, then nothing terrible will happen to the body. In addition, we should not forget that palm oil is contained in many, familiar to us, products, where it is even sometimes much more than in instant noodles. For example, such products include cakes, cookies, chips and many other sweets.

Can I eat during pregnancy and the pregnancy of the Mother of God?

Very many girls during pregnancy are drawn to instant noodles. As we have already analyzed above, nothing bad will happen if a pregnant girl will sometimes eat such pasta. The most important thing here is not to eat them all the time, replacing the main meals, and do not forget about vitamins and doctor's prescriptions.

But a girl who is breastfeeding her baby will have to give up such food for a while. The product contains chemical elements that can cause allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems in the baby. Moreover, a girl during breastfeeding should be careful about the consumption of pasta itself. On this subject, it will not be superfluous to consult with your doctor.

Are instant noodles good for children?

This question has long caused a lot of controversy. Whether or not to give such noodles to their child is a personal matter for each parent. But, as scientists say, there is nothing in it that could have a bad effect on the body of a healthy child. Therefore, if children will rarely eat such noodles (for example, once a month), it will not have any harm to the young body, but, of course, it is definitely not worth getting involved in it.

Can I eat them while losing weight, eating right and veganism

Another popular myth is that instant noodles can lead to weight gain. In fact, one gains weight by eating too many calories (called a calorie "surplus") regardless of what foods one eats. It is possible to gain weight even by eating only the right foods. This means that instant noodles can be eaten when losing weight, as long as they fit into the daily calorie allowance (which can easily be calculated using formulas on the Internet). Another question is whether it is rational to do so, because this product has a fairly large caloric value, but gives not much energy and satiates for a short time (due to the fact that it consists mainly of simple carbohydrates).

Speaking of instant noodles for people on a proper diet, many argue that if you remove the spices, the product becomes the most common pasta that can be eaten by such people. This is not entirely true. The fact is that the product consists of simple carbohydrates, which, as we have already said, satiates for a very short time, which means that this option is not quite suitable for people on a proper diet. In addition, the noodles are fried in oil, which also may not suit everyone.

What about vegetarians and vegans? There is no definite answer to this question, because everything depends on the composition of the particular noodles and the type of diet of the person himself. Many manufacturers assure that their product contains meat, but, as practice shows, in most bags it is soy meat. Moreover, Roskomnadzor conducted its own study, which showed that manufacturers hardly ever add real meat. Chicken can only be in the broth, so if it is removed, then a vegetarian can safely eat such noodles. Vegans, on the other hand, will have to give up many kinds of instant noodles, because they are made from eggs. In any case, vegetarians should read the ingredients very carefully if they want to indulge in instant noodles.

Pros of instant noodles

Undoubtedly, this product has many pluses. For example:

1. Price. When it comes to the need to live on a small amount of money for a while, only a lazy person will not offer instant noodles. Because of its extremely low price (in some stores you can find the product for a few rubles), it has even become known among the people as "beverage packs" or "food of the poor". Not surprisingly, instant noodles are in demand mainly among students.
2. Taste. Very many people, regardless of gender, age and wealth, love instant noodles for one simple reason - it's delicious. Now in the store you can find a variety of flavors of such noodles: ham and cheese, mushrooms, bacon, chicken, beef and many others. There are versions of noodles with different sauces and additives, that is, everyone can find a product to his liking.
3. Convenience. Noodles, which are sold in special trays with a fork, are very convenient to eat on trips (especially associated with trains). In addition, it does not require special cooking and washing up afterwards. And the preparation itself does not take very long. It's enough to wait for the kettle to boil, and in 3-5 minutes you can enjoy a delicious and hot meal.

Harm and contraindications

But, of course, such noodles have disadvantages. It should not be consumed in such diseases as gastritis and pancreatitis, in pathologies of the cardiovascular system (because of the large amount of salt), as well as if you are on a certain diet on the recommendation of a doctor.

Also the product:

1. Has a high caloric value. Instant noodles are definitely not a low-calorie product. Given the fact that it can not satiate for a long time because of the predominantly simple carbohydrates in its composition, it will be difficult to fit it into the caloric intake of a person who is currently sitting on a diet.
2. Addictive. It sounds like a scary inscription on a pack of cigarettes, but, in fact, many people would agree that after trying such noodles once, it's hard to pass them up in the supermarket. Children especially suffer from this, who often buy these noodles with their pocket money and eat them in secret from their parents.

How to choose and store

You should choose instant noodles based on your taste preferences and budget. Fortunately, the Russian market has a mass of all kinds of products and with different flavors.

The shelf life of instant noodles depends on the specific manufacturer. Approximately it is one year. After this period, nothing critical to the noodles will not happen, except that it may lose some of its flavor.

Store instant noodles in a dry place at room temperature and protect them from direct sunlight.

Is it possible to eat "Rollton" or "Doshirak" dry

Very many people like to eat instant noodles in dry form. Of course, if you do it rarely, there will be no critical harm to health. But, however, it is still worth to eat the product in ready-made form, reducing the possible adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract, especially if you eat instant noodles quite often.

What you can make with instant noodles

Instant noodles can be not only a tasty snack without additional ingredients, but also the basis for unusual and interesting dishes.

Doshirak burger

Ingredients:

• 100 g instant noodles.
• 130 g boneless chicken ham.
• Onion.
• Leaf lettuce.
• A few slices of cheese.
• Pickle.
• 2 chicken eggs.

For the sauce, you will need to mix ketchup and mayonnaise.

Method of preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over the noodles and let them boil. Do not add spices, broth and oil to the noodles. After the noodles are boiled, drain the water, add the eggs and mix thoroughly.
2. Add oil to a frying pan and let it heat up. We fry the future buns of our burger (noodles) on both sides.
3. Chop chicken meat with a knife, add spices to taste, form cutlets and fry them on both sides.
4. Then assemble the burger. One bun grease the sauce, put the cutlet on it, vegetables and cheese, pour the sauce and cover it with the second bun.

Noodle burger ready!

Noodle Salad

Ingredients:

• 100 g of instant noodles.
• 2-3 tomatoes.
• 2 salted cucumbers.
• 1 bell bell pepper.

For the dressing:

• Greens to taste: onion, dill, parsley.
• Butter.
• Spices to taste.

Method for cooking:

1. Cook noodles with spices and dried vegetables. Let stand for a few minutes, pour water off and let cool.
2. Chop vegetables.
3. Melt the butter and add spices and herbs to taste.
4. Thoroughly mix everything in a large bowl.

Delicious salad is ready!

Vegetables and noodles

Ingredients:

• 100g instant noodles.
• Favorite vegetables or ready mixed vegetables.
• 250 ml water.
• Vegetable oil.
• Salt and spices to taste.

Method of preparation:

1. Add oil to a frying pan and let it heat up. Pour the vegetables and fry them for a few minutes.
2. Put dry noodles in the pan and add water. Add spices to taste.
3. Braise on a very low heat for a few minutes.

Dish is ready!

Teriyaki noodles

Ingredients:

• 2-3 packages of instant noodles.
• 300 grams of chicken fillet.
• Favorite vegetables.
• Half a cup of soy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sugar.
• 1 tablespoon 3% vinegar.
• Half a glass of white wine.
• 1 head of dried garlic.
• 1 teaspoon dried ginger.
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds.

Method of preparation:

1. Mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, sugar, wine and sesame for marinade. Stir thoroughly.
2. Leave the chicken fillets to marinate for a few hours.
3. Our favorite vegetables (cucumber, peppers, carrots and others) we slice.
4. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes in a preheated pan.
5. Add the vegetables to the same pan and cook for 7-8 minutes.
6. At the same time we boil instant noodles.
7. Add pasta to vegetables and chicken, pour teriyaki sauce over it. Braise until the chicken is fully cooked.

Before serving, you can sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and garnish with greens. Exquisite and unusual dish is ready.

Interesting facts

1. Instant noodles are very popular in Asian countries. There they are eaten with eggs, fresh or pickled vegetables. Sometimes they are even brewed with green tea instead of water, as we are used to doing!
2. Japan has a museum dedicated to instant noodles. Visitors can learn the history of the product, everything about its production, and can even create noodles according to their own recipe using all their favorite ingredients. Museum workers assure that in total you can try more than six thousand different variations of noodles. The last room is the most favorite of all, because you can not only make your own noodles, but also immediately try them. In addition, here you can buy rare noodles with different unusual flavors.
3. When instant noodles appeared in the middle of the twentieth century in Japan, they were considered the food of rich people because they cost almost six times as much as they do now. The producer of these noodles originally wanted to make an inexpensive product that would feed everyone in the postwar period.
4. In 2004, a special vacuum pack for instant noodles was invented so that astronauts could take them into space. The noodles that astronauts take into space are slightly different from what we are used to: they are slightly thinner so that they do not need to be boiled, and they already taste of broth, spices and vegetables.
5. The man who invented instant noodles lived 97 years. He claimed that the secret of his longevity was his invention.
6. Over 28 billion instant noodles are consumed in China every year.
7. And globally, people eat more than 100 billion packages of the product every year.
8. Instant noodles are considered the main Japanese invention of the twentieth century (according to the residents of the Land of the Rising Sun themselves). The fact is that such pasta best captures the spirit of Japan.
9. There is a restaurant in New York that serves only instant noodles. What's more, when it first opened, people had to reserve tables months in advance to get in.
10. Georgie Readman is an American who eats exclusively instant noodles because she is afraid of other foods after a series of food poisonings as a child.
11. The product is the best-selling dish at the American prison in Rikers, N.Y.
12. World-renowned chef David Chang prefers to eat instant noodles dry. He got into this habit when he was a child and ate a packet every day on his way home from school.
13. The average cost of a pack of instant noodles is only 30 cents, or 8 rubles. It turns out that a person who eats nothing but instant noodles every day spends $140 or 9,000 rubles a year on food. At the same time, the average American spends almost $8,000 or 500,000 rubles a year on food.
14. The first Vietnamese billionaire made his fortune by starting to make instant noodles in Ukraine. As of 2017, his fortune is estimated at one and a half billion U.S. dollars (or about 95 billion rubles).

To summarize, it is worth saying that, despite its simplicity, instant noodles - quite an interesting dish, which for some reason unreasonably gained fame far from the most useful product. In fact, there is nothing in noodles that would cause significant harm to the human body (in this case, we simply could not buy such a product in the store). If you don't abuse instant noodles and enjoy them only a few times a month, they won't do any harm. Despite its unfortunately bad reputation, this product has millions of fans around the world.

Photo of instant noodles