It's no secret that pregnant women often feel hungry in the middle of the night and want to enjoy instant noodles. However, then a sense of worry arises, is instant noodles safe for pregnant women and fetuses?
Instant noodles are one of the favorite foods of many people from various walks of life, because of its savory taste and fast and easy manufacturing. According to a national health survey, instant noodles are consumed at least 1-6 times per week by around 70% of adults in Indonesia, and fans of instant noodles increase by almost 5% each year.
Instant Noodle Content
The main component of instant noodles is wheat flour. Based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, since 2001, all instant noodle products need to be fortified or given additional nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, folic acid, iron, and zinc. But on the other hand, instant noodles also contain preservatives, colorings, and flavorings. Although the levels and ingredients have been declared safe, if consumed in large quantities, of course it is still not good.
Based on a study in South Korea, consumption of instant noodles twice per week has the risk of causing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of disorders consisting of high blood pressure, excess fat accumulation in the stomach, low levels of good cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, and high triglyceride levels. The combination of the high amount of calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt in instant noodles contributes to this condition.
Can instant noodles be consumed by pregnant women?
Food consumed by pregnant women directly and indirectly can affect fetal growth. High salt or sodium content in instant noodles can trigger hypertension. During pregnancy, an increase in blood pressure can be dangerous for both the mother and fetus.
There is no definite literature that explains how often pregnant women may consume instant noodles. If pregnant women really want to enjoy instant noodles, that's OK, as long as it's not too often. If you want to eat instant noodles, here are some tips that pregnant women can do in processing instant noodles to make them healthier:
- Reduce the amount of seasoning used. Use half of it or you can make your own seasoning.
- Add protein, such as eggs, seafood or meat.
- Add vegetables, such as carrots, tomatoes, sawai, broccoli, or spinach. Make sure everything must be cooked until done.
Instant noodles are processed foods. Therefore, consumption must be limited. Foods that are recommended for pregnant women are healthy and natural foods. All mothers would want to give the best for their children, right? So, pay attention to what pregnant women eat, because everything consumed by pregnant women will affect the baby in the womb.
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