I know how it feels when you’re under the weather and all you want is a bowl of warm, comforting soup.
Luckily, a cup of ramen noodles is just as easy to make as it is comforting—but before you grab that package off the shelf, read on to find out if this dish is good for you when sick.
A cup of ramen noodles is comforting and convenient, particularly when you’re under the weather
Ramen noodles are an excellent option for a quick and cheap meal. They are high in protein, which can help you feel complete and easy to digest.
Noodles also require very little prep time—the only thing you’ll have to do is boil some water, add the noodles, and let them cook for a few minutes before draining them and adding your toppings of choice.
Your options are pretty much limitless when it comes to cooking ramen noodles: You can serve them in soup (or with broth if you prefer), make stir-fries or fried rice out of them, or add them into salads or pasta dishes that already contain other ingredients, the options are endless.
It’s important to note that while most types of ramen have roughly 200 calories per serving (a serving being half of the package), some brands contain more than 400 calories per serving, so be sure not to mix up your nutritional facts when shopping for this product.
Just be sure to watch out for the sodium content, which can be up to 1,180 milligrams per package
When you’re sick, being able to make yourself a hot bowl of soup is the best thing. That’s why ramen noodles are so popular.
Just be sure to watch out for the sodium content, which can be up to 1,180 milligrams per package (that’s 42% of your recommended daily intake).
Sodium is essential for your body—it helps transmit nerve impulses and maintains fluid balance in cells
—but too much can be harmful and lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. If you overeat every day, it could also increase your risk of stroke or kidney disease.
Ramen noodles have a lot of salt—about 1/3 cup worth per serving—so limit yourself if you’re not feeling well and try making other options like chicken noodle soup instead.
That’s more than half of the maximum recommended daily amount
The salt in a bowl of ramen is more than half of the maximum recommended daily amount. One cup contains over 1000mg of sodium, typically in around two and a half cups of soup.
Salt can cause bloating and water retention.
It can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease by increasing your risk for stroke or kidney disease.
If this sounds like too much responsibility, consider asking your doctor if it’s worth cutting back on Ramen during colds and flu season—or better yet, replacing it with something else entirely.
The noodles are also low in fiber, so try adding some vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, for a little extra nutrition and fiber
The noodles are also low in fiber, so try adding some vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, for a little extra nutrition and fiber.
- Add chicken or beef
- Add eggs
- Add tofu
- Add noodles
Conclusion
Ramen is a great option when you’re sick and need something fast. The noodles are comforting, the broth can make you feel better, and there’s no cooking involved.
Just watch out for sodium since it can be high in some brands (though not all). If you have time, try adding some vegetables like spinach or broccoli for an extra boost of nutrition.
