Although Ramen noodles originated in China, the instant noodles you see on grocery shelves today are a product of Japan. Ron Konzak, author of "The Book of Ramen," states that Momofuku Ando, the creator of instant Ramen, brought them from Japan to the U.S. in 1970. Today, factories in the U.S., as well as China, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Europe, Malaysia and Indonesia manufacture Ramen noodles, often in flavors specific to the country of origin. While the nutritional value of Ramen remains questionable, low cost and easy preparation methods make them standard on many grocery lists.
Identification
According to Diet Facts, one package of roast beef flavored Ramen noodles contains two servings, each about 8 oz. in size after reconstituting in water. Of the 190 calories in each serving, 36.8 percent, or 70 calories come from fat, half of which is saturated fat. In addition, carbohydrates make up 52.6 percent of the total calories and protein makes up the remaining 8.4 percent. Each serving also contains 780 mg of sodium, or 32 percent of the recommended daily value for a 2,000 calorie per day diet.
Positives
One serving of Ramen noodles provides 6 percent of your daily requirement for iron and although present in trace amounts, the wheat flour used to make Ramen noodles contains the B-vitamins niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and folic acid. All of these are, according to Medline Plus, a health information site established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, important in the formation of oxygen carrying red blood cells.
Negatives
Although some amount of fat plays an important role in your diet, some fats are better than others are. Ramen noodles contain a significant amount of unhealthy saturated fat that at 9 calories per gram is not only calorie intensive, but according to MayoClinic.com, can increase your risk of developing heart disease and raise blood cholesterol levels.
Ramen noodles are also high in sodium. One serving equals approximately a third of your daily sodium allowance based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet, according to information provided on Diet Facts. Salt ingredients in Ramen noodles include monosodium glutamate, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate and soy sauce. According to Medline Plus, excessive dietary sodium overloads your kidneys and leads to problems with high blood pressure.
Considerations
The sodium and saturated fat content in Ramen noodles qualify it as a moderately inflammatory food, with an inflammation factor of -124. According to Nutrition Data, ingredients in Ramen noodles, especially saturated fats cause cells to produce chemicals called prostaglandins that can promote swelling and aggravate allergies, joint pain or a medical condition such as arthritis.
Warning
If a single package of Ramen noodles provides you with one, rather than two servings, keep in mind that all nutrition information, both good and bad, doubles. For example, total calories become 380, fat calories rise to 140, with 70 coming from saturated fat and sodium raises to 1,562 mg.
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