Chinese lo mein noodles are a type of wheat and egg noodle. They are often used in stir-fry dishes and mixed with vegetables or meat. You can, however, eat Chinese lo mein noodles without any other ingredients. Plain Chinese lo mein noodles have a similar nutrient composition to the Italian spaghetti noodle, being fat-free and high in carbohydrates.
Calories
A 2-oz. serving of plain dry lo mein noodles contains 200 calories. By comparison, the same size serving of plain dry spaghetti noodles contains 210 calories. Although not very high in calories, lo mein noodles are more calorie dense than other grains such as brown rice ,with 160 calories in a 1/4-cup dry serving.
Carbohydrates
As a starch, the majority of the calories in plain Chinese lo mein noodles come from carbohydrates. A 2-oz. serving contains 45 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fiber, about the same amount found in the same size serving of dry spaghetti. Carbohydrates are the macronutrient your body needs in the greatest amount. It is an important source of energy that not only helps you get through your day, but is important for the function of your brain, heart and other organs. While lo mein noodles are a good source of carbohydrates, they are not a good source of fiber.
Protein and Fat
Plain Chinese lo mein noodles are fat-free and provide 5 g of protein. While plain lo mein noodles make a good source of protein, meeting 5 percent of your daily value, they do not provide your body with all of the essential amino acids. In order for your body to replace the proteins found in your cells and tissue, it needs these essential amino acids. However, if you eat a varied diet that includes other grains and vegetables you should be able to meet your daily needs.
Sodium
Plain Chinese lo mein noodles are very low in sodium, with just 1 g per 2-oz. serving. Including more low-sodium foods in your diet like plain lo mein noodles can help you limit your overall intake, which may help reduce your risk of developing hypertension. You should limit your daily sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,300 mg a day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Lo mein noodles are not a good source of many vitamins and minerals, but can help you meet your daily iron needs. A 2-oz. serving meets 15 percent of your daily iron needs. Iron is an essential mineral necessary for the transportation of oxygen in your body. Adequate intake of iron is also essential for growth and development during childhood, adolescence and pregnancy.
References
- Cook's Thesaurus; Asian What Noodles; Lori Alden
- ShopRite: Ka-Me Chinese Lo Mein Noodles -- Wide Nutrition Facts
- "The Complete Book of Food Counts"; Corrinne T. Netzer; 2009
- McKinley Health Center; Macronutrients: The Importance of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat; March 2008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protein
- Mayo Clinic; Percent Daily Value: What Does It Mean?; Katherine Zeratsky; May 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Iron; August 2007



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