Does Eating Instant Noodles 2-3 Times A Week Lead To Increased Risk Of Heart Disease, Stroke And Diabetes?
On February 27, 2025, an Instagram user, awareness_of_success posted an image with the text, “EATING INSTANT NOODLES TWO TO THREE TIMES A WEEK HAS BEEN LINKED TO AN INCREASED RISK OF HEART DISEASE, STROKE & DIABETES”.
The caption on the post reads: “Regular consumption of instant noodles, specifically two to three times per week, has been associated with an increased risk of health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A study conducted by Baylor University found that individuals who frequently consumed instant noodles had a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that elevate the risk for these diseases. The study highlighted that women, in particular, were more susceptible to these health risks. The high levels of sodium, unhealthy saturated fats, and preservatives commonly found in instant noodles are believed to contribute to these adverse health effects. Health experts recommend moderating the intake of instant noodles and opting for a balanced diet rich in whole foods to mitigate these risks.”
As of the time this report was published, the post had over 77,000 impressions.
VERIFICATION
According to a research published in May 2017, regularly eating instant noodles has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, mainly because most instant noodles contain excessive amounts of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Most of them also contain trans fats, which can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart disease.
Instant noodles are made from highly processed refined flour, which causes rapid blood sugar spikes and may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes over time. And some contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) and other artificial additives, which may cause metabolic disturbances and contribute to health issues in some individuals.
Scientific Evidence
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who ate instant noodles more than twice a week had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, all of which increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A dietician from the University of Uyo teaching hospital, Etimbuk Uforo, when contacted by the fact checker said that “instant noodles themselves are not the sole cause of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes, but frequent consumption is linked to increased health risks due to high sodium, unhealthy fats, and poor nutritional quality.” She stressed that “moderation is key, and pairing them with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole foods can help reduce potential risks”.
CONCLUSION
The claim that eating instant noodles 2-3 times a week has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes is TRUE as some research have indicated a correlation between frequent instant noodle consumption and increased risk factors for these conditions, particularly in women. A medical expert also notes that the high sodium, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrate content of instant noodles can be detrimental to health when consumed regularly.
