Instant Noodles are fast food that is liked by various groups, from children, the elderly and pregnant women. During pregnancy, not a few mothers want certain foods, aka cravings. Most pregnant women usually crave fruits, to certain processed foods. Some pregnant women say that their cravings must be complied with because the baby wants them.
However, what if what you crave is instant noodles? With a content rich in sodium, are there criteria for the best instant noodles for pregnant women? Come on, find out before deciding to consume it!
Instant Noodles Can pregnant women eat?
Some mothers who are pregnant may be concerned about the MSG content in packaged foods, including noodles. Not a few end up holding back their cravings for fear of the side effects that might arise from consuming MSG. However, what exactly is MSG?
MSG, aka Monosodium glutamate, is a food additive used to enhance taste, reports the Mayo Clinic. MSG consists of sodium and glutamate which are produced by natural fermentation.
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia through the Yankes Kemkes website reveals that MSG is a flavor enhancer that is safe for consumption. However, not a few experience side effects after consuming foods containing MSG.
Symptoms that arise due to consumption of MSG include dizziness, sweating, fast heartbeat, and so on. This effect then makes some people frame that MSG is an ingredient that must be avoided, especially in pregnant women.
Noodles on the market itself generally contain MSG. However, even though it can cause side effects, consumption of MSG within reasonable limits does not always have a negative impact. Reported by Baby Center, pregnant women may consume instant noodles as long as they are not frequent.
Instant Noodles safe for pregnant women?
Still from the same source, MSG in Instant Noodles remains safe for consumption as long as it’s within reasonable limits.
For the record, MSG can be quite high. In one serving of noodles with spices, generally contains about 800 mg of sodium. This amount meets at least more than a third of the recommended daily intake.
Before choosing instant noodles, you should pay attention to the nutritional value table. On the packaging, you can find the words monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extract, and protein isolate. The term is another name for a substance that naturally contains MSG.
The best instant noodle alternative for pregnant women
No one can guarantee product claims on the market except the manufacturers themselves. For that, you need to be careful in choosing and consuming noodles during pregnancy.
Apart from not consuming it too often, the best instant noodle alternative for pregnant women is to do the following. This description is according to the explanation in Being The Parents.
- Add chopped fresh vegetables to the noodles for added nutrition. For example, beans, cauliflower, mustard greens, carrots, mushrooms, peas, onions, and tomatoes
- Just mix half of the seasonings provided in the package
- Make your own noodle seasoning from natural ingredients that are lower in salt
- Boil using natural chicken broth with additional spices
- Look for noodles made from whole wheat rather than refined flour or maida
- Add boiled eggs for added nutrition.
The best instant noodles for pregnant women are home products made from natural ingredients. In choosing instant noodles, make sure the sodium content is not too high or replace the spices with homemade ones for the health of you and your baby.
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