Shoutout to all pancit canton enjoyers, your health might be at risk because of your dietary patterns!
Did you know that instant food consumption is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors?
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition investigates the relationship between instant noodle consumption, dietary patterns, and cardiometabolic risk factors in South Korea.
Here is what was revealed about the link between instant food intake and its associated health risks so far!
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!
Instant food is a staple among Asian countries, especially in South Korea and the Philippines.
In the Philippines, a demographer describes a typical young Filipino diet that mostly includes instant noodles, chips, grilled street food, and carbonated drinks.
It was revealed in 2014 that six in 10 young Filipinos have instant noodles and chips in their weekly diet.
Photo from Canva
Meanwhile, South Koreans have one of the highest per capita consumption of instant noodles globally with approximately 3.4 billion packages of instant noodles in 2010.
With data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV from 2007 to 2009, the research shows the link between high instant noodle intake and increased cardiometabolic risks.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
The Journal of Nutrition research found that consuming instant noodles twice a week or more is linked to cardiometabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
South Korea has seen a swift rise in health issues, particularly heart disease, along with a rising number of overweight adults.
These developments may result in higher mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases and escalating healthcare expenses.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Consumption of instant noodles twice a week or more was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women but not in men.
The study noted that the results were more common in women, likely due to biological differences, obesity, and components of metabolic syndrome.
Varying eating habits and food reporting accuracy may also contribute to the gender gap.
Another factor could be bisphenol A (BPA), found in Styrofoam noodle packaging, which studies suggest disrupts hormonal communication, particularly estrogen.
#HEALTHY CHOICES, BETTER LIFE
Gender-related findings aside, the existing data show the importance of understanding the foods consumed, noting that many people eat instant noodles without being aware of the potential health risks.
This study may serve as a basis for future research on the health effects of instant noodle consumption, especially since Filipinos have a knack for eating cheap and accessible food.
When you choose to cook pancit canton for a midnight snack, remember that your dietary choices affect your health outcomes.
After all, it’s better to be safe than suffer from cardiometabolic conditions, Sugboanons!
