Foods that do not pair well with ramen and foods that pair well with ramen

 

Three foods that don't pair well with ramen

Kimchi

The actual pairing of ramen and kimchi is not very good. It's because of sodium. The sodium content in one pack of ramen averages 1,600 mg, which accounts for 70-80% of the recommended daily sodium intake. Additionally, kimchi generally contains 650 mg of sodium per 100 grams. Just one meal of ramen and kimchi can exceed the recommended daily sodium intake.

Cola=

Eating ramen with cola can lead to calcium deficiency. This is due to the antagonistic effect of phosphorus and calcium (a phenomenon where two components act simultaneously and negate each other's effects). Phosphorus is an essential element in our body, but it is excessively present in food additives like ramen. Additionally, the phosphates in cola promote the excretion of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. As a result, continuously consuming ramen and cola together can increase phosphorus levels in the body and decrease calcium, leading to an imbalance. This imbalance can increase the secretion of parathyroid hormone, reduce bone mass, and potentially lead to osteoporosis.

Alcohol=

Many people look for ramen as a snack or hangover food. However, eating ramen during or after drinking alcohol worsens liver and stomach health. The liver is an organ that detoxifies alcohol and various harmful substances. Synthetic flavorings and food additives contained in ramen are also harmful substances. Consuming ramen before or after drinking alcohol adds extra burden to the liver, which is detoxifying the alcohol. Moreover, ramen is spicy and salty, which is also not good for the stomach. It further irritates the stomach lining damaged by alcohol.

▷Milk=

Milk is rich in potassium, making it a good match with ramen. Potassium automatically promotes the excretion of sodium in the body. Two potassium ions penetrate between cells and have the property of discharging three sodium ions, which is called the 'sodium-potassium pump.' Moreover, potassium easily exits the body along with water. Milk is an accessible source of potassium. A 200mL pack contains about 300mg of potassium.

▷Seaweed=

Because kelp or seaweed helps to eliminate high cholesterol and sodium in ramen. The alginate abundant in seaweed becomes highly viscous in the body, preventing the reabsorption of bile. Then, the liver uses cholesterol to produce bile again, which lowers blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, the dietary fiber rich in seaweed adsorbs sodium that has not been absorbed with water in the intestines and is excreted.

Tofu

Instant noodles are high in carbohydrates but low in protein. When eating ramen, try adding tofu to supplement protein and achieve a balanced nutrition. Tofu contains 7.8 grams of protein per 100 grams. It is rich in a plant-based protein called isoflavones, which help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and promote smooth blood circulation. In particular, isoflavones are effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms in women. This is because their chemical structure is similar to the female hormone estrogen, allowing them to exert similar effects in the body.