Benefits of Ramen Noodles for Diabetics

It is expected that individuals with diabetes exercise a great deal of care in watching what they eat. In most cases, the concern is usually on the number of calories and even limiting the intake of foods that could spike up the blood sugar level. 

Owing to this, a whole lot of carbs are struck out of the dietary plans of diabetics. This does not mean they do not take carbs as attention is majorly on the source and quantity. Based on this, questions such as “can diabetics eat ramen noodles and other low-calorie carbs?” typically arise.

Diabetes patients who love eating noodles will most likely be asked to steer clear of this delicacy, but some portion of whole wheat ramen noodles won’t be entirely harmful to make the diet of a person with diabetes. 

Though not the healthiest of a meal, ramen noodles could help fulfill the nutritional needs of diabetics to an extent. As a matter of emphasis, there have been a lot of modifications to the traditional Japanese ramen noodles as producers aim to provide healthier (ramen noodles) choices.

can diabetics eat ramen noodles

Having said that, it is pertinent that a person diagnosed with diabetes eats ramen noodles in moderation. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics take portion control dear to heart when it to eating grains or starchy foods [like ramen noodles] – this should only make 25% of their meal. 

By and large, as a diabetic, you need to be mindful of the fraction of calories that make up your diet.

Benefits of Ramen Noodles for Diabetics

In most cases, dieticians and nutritionists may give a straight “No” when asked: “can diabetics eat instant noodles?” There is, however, a twist to this when it comes to whole wheat ramen noodles, as it has been found to offer certain benefits. Some of these benefits are now discussed as follows:

Provides Satiating Delicacy

The availability of buckwheat in ramen noodles brings about some satisfying pleasure to anyone who eats it. Essentially, buckwheat has slow-releasing carbohydrates, which make sustained energy levels feasible.

This could be highly beneficial for diabetics in that they need to regularly munch on something – as hunger sets in – is put in check. 

It is even more interesting to note that the slow rate with which the body system absorbs buckwheat carbohydrates ultimately results in a more balanced blood sugar level, which is suitable for diabetics – nonetheless, this doesn’t mean diabetics have to indulge in eating ramen noodles consistently.

Provides Nutritional Value

People with diabetes are often left with limited options for having a (healthy) diet as a host of nutritious foods are deemed unsuitable for them to consume. Ramen noodles can, however, fill in this gap to some degree. 

It is yet worth noting that fresh ramen noodles have substantial quantities of vitamins and other nutrients. Again, it contains some protein and bone broth – which is prepared meat bones – that it is usually served with yet provides diabetics with even more protein and collagen.

Furthermore, lean meats and other toppings [like radishes, carrots, etc.] also supply different types of beneficial nutrients to the body system of diabetics. 

More so, ramen noodles have iron content which could help, in some ways, in addressing the anemic bout experienced by diabetics. Plus, a nutritious meal of fresh ramen noodles served with green leafy veggies and beef will even provide diabetics with more iron in their diet.

Flavoured Meal

Being a diabetic should not mean putting up with bland foods all the time; you can get a healthy ramen noodles meal with various flavors to try out.

You can choose from lime-chili shrimp flavor, shrimp flavor, creamy chicken mushroom flavor, beef flavor, or you may even decide to spice yours up with garlic or cinnamon.  

FAQs

Can all diabetic patients eat ramen noodles?

Ramen noodles may not be recommended for every diabetic patient. Due to the high glycemic index of ramen noodles, it is not usually advisable for individuals with type 2 diabetes to consume them. 

As such, ramen substitutes for diabetics like vegetable ribbons, vegetable squash, ancient whole grains, etc., may be considered in this regard.

Nonetheless, you may seek the advice of your physician or dietician to know what diet plan works for you.

What are the glycemic index and glycemic load of ramen noodles?

The glycemic index of ramen noodles is 55, and the glycemic load is 18. The glycemic index rating explains why ramen noodles are slow-releasing carbs.

Ordinarily, the values of the glycemic index and glycemic load mean ramen noodles are safe to eat, but diabetics must be careful not to consume them in excess.

How often can a diabetic eat ramen noodles?

Despite a couple of benefits that have been linked to ramen noodles, it is essential to avoid eating regular and large portions as this can cause the blood sugar level to rise significantly. 

Ramen noodles should, therefore, be taken by diabetics occasionally – and in a small portion too. Please permit me to reemphasize here that moderation is crucial.

What are other health risks associated with the consumption of ramen noodles?

Researchers have widely reported that ramen noodles can lead to obesity, stroke, and cardiovascular complications. More so, by regularly consuming ramen noodles, gestational diabetes patients can further elevate the risk of developing heart disease. Primarily, this also has to do with regular/excessive intake of the noodles.

Which ingredients make up the nutritional profile of ramen noodles?

A pack of Whole wheat ramen noodles contains whole wheat flour, salt, vital wheat gluten, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and purified water. However, it should be noted that the ingredients and their quantities may vary from one brand to another.

In light of this, you must take some time to read the nutritional profile of any ramen noodles brand you are looking to buy or consume.


Some of the Best Ramen Noodles on Amazon


Conclusion

Whole wheat ramen noodles have some nutritional value, and diabetics make a meal out of them. Nevertheless, caution should not be thrown to the wind as the appetite for ramen noodles surges. In essence, diabetic patients must make a concerted effort towards controlling the portion of ramen noodles they eat.