Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2026

HEALTHY LIVING
Tonkatsu Ramen with Pork Cutlet
Ramen noodles hold a reputation as an unhealthy convenience food, often linked to quick college meals and nostalgia. While many know them as inexpensive noodles with salty seasoning packets, ramen’s story goes far beyond those plastic-wrapped bricks.
Instant ramen consists of dried noodles and a high-sodium flavor packet with little nutritional value. In contrast, traditional Japanese ramen features a flavorful broth, wheat noodles, and a variety of toppings. While the variations are many, the essentials remain the same: broth, noodles, and toppings.
A packet of instant ramen contains 14g of fat and 6.6g of saturated fat—about a third of your daily limit according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Although ramen is filling, it is low in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, offering little nutrition. Preserved with TBHQ, a petroleum- based additive also found in pesticides and instant noodles, these foods are hard to digest and can impede nutrient absorption.
Ramen is thought to have originated in China before becoming a staple in Japan and throughout Asia. Both fresh and dried ramen are popular in Japan, where many pre-packaged
options are available. Unlike instant noodles, Japanese ramen often includes vegetables and fresh ingredients, offering a very different experience.
Many ramen shops in Japan hand-make fresh noodles, especially in larger cities. Broths may be pork, soy, miso, or salt- based, and sometimes use fish stock. Although broths can be high in sodium, Japanese diners usually don’t drink all the broth, which helps reduce sodium intake.
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
Regular consumption of instant ramen has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. To make ramen healthier, skip the seasoning packet and use low-sodium broth instead. For extra vitamins and minerals, add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions.
Instant Ramen
128 | May 2026
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