I wonder how many of us can say we’ve never eaten that all time favorite. Ramen Noodles…I know everyone remembers the chicken flavor. Or that shrimp, or Spicy Chili flavor with them dehydrated vegetables.(Just add hot water) ShaZamm.! Its easy, Its fast, and its convenient…
Whether at home alone, at the office for a quick lunch, or, you just didn’t have time to fix your kids anything. A quick bowl of Ramen Noodle’s does the job…and a Job It does. This quick and easy meal has become a staple in the African American community.
But what’s not being said is the high intake of sodium.
Researchers from a University that studies food chemistry, published some medical reports that high salt levels in the blood, as would be observed in people with high salt intake, could significantly suppress the activity of an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase or (NOS). But I want to be clear as say there is a difference between Salt, and Soduim.
NOS is the enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO), a molecule used by the cells lining blood vessels (endothelial cells) to signal surrounding muscle to relax, and thereby improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Salt is of course a vital nutrient and is necessary for the body to function, but as a campaigner for salt reduction Its important to know what the daily limits are.
On your next trip to the grocery store, read the back (Nutritional Facts) of those noodle packages. The salt content is staggering. It has the sodium content that’s totals enough for a large man working construction out in the sun for at least 12 hours. Yikes..! If that’s what we’re giving our children, and our loved ones, we wont have them around long enough to live out their GOD given talents, and potential’s. Oh, I failed to say that ramen noodles have a shelf life of about 25-30 years…you do the math.
The adverse effects of taking in so much sodium cause the person to be lethargic, and tired. Most times resulting in headaches, dizziness, and muscle pain
As I write this, I hope to be more instrumental in helping our community to make healthier food choices. I have met many people while researching for my book, and traveling to other cities, and towns. They’ve all said to me, they one time or another literally survived on ramen noodles.
Especially those of us that went to college on a budget. (Sounds familiar)
Or those of us that are just on a budget. And we sometime do what we have to do. But our health is what we have to do.
By: Chef Eriell Muhammad from the book, SoulBread 2009
