A new study has delivered some bad news for foodies everywhere; too much of this one meal could actually increase the risk of dying earlier.
Researchers from Yamagata University School of Medical Science in Japan studied more than 6,500 adults aged 40 and over, analyzing their consumption habits.
Participants were divided into four groups based on how often they tucked into the popular dish: less than once a month, one to three times a month, once or twice a week, and three or more times a week.
Alarmingly, men under 70 who ate ramen three or more times a week were found to have a higher risk of death compared to those who ate it less frequently.
Salty broth could be the biggest culprit
Ramen (typically served in a rich, salty broth with slices of pork, seaweed and vegetables) is a staple in Japan and loved worldwide. But scientists say it could be the sodium-packed broth doing the real damage.
“Ramen noodles and their soup contain high salt content; therefore, frequent intake can lead to high amounts of sodium, which may increase the risk of salt-related diseases, such as stroke and gastric cancer,” the researchers explained in the study.
It wasn’t just slurping the noodles that raised health concerns. The study noted that people who finished half or more of the broth had an even higher mortality risk.
Lifestyle habits add fuel to the fire
The researchers also found that regular ramen eaters were more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and struggle with weight gain. Combined with heavy ramen consumption, these habits created what scientists called a ‘significantly higher risk of death’.
Over the four-and-a-half year follow-up period, 145 participants died; 100 from cancer and 29 from heart disease.
Study can’t prove ramen directly causes death
While the findings are concerning, the scientists cautioned that the research was observational, meaning it doesn’t prove ramen itself directly causes early death.
Still, the authors concluded: “Frequent intake of ramen noodles might be associated with mortality risk in men aged under 70 years, especially those who consumed more than half of the noodle soup and alcohol.”
So, while ramen might be the ultimate comfort food, it looks like moderation is key, particularly when it comes to drinking down the salty broth.