Aiming to shed pounds? Ditch instant ramen like Korean actress Kang So-ra does
Korean actress Kang So-ra, along with fellow celebrities Kim Bo-mi, Kim Min-young, and comedian Lee Eun-ji, recently embarked on a trip to Mount Beizi in Guangxi, China, as part of MBC's variety show I'm Sunny Thank You. This adventure was not the only topic of discussion, as Kang So-ra's interaction with instant noodles during the trip shed light on a unique aspect of her dietary habits.
Despite stating she's not a big fan, Kang So-ra showed a fondness for the smell of instant noodles, a new aspect of her interaction with the popular food product. However, it's worth noting that she has not consumed instant noodles in the past four years.
The calorie content and ingredients of instant noodles provide a stark contrast to Kang So-ra's diet, which emphasizes discipline and avoidance of such foods. An average packet of instant noodles contains between 450 and 550 calories, with the high calorie count primarily due to refined flour noodles and high-fat soup bases.
Long-term consumption of instant noodles, especially 2–3 times per week or more, is linked to increased risks of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These risks are primarily due to the high sodium, unhealthy saturated fats, and preservative content found in instant noodles.
Additionally, consuming large amounts of instant noodles, classified as an ultra-processed food, is associated with a 41% higher risk of developing lung cancer, even after accounting for smoking and other factors. Other key health implications include cardiovascular risks, metabolic disorders, cancer risk, and dietary deficiencies.
To mitigate these risks without completely avoiding instant noodles, health experts recommend adding vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including protein sources like eggs, tofu, or beans, reducing or replacing the high-sodium flavor sachets with lower-sodium alternatives and herbs, and choosing wholegrain or air-dried noodle options when available.
Kang So-ra's avoidance of instant noodles, combined with her commitment to a healthier lifestyle, highlights the importance of making informed food choices. Her dedication to maintaining a balanced diet, as evidenced by her weight loss of 20kg (44lbs) after giving birth, serves as an inspiration to many.
Lee Eun-ji was surprised to learn about Kang So-ra's four-year absence from instant noodles, expressing her admiration for the actress's discipline. As the group's trip to Mount Beizi continues to air on I'm Sunny Thank You, viewers are reminded of the significance of making health-conscious choices in daily life.
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[2] Vilarino-Ortega J, Martinez-Gonzalez MA, Martinez-Gonzalez MA, et al. Ultra-processed food consumption and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ. 2020;370:m3230.
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- Kang So-ra's avoidance of instant noodles, a common source of high calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium, aligns with her discipline-driven health-and-wellness lifestyle, which prioritizes nutrition and weight-management.
- The health implications of consuming instant noodles, such as increased risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, are well-documented in scientific research, further emphasizing the importance of making informed food choices for overall wellness and long-term health.
