Noodles are arguably one of the meals that are both simple and easy to prepare for children. Be it instant noodles or homemade noodles, many parents choose them. But as parents ourselves, we often ask the question—Are noodles healthy for kids? Like many questions concerning children, this one is not straightforward. The answer to the question of how nutritious noodles are, and how they are not so good is more complicated, especially for developing children, but some shortcuts make it easy for busy parents.
We will look at the health implications of noodles for kids, the side effects of noodles, and suggest healthier options that can satisfy these noodle cravings without putting the child’s health at risk.
The Influence of Noodles On Children
The ease of preparation along with their flavours makes noodles a preferred dish for many households. In India, instant noodles have gained immense popularity, especially Maggi. Children tend to be fond of their rich flavours, while parents like the on-the-go solution these noodles provide. Yet, the bigger query is: Is Maggi nutritious for children in the long run?
Noodle’s Nutritional Value
Noodles can be healthy or not, depending on what type of noodles you are swallowing and how its created. A major ingredient in the majority of instant noodles we see in the market is maida, which is refined flour. Maida is devoid of any essential nutrients but only has a high carbohydrate content. Because they are made from refined flour, these noodles are worst for growing children who need a balanced diet.
What Goes Into Instant Noodles
High Sodium Content: Many instant noodles contain a lot of sodium in their seasoning packets, but excess sodium creates severe health complications experienced in the future such as hypertension and kidney health problems.
Preservatives and Additives: To improve the taste of the noodles while keeping them fresh for a longer time, preservatives and MSG flavouring are added. These substances can be harmful to children since moderation is key.
Lack of Protein and Fiber: Noodles serve as instant sources of calories since they do provide energy. But, the amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals which are needed to ensure proper growth and development of the child is frighteningly absent.
Dough-Only Noodles: side effects of noodles
Being aware of the adverse effects that noodles can have can aid parents in planning better meals for their kids. Some of the impacts are as follows:
Dietary Issues: Most noodles are high in carbohydrates and low in fibre, which is requisite for proper digestion. This results in constipation.
Weight Gain: Indulging in instant noodles at an early age greatly increases the risk of unhealthy obesity when coupled with a lack of physical activity.
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Excessive sodium and artificial additives have been shown to Merically alter one’s mood or behaviour. More studies need to be done, however, but this is certainly a possibility.
Reduced Nutritious Intake: Children who excessively consume noodles invariably tend to depend more on junk food and cut down on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
What Kinds of Noodles Are Best for Children’s Nutrition?-H2
A lot of parents wonder – Are noodles healthy or which noodles are healthy? As is the case with many products, noodles come in a wide range of variants and types. Some are far superior to others. For example, some variants of noodles do not experience the same problems that instant noodles tend to. If you are interested in the healthier variation of noodles, here are some that do not need further explanation:
Whole Wheat Noodles: Noodles made from whole wheat flour are better than maida-harvested ones because they are richer in crude fibre nutrients.
Multigrain Noodles: These multigrain sorts of noodles further include brands that are along the lines of millet, quinoa, oats, and the like for better nutritional value.
Rice Noodles: Noodles made from rice are gluten-free and, therefore, good for your stomach. In addition, they blend perfectly well with cut meat and steamed greens, making it easier to include them in your dishes.
Homemade Noodles: These noodles don’t come packed with junk ingredients, enabling you to control the health benefits by using high-quality stuff such as wheat flour or ragi whilst making them at home.
How to Make Noodles More Nutritious
If your child loves noodles but you don’t want to eliminate them from their diet, here are some tips to make them more wholesome and nutritious.
Include Vegetables: While preparing noodles, include vegetables like carrots, broccoli, capsicum, and peas that can be grated or finely chopped. This increases the fibre and vitamin content of the meal.
Include Homemade Stock: Substitute flavouring sachets with chicken or vegetable stock. This step ensures you minimize sodium intake while removing artificial preservatives.
Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, tofu, boiled eggs, or paneer for an added protein boost.
Limit Frequency: Set aside noodles as an infrequent reward meal so that dietary balance is maintained.
Healthy alternative to Maggi noodles
If you ask which noodles are healthy, Maggi is definitely not! Maggi might be a loved addition to most households in India, but routine eating isn’t the most favourable for children. Here are some tips for healthier options for Maggi that will help satisfy the cravings and be on kinder terms with your child’s health.
Vegetable Oats: A very quick and easy dish that resembles noodles while maintaining a healthy serving of vitamins and fibre.
Poha: This is a favourite dish from Indian breakfast that is made of slightly flattened rice, and you can add vegetables and spices to customize it.
Millet Upma: Processed noodles can be replaced with highly nutritious millet noodles.
Soupy Noodles with Whole Grains: You can make noodles and vegetable soup using whole wheat or rice noodles, adding spices for flavour.
Balance Between Convenience And Nutrition
Parenting philosophy often means finding a balance between health and convenience. While noodles can be a very convenient option, the nutrition gaps they create cannot be ignored. It is important to have a moderate approach: you can sometimes indulge your child’s love for noodles within the context of a broader emphasis on their health through providing diverse, nutrition-rich meals.
Conclusion
The love-hate relationship between parents and children when it comes to noodles is complex. Besides being easy to cook and tasty, they are problematic on many levels physiology-wise. It is perfectly acceptable to use noodles, but it’s vital that the preparation of it is approached with caution. Always, of course, with moderation.
Even though we prioritise healthy eating at home, we must also make certain that children are nurtured in a setting that facilitates their all-round development. EuroKids gives your child’s physical, intellectual and emotional development the attention it deserves. The child-first method assures parent’s trust and EuroKids has earned it all over India. To learn more about how EuroKids centres can assist with your child’s holistic development, please visit your nearest EuroKids centre today!
