A Comfort Food With Hidden Risks
Ramen may be a global comfort food favorite, but new research suggests eating too much of it could be dangerous. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing by researchers at Yamagata University School of Medical Science in Japan has found a link between frequent ramen consumption and an increased risk of early death — particularly in men under 70.
The Study
The study followed more than 6,500 participants aged 40 and older, including 2,361 men and 4,385 women. Participants were grouped by how often they ate ramen:
- Less than once a month
- 1–3 times a month
- 1–2 times a week
- 3 or more times a week
Over a follow-up period of 4.5 years, 145 participants died, including 100 from cancer and 29 from heart disease. Alarmingly, researchers found that men under 70 who ate ramen three or more times per week faced a significantly higher risk of early death compared to those who ate it less frequently.
Why Ramen May Be Harmful
The issue doesn’t lie in the noodles alone, but in the high sodium content of the broth. Ramen’s salty, pork-based soup — especially when consumed in large amounts — can lead to health issues such as:
- Stroke
- Gastric cancer
- Heart disease
Researchers noted that people who ate ramen heavily were also more likely to drink alcohol, smoke, and be overweight, all of which compounded the risks.
“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 study’s authors explained.
They also highlighted that finishing more than half the broth raised the risk even further, suggesting that moderation is key.
Alcohol Makes It Worse
The dangers rose significantly among participants who both ate ramen frequently and consumed alcohol. This group showed a far higher mortality risk than those who enjoyed ramen in moderation.
What Scientists Concluded
The researchers stressed that the study was observational, meaning it cannot definitively prove that ramen directly causes early death. Instead, it points to a strong association between high ramen intake and increased health risks.
Their conclusion read:
“This study showed that Japanese community residents frequently consume ramen noodles, and high intake is associated with various comorbidities. Frequent intake of ramen noodles might be associated with mortality risk in men aged under 70 years and those who consumed ≥50% of the noodle soup and alcohol.”
Final Takeaway
While ramen isn’t inherently deadly, eating it too often — especially with alcohol and finishing the salty broth — may contribute to serious long-term health issues.
The advice from scientists is clear: enjoy ramen in moderation, balance it with a healthy diet, and be cautious with the broth.
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