Latest news with #VikingDiet
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Eating instant noodles every day? Science has a warning for your slurp cravings, along with a solution
What's inside a packet The risks of overindulgence Can instant noodles be made healthier? iStock Experts recommend simple tweaks to instant noodles to transform a packet into a more balanced dish. What does Science say? You Might Also Like: What is Viking Diet: Why eating like a Norse warrior could be a modern health trap? Few foods have earned cult status like instant noodles. They're cheap, quick to prepare, and carry a strong sense of nostalgia. For students, night-shift workers, and families on tight budgets, a packet of Maggi, Indomie, or Shin Ramyun often means more than a meal—it's a taste of home. As The Conversation notes, instant noodles also hold cultural significance, offering comfort and belonging in new or challenging behind the warmth of those slurps lies a question: what happens when convenience becomes a daily habit? Research suggests that while instant noodles can fill stomachs, they may not be filling nutritional its core, a standard packet contains refined wheat noodles and a sachet of flavor enhancers. Some versions may throw in dried vegetables or garlic chips, but the nutritional picture remains fairly one-dimensional. According to The Conversation, a typical serving contains 600–1,500mg of sodium, which is close to or above the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit of 2, much salt may not harm if eaten occasionally, but over time, it places strain on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Combine that with the low levels of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, and you have a food that satisfies hunger but does little to support long-term problem isn't the occasional late-night ramen run, but when it becomes a three-meals-a-day routine. A South Korean study cited by VICE linked frequent consumption—more than twice a week—to higher risks of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase vulnerability to heart disease and diabetes. Interestingly, women were more affected, with researchers pointing to possible hormonal factors or chemical exposure from fiber intake from refined noodles also impacts gut health and can increase risks of type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Without protein additions like eggs, tofu, or chicken, the quick fullness noodles bring quickly fades, leaving the eater hungry eating noodles doesn't have to be a health hazard. Experts recommend simple tweaks to transform a packet into a more balanced dish. Cutting down on the salt-heavy flavor sachet, swapping in low-sodium stock, and adding vegetables or lean protein can make a major difference. Some brands also offer wholegrain or air-dried noodle options, which pack in more short, instant noodles work best as a base, not the full picture. As The Conversation puts it, they're like fuel for a car: enough to get you moving, but not enough to keep the engine running smoothly in the long is clear: instant noodles aren't 'bad,' but they aren't designed to be a daily diet either. They're comforting, affordable, and nostalgic—but also high in sodium and lacking key nutrients. Occasional indulgence is harmless, but making them your main meal plan could slowly compromise your the next time you tear open a packet, think of it as a canvas. Toss in vegetables, add a protein, or swap the seasoning for fresh spices. You'll still get the warmth and convenience you crave—without putting your body at risk of running on empty.
Fox News
09-08-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Ancient ‘Viking diet' makes a comeback: Here's what to know before you try it
The Vikings may be best known for raiding and sailing, but now their eating habits are also drawing attention. The "Viking diet" — sometimes called the "Nordic diet" — is rooted in what Norse people ate from the 8th to 11th centuries, and it's currently having a modern revival. Does this ancient way of eating deserve a place in your meal plan? Registered dietitian and food blogger Lauren Harris-Pincus, based in New Jersey, spoke with Fox News Digital about the details of the diet, its benefits and caveats, and smart ways to implement it. "[The Vikings] were limited to the foods available to them at the time," Harris-Pincus said. "Their diet focused on clean, sustainable foods, which is why we are discussing its health benefits today." The Viking (or Nordic) diet mirrors today's popular wellness plans, according to the dietitian. "Similar to the Mediterranean diet … it's based on whole foods," she said. Ultraprocessed foods have been making headlines, with some reports stating that Americans get over half their calories from lower-quality, unhealthy food groups. Fiber-rich carbs like fruit, veggies, legumes, nuts and whole grains "support gut health and help to prevent lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers." "It's not important, wise or practical to follow the Viking diet exactly in our current food environment." Harris-Pincus shared some of the staples of the Viking diet, listed below. Beer and mead (a honey-based fermented drink) were also common, sometimes even consumed by children due to lack of clean water. Despite its natural, unprocessed appeal, the Viking diet could have some nutritional downsides. "This diet contains a significant amount of meat and animal fat compared to the Mediterranean diet," Harris-Pincus warned. "While the high fat content helped Vikings survive cold winters, the excessive amount of saturated fat is a cardiovascular risk." The preserved nature of Viking-era food also meant high sodium, which is another heart health concern. Plus, the beer-heavy lifestyle doesn't align with healthy lifestyles. To make the most of a modern-day Viking diet, Harris-Pincus suggests skipping the mead while stealing some of the smarter habits. "Anyone can include more whole foods, especially fiber-rich carbs, while limiting highly processed foods high in sugar, fat and sodium," she said. Something as simple as cooking more at home and focusing on quality ingredients could have positive effects, according to the expert. For more Health articles, visit "It's not important, wise or practical to follow the Viking diet exactly in our current food environment," Harris-Pincus said. "However, cooking at home with whole-food ingredients high in protein and fiber is always a good idea."
