There is this visually satisfying feeling when you pick up noodles from a bowl with your chopsticks or fork, be it a well-prepared chop suey, chow mien, or ramen. Noodles are versatile and can be used for an endless number of dishes—once you can picture it, you can make it right away.
As diabetics, depending on our sugar level or type of diabetes, knowing the kinds of noodles we should eat and to what extent is very important. This is why we are referred to a dietician to work out a plan containing the right amount of carbs that help us with the constant lethargy we face while aiding efficient diabetes management.
In this article, we have thoroughly explored everything you need to know about ramen noodles for diabetics: Is it safe? If yes, what amount can you have? What should you pair them with? And what are the best ramen noodles for diabetics?
Disclaimer: This material is presented for the purpose of education and should not replace the professional medical advice of your healthcare provider.
What are ramen noodles?
Ramen noodles are specially prepared noodles used in Japanese broth soup, which usually consists of chicken or pork stock and a flavor base preferred by the chef.
These gluten-contained noodles are made with wheat flour, water, salt, and kansui (alkaline water). Kansui is responsible for the springy texture, characteristic flavor, and yellow hue, which could make you think the noodles contain eggs.
Ramen noodles can take on different shapes and levels of thickness. The heavier the broth, the thicker the noodles. Some restaurants let you choose your preferred noodle and broth base when you dine in.
Are ramen noodles healthy?
Ramen noodles, like most other noodles, cannot be tagged as healthy or unhealthy as they contain negligible amounts of nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other micronutrients like iron and B vitamins. When compared with shirataki noodles, ramen noodles is not the healthiest option you could have.
Depending on the brand, the sodium content can be quite high, amounting to over 90% of your daily value. Consuming such high-sodium foods constantly over time can lead to high blood pressure. Further, too much ramen noodles could also cause excess abdominal fat, high blood sugar, and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Despite that, you could still enjoy ramen noodles as part of a balanced diet, provided they are consumed infrequently.
Can diabetics eat ramen noodles?
Ramen noodles are safe for diabetics, provided they are eaten in moderation with lots of vegetables and proteins, which are pivotal in regulating how fast carbs converted to glucose are absorbed into the bloodstream.
The major problem faced when discussing ramen noodles and diabetics is portion size. Even noodle varieties made with eggs or rice could raise blood sugar levels if consumed excessively—how much more noodles derived from refined wheat flour?
Noodles made with refined wheat flour are notorious for digesting quickly, having little to no fiber, and having a glycemic index of over 70+, meaning you must eat them in a protein-rich meal, else, they will cause a spike in your blood sugar levels
The best ramen noodles for diabetics
Traditional ramen noodles for diabetics are not a bad idea if eaten in moderation with lots of proteins and veggies, however, if you prefer to stick to a low-carb diet, this list consists of ramen noodles with low carbs:
Low Carb Noodles Keto Ramen Noodle
The low-sodium, low-carb, and high-protein content makes this product one of my favorites ramen noodles. This keto ramen noodle has a carb content of 3 grams and 15 grams of protein, and it even delivers an aldante bite.
However, don’t expect that taste derived from lots of sodium in your regular ramen noodles, you may have to spice these noodles more and cook them even longer than directed to achieve a more palatable texture.
Noodle Revolution – Keto Noodles
These ready-to-eat noodles are made from mainly egg whites and boast a protein content of 10 grams with just about 1 gram of carbs. You may want to be careful, as it could easily cross the al dante line. It has little to no taste or smell, and it would easily fit into any meal.
Hethstia Shirataki Noodle
Hethstia Shirataki Noodles are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, paleo, keto, and diabetes-friendly. These noodles have no odor, in case that is an issue for you. They are also ready to eat and flavored in a tom yum sauce, making them earn their place on my list of the list of the best ramen noodles for diabetics.
If you’ve had better noodles, feel free to write to us about your experience, and we will add it to the list.
Are ramen noodles good for diabetics? Summing Up
Traditional Ramen noodles can rack up to 22 to 27 grams of carbs, depending on the brand, and this could be a problem for you as a diabetic. However, with veggies and protein, you could enjoy these noodles moderately.
The American diabetic association (ADA) advices diabetics to prioritize complex carbs as a source of carbohydrates, so for a long-lasting solution, you may want to explore whole grain and low-carb ramen noodles, but these noodles may lack the taste and smell of traditional noodles.
