Summary feedback-
The product is made entirely from wheat flour and so this will be a high glycemic load for most people and this food must not be used as a meal replacement unless it is balanced out with the addition of sufficient protein and vegetables. The noodles (simple carbohydrates) should not exceed more than 30% of the meal.
The foodnetindia rating for this product :-
foodnetindia safety rating: 3– (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
The product has been given a lower rating because of the high simple carbohydrate content and the fact that most people in India who consume it do not add sufficient protein and vegetables to it and do not restrict the noodles to 30% or less of their meal by volume. This ends up giving them a high glycemic load meal with poor macro and micro nutrient diversity.
The resultant high glycemic load reduces overall safety of the meal for most people and exposes them to the risk of lifestyle disease.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 3 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
Instant noodles like this product is acceptable as a part of an otherwise wholesome meal that contains sufficient macro and micro nutrient diversity. However, as it tends to be consumed in India in large quantities as a meal replacement, it’s high simple carb content and lack of nutrient diversity makes it unwholesome
Ingredients in Ching’s Hot Garlic Instant Noodles which are a concern
In Noodles
- Salt
- Wheat Gluten,
- Sodium Polyphosphate: IN 452i
Salt
Certain manufacturers do not mention the quantity of salt contained in their products. High sodium diets have been known to be the cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The recommended daily intake of salt is between 1-3 grams.
Wheat Gluten
A significant proportion of the population is gluten intolerant, either because they suffer from Celiac disease (1% of the population) or gluten sensitivity, which is quite common. Many people who suffer from gluten intolerance may be asymptomatic and may be unaware that they suffer from systemic and chronic inflammation due to their gluten intolerance.
Gluten intolerance has also been linked to autoimmune diseases, cancers, intestinal inflammation, degeneration of the intestinal lining and has even been linked to several mental illnesses (either as a cause or exacerbating factor) the most serious being cerebellar ataxia, a serious disease of the brain that involves an inability to coordinate balance, movements, problems talking, etc. Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s, etc., have been known to respond well to a gluten free diet.
Sodium Polyphosphate: IN 452i
Salts of sodium/potassium/calcium/ammonium with phosphates. All are produced synthetically from the respective carbonates and phosphoric acid. It is used as sequestrants (metal binders), stabiliser and emulsifiers. Also used to retain water during processing and storage.
High concentrations of phosphates may disturb several metabolic processes as phosphate plays an important role in general metabolism.
Salt
Certain manufacturers do not mention the quantity of salt contained in their products. High sodium diets have been known to be the cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The recommended daily intake of salt is between 1-3 grams.
Ingredients of a concern in the Seasoning mix
Salt
Sugar
Sunflower Oil.
Salt
Disodium 5’-inosinate:IN 631, IN 627
Certain manufacturers do not mention the quantity of salt contained in their products. High sodium diets have been known to be the cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The recommended daily intake of salt is between 1-3 grams.
Sugar
This food product does not specify which sugar has been used. This is important because different sugars have different metabolic effects. For example, Sucrose (Cane Sugar) is very different from Fructose (Fruit Sugar). Some foods use high fructose corn syrup which may be harmful in much lower quantities than sucrose. We believe that it is not responsible behaviour for a brand to not clearly state what ingredients have been used.
Sugar is a carbohydrate found naturally in a host of different foods from lactose in milk to the fructose in fruit and honey. In fact, we need some sugar in our diets to supply ready energy to fuel our muscles and keep our brains active. The problem is that many processed foods have added sugar which supplies energy in the form of calories – and very little else. This means our body has to draw on the nutrients from the rest of our diet to process it and this can affect our health, including our immunity – leaving us more prone to bugs and colds. A high intake of sugar causes our blood sugar levels to shoot up, giving us that feel-good ‘high’ followed by a crashing slump which leaves us tired, irritable and craving more sugary foods. It’s a vicious cycle that may be contributing to our weight problems as well as health concerns like diabetes and heart disease.
Edible vegetable oil-Sunflower oil
Certain vegetable oils contain very large amounts of biologically active fats called Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could be harmful in excess. Excess polyunsaturated fats may react with oxygen and oxidised Omega-6 fats can damage body functions and perhaps even vital structures like DNA. Consumers need to maintain a healthy balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid consumption.
Disodium 5’-inosinate:IN 631, IN 627
Sodium salt of inosinic acid , a natural acid, that is mainly present in animals. Commercially prepared from meat or fish (sardines). May also be produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars.
It is used as a Flavour enhancer. Inosinic acid and inosinates do not have the specific umami taste but strongly enhance many other flavours, thereby reducing the amounts of salt or other flavour enhancers needed in a product.
Inosinates may not be used in products intended for children under 12 weeks.
Asthmatic people should avoid inosinates. As inosinates are metabolised to purines, they should be avoided by people suffering from gout. However, the concentrations used are generally so low that no effects are to be expected.
Ingredients present in Ching’s Hot Garlic Instant Noodles which are not a concern:
wheat Flour,
Refined Palm Oil,
Salt,
Potassium Chloride (Gelling Agent, E508),
Sodium Polyphosphate (Emulsifying Agent, E452(I)),
Potassium Carbonate (Acidity Regulator, E501(I)),
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (Raising Agent, E500(I)),
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (Antioxidant, E319)
Seasoning mix
Garlic Powder (27%),
Mixed Spices 11% ( Chilli , Ginger, Onion, Pepper, Turmeric),
Dehydrated Garlic Bits (11%),
Tomato Powder,
Corn flour,
Dehydrated Vegetables 2% (Carrot, Parsley),
Soy Sauce Powder (Soybean, Wheat, Salt ),
Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent, E551),
Citric Acid (Acidifying Agent, E330),
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. foodnetindia encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
Replies, if any, from the brand, will be published here ‘As is’