Nutrition-devoid noodles a staple

Hyderabad: The fact that most noodles are made of refined flour (maida) makes no difference to many people who continue to serve it to their children knowing that it is not nutritious.

Experts state that time and again it has been pointed out that noodles have high amounts of starch and carbohydrates, but zero nutritional value. The nutrients which added are fortified — that is, artificial chemicals. Yet, it is preferred by a most people.

General physician Dr Abdul Hasan Ashraf said, “It is the tangy taste mix that comes with the noodles which has become a hot favourite over the years. Children get easily addicted to it and they eat it in good quantity, which pleases mothers who have a tough time making them eat whole grains, fruits and pulses. Once the addiction is confirmed in children, weaning them off is difficult.”

In recent surveys carried out in schools, it was found that children loved to eat it, as it didn’t make them feel hungry for long. Evening meals of noodles mixed with a few vegetables were considered a healthy meal and served frequently.

Apart from this, a generation, which has grown up on Maggi noodles, has often eaten it with a combination of minced meat or chicken as the meal for the day.

Dr S. Stephen said, “If instant noodles are eaten once a month or maybe once in three months it is acceptable. But if it is an evening snack or a meal twice or thrice a week then, it is a cause of concern as the chemicals affect the brain and altered behaviour is seen, especially in children.”

Children who come in with symptoms of being hyperactive, moody or violent, are often taken off instant food. This is the first step by experts to see if it makes a change in their behaviour.