Ever been told to eat noodle soup when sick? Well, there might just be a specific reason for it, no matter whether it’s chicken noodles or ramen brought to you when you’re bedridden!
So is ramen really good for when you’re sick?
The simple answer is yes, ramen can help when sick thanks to its comforting warmth and taste, easiness to eat, nutritional ingredients, and the fact that eating food is important, in general, when sick or unwell.
As a result, there are various reasons why ramen is widely consumed as a “comfort food”. It’s like enjoying a relaxing, hot cup of coffee or tea – just with more ingredients!
But if you’re wondering about the nutritional value of ramen, if it can cure sickness, and whether you should eat ramen every day, then make sure to keep reading.
Why Is Ramen A Comfort Food?
Ramen is widely considered a comfort food due to its warmth, ease to eat, and savory flavors. For some people, ramen is also considered a nostalgic meal, which can add to its comforting qualities!
Because of this, ramen is often eaten by people when sick or unwell, or when a person is not feeling in a good mood – or even stressed.
Like a hot cup of coffee or tea, ramen is a hot, savory meal that can provide a sense of comfort and relaxation. It can be eaten at any time of the day too, which is also the reason ramen is sometimes enjoyed as a late-night snack.
Is Ramen Good For You When Sick?
The main reasons ramen is good for people who are sick include how it’s easy to digest, hot, and full of tasty ingredients.
As it’s soft and easy to digest, ramen is a good option for people with sore throats. In addition, the fact that it’s served hot is good for congestion, as well as good for providing a sense of warmth and comfort, especially for those who feel cold.
Like any meal, ramen can also help provide the body with the nutrients it needs to fight off sickness. Ramen typically includes many ingredients, which can increase the amount of vitamins and nutrients consumed, as well as provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Can Ramen Cure Sickness?
While it’s comforting and easy to eat, eating ramen cannot cure sickness alone.
Despite that, it can help support the body’s immune system, provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, and improve general mood – all of which can speed up recovery.
These effects can be increased by making ramen as healthy as possible by using nutritious ingredients in your ramen recipe.
What Are the Main Ingredients in Ramen?
Part of the reason ramen is good for sickness and comfort is due to its ingredients. The main ingredients in ramen are wheat noodles, broth, seasonings, and toppings, which can include meat, boiled eggs, and various vegetables.
As a result, ramen is generally considered a well-balanced meal, which can even be made with other ingredients to increase its nutritiousness.
The ingredients in ramen are also high in flavor and easy to eat and digest, which is suitable for people who have sore throats, stomach pain, or a lack of appetite.
Is Ramen Nutritious?
Ramen can be a nutritious meal when made with high-quality ingredients. It’s not uncommon for ramen to be high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories (especially if bought from food vendors or restaurants), so it’s important to be aware of what’s in your ramen – especially if you’re eating it when sick!
In general, ramen is considered a balanced meal, since it contains protein (meat), carbohydrates (noodles), and various vitamins and minerals that come from vegetables.
To make it healthier, however, you can make it with organic vegetables, more protein, and more seasonings and herbs that add to the overall nutritional content.
Should You Eat Ramen Every Day?
While ramen is considered a great comfort food that can also be good to eat when sick, it’s not the best idea to eat ramen every day. This is because some ramen dishes can be high in sodium and fat, as well as calories – which can cause weight gain.
On top of that, eating ramen every day can limit the variety of food needed to make up a nutritious, balanced diet, which can lead to various health problems down the line.
In fact, despite its popularity in Japan, even Japanese people do not eat ramen every day!
Like all things, ramen is best enjoyed now and then in moderation. But if you do plan on eating ramen every day, prepare it with a variety of healthy ingredients each day to make sure you’re enjoying a balanced diet.
Is Ramen Or Pho Better When You’re Sick?
Ramen and pho are often compared – and mixed up (What’s the difference? Find out here). Both are popular noodle soups, after all, and it’s true that both dishes can be good to eat when feeling sick, unwell, or in a stressful mood.
But which one is better?
Unfortunately, there is no single answer, as which noodle soup is “better” will depend on personal preference!
Ramen is “heavier” with a more savory taste, while pho is “lighter” with a milder, herbier taste.
As a result, ramen might be more comforting to some due to its fuller taste, while pho might be better for congestion or people with a lack of appetite, thanks to its seasonings and herbs.
Either way, both ramen and pho can be made with nutritious, high-quality ingredients to make them better dishes to eat when sick. In addition, both meals are also easy to eat and digest in the stomach.
But, ultimately, whether pho or ramen is better will come down to personal preference!
Conclusion
To wrap up, the answer is yes – ramen is generally considered a good meal to eat if you’re sick or feeling under the weather. It’s hot, comforting, and made with flavorsome, easy-to-digest ingredients, which can help warm the body, support the immune system, improve mood, and more!
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
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