Ramen, a beloved comfort food worldwide, may pose significant health risks if consumed too frequently, according to a new study. Researchers in Japan have found that regular consumption of ramen, especially when paired with drinking its salty broth, could increase the risk of early death. This alarming revelation comes amidst ramen’s growing popularity as a global culinary staple.
The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging in 2025, analyzed data from 6,725 adults as part of the Yamagata Cohort Study. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their ramen intake: less than once a month, one to three times a month, one to two times a week, and more than three times a week.
Key Findings from the Study
After monitoring participants over nearly 4.5 years, the researchers discovered that frequent ramen eaters were typically younger men with higher body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Men under 70 who consumed ramen three or more times a week, especially those who drank more than half of the broth and consumed alcohol, faced a higher risk of premature death.
This development follows growing concerns about dietary habits and their impact on health, particularly in countries where ramen has become a popular meal choice.
The Salty Culprit: Ramen Broth
The study emphasizes that the broth, not just the noodles, poses a significant health risk due to its high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and gastric cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excess salt is a major dietary factor contributing to cardiovascular diseases worldwide.
Interestingly, the study also noted that individuals who consumed ramen less than once a month showed slightly higher mortality risks. Researchers suggest that this could be due to pre-existing health issues that led them to reduce their ramen intake in the first place.
Ramen: A Global Phenomenon with Health Warnings
Ramen has transcended its origins as a simple Japanese dish to become a global sensation, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, health experts caution that moderation is key. While a steaming bowl of noodles provides comfort, it carries hidden dangers if consumed too often.
“Frequent intake of ramen noodles might be associated with mortality risk in men under 70 years and those who consumed more than half of the broth with alcohol,” the study stated.
This warning comes as the world grapples with increasing rates of lifestyle-related health conditions, prompting a reevaluation of dietary habits.
Expert Recommendations for Ramen Lovers
Health experts recommend several strategies for those who enjoy ramen:
- Limit ramen to an occasional indulgence rather than a regular meal.
- Avoid drinking the soup, as it contains most of the salt.
- Balance ramen cravings with a diet rich in fresh vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
As the study suggests, the next time you crave ramen, enjoy the noodles but think twice before finishing the broth. This advice is crucial as dietary habits continue to evolve in response to new health findings.
Meanwhile, the culinary world watches closely as more research emerges, potentially reshaping how global comfort foods are perceived and consumed. The implications of such studies could lead to changes in food preparation and consumption patterns, aiming to balance enjoyment with health.
