A group of researchers has issued a serious warning: a widely beloved bowl of noodles could be linked to a higher risk of early death. Their findings suggest that consuming this dish frequently may correlate with increased mortality rates especially in certain demographic groups.
The Study Setup and Demographics
The research team studied more than 6,500 adult participants, all aged 40 or older, comprised of approximately 2,300 men and 4,400 women. The subjects were divided into four groups according to how often they ate the dish: fewer than once a month, one to three times monthly, one to two times a week, and three or more times per week.
The Dish in Question: What It Is and Why It’s Popular
The dish under examination is ramen — a bowl of wheat noodles in a salty, often pork-based broth, typically accompanied by slices of meat, seaweed, and vegetables. While it is a well-established staple in its country of origin, its popularity has spread globally; many people around the world enjoy its flavors and convenience.
Key Findings: Mortality, Risk Factors, and Patterns
Over an average follow-up period of about 4.5 years, 145 participants passed away — 100 from cancer and 29 from heart disease. The data showed that men under 70 who consumed ramen three or more times per week exhibited a noticeably higher risk of death compared to men who ate it less often.
Importantly, the analysis also revealed that frequent ramen consumers tended to have other lifestyle factors: they disproportionately smoked, consumed alcohol, and had a higher body weight. Among those who ate ramen often and also drank alcohol, the mortality risk climbed even further.
The researchers also observed that finishing at least half of the soup — which contains much of the sodium — was associated with heightened risk. Because ramen broth is characteristically high in salt, frequent ingestion could lead to high total sodium intake, a known risk factor for hypertension, stroke, and some digestive cancers.
Interpreting the Results: Correlation, Not Causation
The scientists were careful to note that their study is observational. In other words, it shows associations, not direct cause-and-effect mechanisms. It cannot prove that ramen itself kills people — only that a pattern of high ramen consumption correlates with higher mortality in certain demographics, controlling for known confounders.
They concluded that frequent consumption of ramen, particularly for men below 70 or those who consume large amounts of broth (≥ 50 %) and drink alcohol, might be linked to increased mortality risk. However, further research would be needed to determine whether ramen is a causal factor or merely a marker of other underlying risks.
What This Means for You
While ramen can be a comforting, flavorful meal, this study underscores the importance of moderation, especially if other lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, excess salt intake) are present. Being cautious with how often you indulge, avoiding finishing the entire broth, and balancing your diet with fresher, lower-sodium foods could reduce potential risk. In short: ramen need not be eliminated entirely, but overconsuming it — especially alongside salt, alcohol, and other risk factors — may carry more implications for long-term health than many realize.
