I enjoy eating a special dish made with noodles swimming in a delicious broth. Whenever I go to my mom’s house, she always makes it for me. It’s one of my favorite treats! But, you know, I’m trying to eat healthier these days, so I can’t have it all the time. I have to save it for special occasions. Plus, depending on what kind of noodles she uses and how she cooks them, it can be more or less healthy. We will see what noodles are healthy and tasty for us.
You see, Asian noodles are usually better for you than other kinds because they don’t have as many calories or carbs. And sometimes, my mom adds lots of yummy veggies to make it even better.
So, when we talk about different kinds of noodles from Asia and how good they are for you, we have to think about how we cook them. That can make a big difference in how healthy they are.
1. Glass Sweet Potato Noodles (Korean)
Korean glass sweet potato noodles aka glass noodles are a special kind of noodles used in a Korean dish called japchae. These noodles are made from sweet potatoes, so they’re low in calories and don’t have any gluten, which is good for people who can’t eat gluten.
They also don’t make your blood sugar go up quickly because they have a low glycemic index. When you eat japchae, you’re not just eating noodles. You’re also eating other healthy foods like carrots, shiitake mushrooms, onions, and spinach. Sometimes, japchae also has beef or egg in it,
2. Japanese and Korean Buckwheat Noodles
These noodles are commonly recognized as soba noodles, which comes from the Japanese word for buckwheat. Sometimes they’re gluten-free, but you have to check the package to be sure. Water and buckwheat flour are the only ingredients you should use.
People enjoy these noodles in different ways. You can also eat them cold with vegetables like a famous dish of Memil Guksu. It’s also possible to serve them in hot broth.
These noodles have fewer calories than regular pasta made from white wheat, and they have more protein, which is good if you’re a vegetarian. They also have a lot of thiamin (a type of vitamin B-1) and manganese, which are important for staying healthy.
3. Chinese Vermicelli Noodles
Vermicelli noodles are very thin noodles and you can make them from different things like mung bean, green pea, potato, or green bean starch. They don’t use wheat flour, so they’re gluten-free.
Compared to white rice, these noodles are better for keeping your blood sugar steady. But how healthy they are depends on what you add to them, like vegetables and sauces. There are some dishes like spring rolls that use them to add texture, but they’re not always the star of the show.
4. Vietnamese Pho Noodles
Pho noodles are made from rice, sometimes mixed with vegetable starches or tapioca instead of wheat flour. This means they’re low in calories and gluten-free.
But the real nutrition in a bowl of pho comes from everything else in the soup, not just the noodles. When you eat pho, you get healthy stuff like bean sprouts and fresh herbs. It can also benefit your digestion, immune system, and joints if you make it with beef bone broth.
Are rice noodles healthy? Well, if you choose brown rice noodles instead of white rice ones, you’ll get more fiber, which is even better for you.
Also read: Are Dumplings Healthy for Weight Loss
5. Ramen Noodles
We often get this question “Are instant noodles healthy?” Yes, to some extent we can say instant noodles are healthy. Let’s talk about ramen noodles, which are super popular in Korean food culture. Unlike some other noodles we’ve talked about, ramen noodles are made from wheat flour.
They’re often sold as “instant” noodles, which means they’re precooked and dried to make them quick to cook. One thing to watch out for with ramen is that the seasoning packets that come with them can have a lot of salt, which isn’t great for your health if you have too much.
To make it healthier, you can skip the seasoning packets and use your spices from your kitchen instead. Adding lots of veggies and kimchi to your ramen not only makes it taste better but also adds more nutrition to your meal. So, next time you have ramen, try adding some veggies to make it even better for you!
6. Naengmyeon Noodles
The Naengmyeon is a unique Korean noodle that contains a blend of different starches. These noodles typically incorporate ingredients such as flour, buckwheat, sweet potato starch, and arrowroot, resulting in a distinctively dense and springy texture reminiscent of jelly.
Served traditionally in a refreshing cold broth, Naengmyeon is often accompanied by a colorful array of fresh vegetables and delicate slices of meat or fish.
This combination of textures and flavors creates a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect for enjoying during hot summer days or as a delightful culinary adventure any time of the year.
For those looking to experience a taste of Korean cuisine, Naengmyeon offers a delightful exploration of unique flavors and textures that are sure to tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
What Noodles Are Healthy to Eat Everyday?
When it comes to choosing noodles, there are several options available that can enhance the nutritional value of your meals. Here are some tips to help you pick the healthiest noodles:
- Whole Grain Noodles: Opt for noodles made from whole grain flour, such as whole wheat or brown rice noodles. These noodles are higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined flour noodles, making them a healthier choice for your diet.
- Vegetable-Based Noodles: Consider trying noodles made from vegetables like zucchini (zoodles), sweet potatoes, or carrots. These noodles are naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, while also providing additional vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Bean Noodles: Explore noodles made from beans, such as mung bean or chickpea noodles. These noodles are gluten-free and packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat noodles.
- Konjac Noodles: Konjac noodles, also known as shirataki noodles, are made from the konjac yam plant. These noodles are extremely low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a great option for those watching their calorie intake or following a low-carb diet. Shirataki noodles are one of the best healthiest noodles for weight loss.
- Soba Noodles: Soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, offer a gluten-free alternative with a nutty flavor. They’re rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like manganese and thiamin.
Remember to check the ingredient labels and cooking instructions carefully when selecting noodles to ensure they align with your dietary preferences and goals.
Also read: Are Pierogies Healthy For Weight Loss?
Wrap Up
What noodles are healthy? Buckwheat noodles, Soba noodles, and Vegetable-based noodles stand out as one of the healthiest noodles you can eat every day. Buckwheat noodles are gluten-free and packed with fiber and protein, while soba noodles offer a low-calorie, whole-grain option rich in essential nutrients.
Additionally, vegetable-based noodles provide a low-calorie, vitamin-rich alternative to traditional wheat noodles. It’s all about being smart and reading those ingredient labels carefully. That way, you can make sure you’re choosing noodles that are good for you.
So, next time you’re in the noodle aisle, take your time, check those labels, and make an informed choice. And then, bon appétit!
