So, Maggi is in trouble over certain ingredients. But can fans avoid the ‘two-minute’ hunger killer?
Madhuri Dixit-Nene endorses Maggi
Hyderabad: The recent news reports about samples of Maggi found to be containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) and more than the permissible limit of lead have put many in a quandary.
Instant noodles have always been the go-to option for those in need of a quick hunger fix or for mothers looking for an easy way out for their children’s tiffin. But the findings have once again raised the question: How harmful are these instant noodles?
Where are the nutrients?
Nutritionists agree that all instant noodles, or any kind of processed food, is not good for health. Consultant nutritionist at Nutrifit, Dr Janaki Srinath explains, “When children are in the growing stage, it is important that they get the required nutrition. If they happen to eat Maggi as one meal, their body will be deprived of the necessary nutrients. Maggi is a processed product, which means you are only getting substantial fats but no nutrients. Often you see advertisements wherein people eat Maggi with a lot of vegetables, but how many mothers actually take the effort to add veggies? It is eaten as it is.”
“Working professionals, too, have a high metabolic rate and need around 1800 calories a day. If they tend to have Maggi as one of the meals, it will just add more calories to the body. Eating it often can also lead to constipation,” she adds.
Dr Sujatha Stephen, chief nutritionist, Sunshine Hospital, Hitec City, says, “High lead content will result in neurological disorders in children in the long run. Because it contains flour, overeating it can also effect the digestive system. Instant noodles are coated with wax to maintain the texture of the noodles. We don’t recommend these. Transfat, calories, lead, salt, preservatives — all of these in high doses can harm your body in one way or the other. It is always advisable to expose your children to as less processed food as you can or else it could lead to childhood obesity, indigestion etc. “Noodles that have ragi, oats or multi-grain are a little better than the ones that contain refined flour.”
‘Can’t give up Maggi’
But Maggi has been a staple for decades for students, especially those who live in hostels or alone. “I don’t think students can ever stop eating Maggi and neither will I. It is a life saviour for many who don’t like the food at hostels, or are just craving to eat something late in the night or at any other time. Also, it doesn’t require much cooking skills and is quick. You don’t require a stove or an induction cooker, you can do it with an electric kettle,” says Aditya Tarun Pandrangi, a student.
Working professionals, too, swear by Maggi, considering that it hardly takes any time to cook. Aditi Namburi, a working professional from the city says, “I am dependent on Maggi. Whenever I am hungry, Maggi is the first option that comes to my mind because it doesn’t require much effort. But I guess because of this I am losing out on a lot of nutrients. If there was no Maggi, I might be eating salads when hungry. Also, I don’t think I will quit it immediately and might wait till it is actually banned in the country. My mother is not letting me eat it for now but guess I am going to sneak in a cup noodles since I can’t give it up entirely.”
‘No entry for Maggi’
Meanwhile, Aditi’s mother Viji Namburi is happy with the news. “I am glad that Maggi might be banned. It was an addiction and I also consider it one of the reasons my daughter put on weight. I have never considered it healthy. Now I am glad that there is place for healthy food. No entry for Maggi in my kitchen henceforth.”
( Source : dc )
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