Can you have Maggi Noodles during periods? Let’s find out

We all know about the comfort food Maggi, right? 2 minutes of instant noodles for a quick and comfy snack (or main course). Truly nostalgia!

Not to mention, many women in India are accustomed to eating Maggi in their regular diet no matter the day, occasion or season. But when it comes to nutrition, is it that healthy? Especially when you’re having menstrual cycle?

In this content piece, we’ll discuss about ingredients of Maggi and their effects, menstrual cravings, nutritional needs during periods, the impact of Maggi noddle on Menstrual Health, and tips for healthy eating during periods.

Without further ado – Let’s get started.  

Composition of Maggi and their Side Effects

No matter how popular and yummy Maggi is as an instant noddle, we must understand its composition and possible effects on health before concluding.

Maida or refined wheat flour

It’s a gluten, that’s why consuming it can create digestive acids in your stomach. It can cause indigestion and acidity.

Palm oil

It’s high in saturated fat. It can cause blockages in your blood vessels and strut up heart diseases.

Salt

Maggi contains excessive salt to some extent to make it more flavoury. Women with high blood pressure can have heart-stoke tendencies.

Thickness

This is added in Maggi to make it thick but it can cause indigestion.

Flavouring agents and Preservatives

Maggi generally have a long shelf-life due to adding preservatives and the ambient flavour is due to using different flavouring agents. These are identified as safe by ITC but some women might have allergies to these and hence better to cross-check with a nutritionist.

Hydrogenated Vegetable oil

This is a great source of trans fat which can raise bad cholesterol levels and cause heart disease.

Humectant

This chemical is added to Maggi to maintain moisture post-cooking. But unfortunately, it’s harmful to brain cells, bone marrow, ovary, tests, and thyroid glands. In women, it especially disturbs the period cycle.

I know! we’ve just used a lot of scientific terminology but truth to be told, it has been seen that 90% of Indian women eat packaged food without reading the ingredients label hence making things more complicated for their menstrual health.

Also read: Pizza and other foods to avoid? Here's why

What are Menstrual Cravings?

During the menstrual cycle, women long for home-cooked or packaged foods like ice cream or milkshakes, chocolate, and yes, Maggi instant noodles.

Reason? During the period cycle, women face a hormonal shift which is the prime reason for the natural period cravings.

In a different scenario, some women might get other symptoms like loss of appetite. Hormonal up-downs may vary from person to person and seem to be unique for every woman out there.

However, fear not. It’s perfectly alright to have a craving for your comfort food. All you have to do is find a balance. It’s not advisory to send your menstrual cycle on comfort foods, make sure to take good care of your nutrition for a hormonal balance.

Nutritional Needs During Periods

Maggi noddle might offer some nutritional benefits as well but it should be your primary source of nutrients during the menstruation cycle.  

Here’s a list of required nutritional elements (and foods) that Maggi lacks:

1. Iron: Eat red meat, leafy veggies, and fortified cereals for iron consumption.

2. Calcium: Eat dairy products (such as milk, butter, and curd), leafy green, and plant-based kinds of milk, or curd during periods.

3. Vitamin B-12: Non-veg items are a great source for it such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

4. Fiber: A great source for consuming fibre could be fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

5. Omegla-3 acids: Try adding fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts to your diet chart.

Last but not least, try adding a variation of nutritional food to your period-friendly diet chart.

Does Maggi don’t even have a single benefit?

If you’re reading this far, chances are you have this question.

Well, YES. There are some visual advantages of Maggi. Here’s a list:

• Maggi is quick and easy to cook food with a touch of home ambiance.
• It’s warm and comforting vibes can leave a positive effect on women (especially during periods).
• Due to the moisture, Maggi can be a great way to stay hydrated during your menstruation cycle.

Impact of Maggi on Menstrual Health

There are a limited number of studies conducted about the impact of Maggi. But still, it is claimed to be a subject of women’s interest.

Let’s see some of the impacts of Maggi:

1. Deficiency of nutrition: Maggi doesn’t have vital nutrients (iron, calcium, and vitamins) and that’s why consuming Maggi as a primary source of food can contribute to nutrition deficiency.
2. High sodium: Salt and enhancers are added in Maggi to accelerate the taste but these are rich in sodium. This can contribute to high blood pressure and indirectly affect your menstrual health.
3. Hormonal imbalance: Maggi contains some processed ingredients (refined flour and hydrogenated oil) and this can lead to inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
4. Irregular period cycle: Hormonal imbalance can cause irregular periods.

Although, it’s important to note that occasional consumption of Maggi isn’t unhealthy. As long as you’re in balance, eating Maggi noddle won’t affect your periods.

Here are some tips for healthy eating during periods

• Consume meals high in iron to help fight exhaustion and poor energy.
• Drink lots of water and herbal teas to stay hydrated.
• Menstrual cramps can be relieved by including foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseed, in your diet.
• Steer clear of excessive alcohol and caffeine intake.

Want to know some foods for better health and menstrual cramp support? Here’s a list:

• Greens with leaves, like kale and spinach
• Whole grains, including quinoa and brown rice.
• Berries and bananas for fruits.
• Dark chocolate.
• Lean protein sources like fish and poultry.

Bottom line: Is Maggi safe during periods?

there may not be a clear answer. Depending on your general eating patterns and health objectives, you can decide whether or not to consume spicy Maggi during periods.

Even if eating Maggi noodles once in a while (once or twice a week) is probably safe, their high salt content and lack of nutrients make them unsuitable for consumption either before or right after menstruation. During this period, it's critical to support your body's requirements by giving priority to meals high in nutrients.

But if you’re a fan of Maggi noodles, you can include them in a well-balanced diet but don’t depend on them as your main source of nourishment when you are menstruating.

FAQs

1. Can period pains become worse after eating Maggi?

There isn't any concrete proof that eating Maggi cup noodles during periods would make your period cramps worse. But Maggi noodles contain a lot of salt, which can lead to water retention and bloating—symptoms that can make menstruation more uncomfortable.

2. Can one safely drink Maggi on days when there is a lot of flow?

Yes, eating Maggi noodles on days when your menstrual flow is particularly heavy is often safe. But especially during this period, it's crucial to make sure you eat a balanced diet and remain hydrated.

3. Can irregular Maggi consumption impact menstruation cycles?

There isn't any concrete proof that irregular Maggi noodle eating affects menstrual periods. However, eating a balanced diet is crucial for good health in general, including menstrual health.