Ramen and Health

In Japan, people often talk about how ramen affects health. Most of the time, the topic comes up in a negative way—but I think that just shows how much people love ramen. Ramen is more than just food. It’s part of the culture. And because it’s so popular, it always gets attention and debate. That’s what makes it special.

Of course, ramen isn’t bad by itself. Like anything, it depends on how much you eat.

So what should you keep in mind when eating ramen?

People often say ramen is unhealthy because it has too much salt, fat, and calories. Some also mention that it doesn’t have enough nutrients.

For salt, here’s an easy trick: don’t drink all the soup. Leaving the broth can reduce your sodium intake by up to one-third.

Want better balance? Try adding toppings like a soft-boiled egg or tofu. These ingredients can give you extra protein, vitamins, and nutrients—small changes that make your ramen a bit healthier, without losing any of the joy.

That’s the idea—these are just ways to feel less guilty.

For the record, I eat ramen five or six times a week, and I stay healthy by getting good sleep and regular exercise.

By the way, Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods and creator of the world’s first instant ramen, Chicken Ramen, ate it for lunch every day for 50 years, and lived to be 96 years old.

Reference: Gov Online Japan

Sure, that’s just one man’s story. But as someone who runs a ramen shop, I want to show that eating ramen itself is not the problem.

Eating what you love—and enjoying it—is one of the best parts of life. You don’t need to feel guilty about ramen. With a little mindfulness and care, you can enjoy it for many years to come. And when you do that, ramen becomes more than just a meal—it becomes part of a happy, balanced life.