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As we all know, Maggi was, and maybe still is India’s favourite snack/quick meal – mostly for children and teenagers. The noodles take 2 minutes to make (marketed time) and come in a handful of flavours. If there was nothing to eat, what did parents and children resort to? Maggi noodles, of course. A go-to meal, comfort food, or even just plain great tasting, a large portion of India loved Maggi, although some Indians still do, in spite of the recent health issues.
The Maggi Noodles Controversy
Love it, or hate it, many states in India have banned the product due to its negative health effects, especially on children. Let’s discuss what Maggi consists of and how the ingredients affect children.
According to tests and studies, Maggi noodles have dangerously high levels of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG). A recent press report had stated that tests performed by the food safety authorities in Uttar Pradesh had revealed that Maggi samples contained 17.2 parts per million (ppm) of lead, which is many times the permitted limits that range between 0.01 and 2.5 ppm. Both ingredients are extremely harmful, especially for children, which is the brand’s (Nestle) target market.
What Is Lead?
If you paid attention in school, then you know lead is a heavy metal, which the body does not excrete. Instead, it accumulates. According to food safety experts, heavy metals affect multiple body systems, especially the liver and kidney functions.
Effects Of Lead
Children are most vulnerable to even low levels of lead, especially when they are six years and younger. Even pregnant women have to be extra careful because lead can harm the central nervous system of the child they are carrying.
Lead poisoning can lead to many growth defects, disorders, and disabilities, which include:
- Attention deficit disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Impairment of speech and language
- Kidney damage
- Defected bone growth
- Defected muscle growth
- Defected brain growth
The World Health Organisation has stated that lead is, in fact, harmful for children because of the above-mentioned effects. They also state, “There is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe.”
Here’s how exactly the defects occur -The body confuses the lead with elements such as calcium and begins to use the lead to make bones, muscles, and brain connections.
What Is MSG?
MSG, otherwise known, as monosodium glutamate, is a food additive and flavouring substance often used in Chinese food and even Maggi noodles (packages and canned foods). MSG does have negative impacts, although it is unclear as to how safe or unsafe particular levels actually are.
Using MSG can affect the quality because instead of using real ingredients, manufactures are enhancing flavour the unhealthy way. We don’t notice the lack of “real food”, which is why, in a way, we are being tricked because of the MSG flavours.
Effects Of MSG
Apparently, the long-term impacts of MSG are still in talks amongst doctors. However, in the short-term, it can cause hypertension, palpitations, and headaches, which is why in India, manufacturers are required to disclose the usage of MSG on the product’s packaging.
If your body contains a high level of MSG, it gives way to free glutamates. This affects babies while in their mothers’ womb, as the placental barrier breaks down blocking the food supply to the baby. The placental barrier allows only good substances to enter. However, without the barrier, your baby is exposed to the good and bad, even allergens and germs.
For all you Maggi noodles lovers out there, we are sorry to tell you that it’s not at all a wise choice. No matter what level – high or low – the ingestion of lead and MSG is extremely harmful to people, especially to your children. We know it’s tasty (for most), and we know it’s quick, but that doesn’t mean our health should take a backseat.
Let us know your thoughts on Maggi noodles!
