Scientists warn popular dish may lead to early death

Alarmingly, men under 70 faced a higher risk of death if they consumed a bowl of this food three or more times a week

A group of scientists has issued a serious warning that a delicious bowl of food might actually lead to an early death.

Researchers conducting a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing have identified a concerning link between a popular dish and mortality.

The study's authors, from Yamagata University School of Medical Science in Japan, monitored over 6,500 participants—2,361 men and 4,385 women—all aged 40 and above.

Participants were divided into four groups based on their frequency of consuming the dish: less than once a month, one to three times per month, once or twice a week, and three or more times a week.

Interestingly, the meal in question was ramen - a bowl of noodles in a salty, pork-based broth, typically garnished with slices of meat, seaweed, and vegetables.

While it is a staple in Japan, it has also gained popularity among fans in the US, UK, Australia, and worldwide.

Researchers have discovered a link between ramen and an early death

Despite its widespread appeal, scientists are cautioning that consuming excessive amounts of ramen could have fatal consequences.

The findings of the study were startling.

Approximately one-third of the participants reported eating ramen weekly, with younger men being the most likely to overconsume. The study also revealed that these ramen enthusiasts often drank alcohol, smoked, and were more prone to being overweight.

During an average follow-up period of four-and-a-half years, 145 participants passed away—100 from cancer and 29 from heart disease. Disturbingly, the risk of death was greater for men under 70 who consumed ramen three or more times a week.

“Ramen noodles and their broth contain high levels of salt; thus, frequent consumption can result in elevated sodium intake, potentially increasing the risk of salt-related diseases, such as stroke and gastric cancer,” researchers stated.

It is a fundamental part of Japanese cuisine (Getty images)

The study also discovered that individuals who frequently consumed ramen and also drank alcohol faced a 'significantly higher risk of death' compared to those who consumed it in moderation.

It wasn't just the noodles themselves - consuming at least half of the salty broth seemed to increase the risks even more.

However, the researchers emphasized that their study was observational, meaning it cannot prove that ramen directly leads to early death.

The author's conclusion stated: "This study indicated that Japanese community residents frequently eat ramen noodles, and high consumption is linked with various comorbidities.

"Frequent ramen noodle consumption might be associated with mortality risk in men under 70 years old and those who consumed ≥50% of the noodle soup along with alcohol."