Since these instant noodles are made to bear a longer shelf life, they are highly processed. They are low on nutritive content; high on fat, calories and sodium; and are laced with artificial colours, preservatives, additives and chemical.

Preservative derived from the petroleum industry -may be present in instant noodles for their taste enhancing and preserving properties. Though dietary intake of these elements is allowed within a limit, regular intake of these can cause severe health issues.

Although instant noodles is a convenient and delicious food, there could be an increased risk for metabolic syndrome given [the food's] high sodium, unhealthy saturated fat and glycemic loads," said Hyun Shin, a doctoral candidate at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Most instant noodles are made of maida - milled, refined and bleached version of wheat flour. What makes maida so bad for our health is the fact that it is highly processed - richer in flavour but, unfortunately, devoid of any nutrition.

The study concluded that excessive instant noodle consumption can not only trigger obesity but also metabolic ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, heart problems and so on.