A 2025 Japanese cohort study reported that people who eat ramen three or more times per week had ~1.5× higher all-cause mortality risk (HR ≈ 1.52) than those who rarely/never do (especially among men and those under 70).
Key findings
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A 2025 Japanese cohort study reported that people who eat ramen three or more times per week had ~1.5× higher all-cause mortality risk (HR ≈ 1.52) than those who rarely/never do (especially among men and those under 70).
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A 2014 study found that frequent instant-noodle (ramen-type) intake was associated with metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia), suggesting increased cardiovascular risk.
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Regional analyses have also reported a correlation between higher ramen-shop density and higher stroke mortality (ecological correlation).
How to interpret this
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These are observational studies; they do not prove causation. Other factors (habit of drinking most of the salty broth, alcohol use, low physical activity, overall diet pattern, socioeconomic status, etc.) may drive the association.
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Risk signals are strongest for intake patterns like “≥3 times/week” or “drinking almost all the broth,” not for occasional consumption.
Practical steps
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Don’t finish the broth (reduce sodium intake).
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Improve overall diet quality with vegetables, fermented foods, fish, and legumes.
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Lower ramen frequency (e.g., keep to once or twice weekly), avoid pairing with alcohol, and maintain regular exercise.
Notes / references (high level)
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2025 Japanese cohort study (mortality risk and ramen frequency).
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2014 study on instant noodles and metabolic syndrome (Journal of Nutrition; Harvard commentary).
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Ecological study linking ramen-shop density and stroke mortality.
📑 Research Articles & Studies
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2025 Japanese Cohort Study – Ramen consumption and mortality risk (Mainichi / JACC source)
Mainichi: Eating ramen three or more times a week linked to 1.5x higher risk of death -
2014 Study (Journal of Nutrition) – Instant noodle intake and cardiometabolic risk (South Korea)
PubMed Abstract -
Harvard T.H. Chan Commentary – Instant noodles linked to cardiometabolic syndrome
Harvard Chan School News
📰 News Coverage
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South China Morning Post – Coverage of 2025 Japanese study
SCMP: Eating ramen 3 times a week linked to early death in Japan study -
Japan Times – Discussion on diet, ramen, and health (related reporting)
Japan Times Health Section
📊 Related Analyses
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Ramen shops and stroke mortality – Ecological study in Japan
Stroke mortality and ramen shops study (ResearchGate summary)
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