Beer Vs. Ramen: Which Is Healthier?

Beer and ramen are a classic pairing, but which is healthier? While both have their place in a healthy lifestyle, the answer depends on a variety of factors, from preparation methods to serving sizes and individual health considerations. Beer, for example, is often high in carbohydrates and can be problematic for unregulated blood sugar levels, while ramen can be greasy and fatty, with high salt content. So, is beer or ramen healthier? Let's explore the nuances of this debate and uncover some surprising insights.

Beer and ramen pairings

Ramen and beer are a classic pairing, and there are many ways to match your bowl of ramen with the perfect beer.

Shio Ramen

Shio ramen is one of the oldest styles of ramen, with a light broth made from chicken or pork bones. It is usually accompanied by traditional toppings such as nori, and straight, thin noodles. For this delicate soup, a light beer is needed to match the light mouthfeel of the broth. Sapporo Premium is a good choice, as the salt in the broth blends with the grain husk malt flavour of the beer. The carbonation in the beer also helps to cut through the oiliness of the dish. Garrett Oliver, brewmaster at The Brooklyn Brewery, recommends a lighter beer style, such as a pilsner or a Belgian-style wheat beer.

Shōyu Ramen

Shōyu ramen has a broth made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, giving it a darker colour. It usually includes toppings such as greens, scallions, and nori, and thin, wavy noodles. Sapporo Black is a good beer pairing, as the dark roast flavour of the beer matches the umami deliciousness of the broth, and the sweetness of the beer is a nice contrast to the saltiness of the soup. Sierra Nevada Nooner is also a good choice for a domestic pilsner pairing, as it is light enough to balance out the salty broth.

Miso Ramen

Miso ramen is a newer style, with a slightly cloudy broth made from soybean paste. It is usually accompanied by thicker, wavier noodles, and toppings such as bean sprouts and greens. This thicker, richer soup calls for a beer with a strong flavour to match. A Gose beer is a good choice, as the tangy, sour flavour will complement the salty, fruity, sweet, and savoury notes of the miso. Budweiser is also a good, traditional pairing, as a pale lager.

Tonkotsu Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is the heaviest style of ramen, with a broth made by simmering pork bones for many hours. The broth is thick, cloudy, and fatty. The noodles are usually thicker and wavy, and toppings include chatsu pork, mushrooms, scallions, and pickled ginger. A light, carbonated beer is needed to cut through the heaviness of the broth, such as Sapporo Light, or Asahi Super Dry. Sam White, beer buyer at Ramen Shop in Oakland, recommends Gueuze Tilquin, a blended Lambic with a tart but dry profile and slight tannins from oak aging.

Health effects of beer

Beer is often enjoyed alongside ramen, a Japanese noodle soup. While beer is not a superfood, drinking it in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the health effects of beer:

Positive Health Effects of Beer

• Beer can be a source of anti-inflammatory phenols.
• Beer contains fewer calories and less alcohol than other alcoholic drinks, which can be beneficial when consumed in moderation.
• Lighter beers have fewer carbohydrates, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Lower-alcohol beers can help mitigate the negative health impacts of alcohol, such as impaired brain function, increased risk of certain cancers, liver disease, poor mental health, and disruption of the microbiome.
• Non-alcoholic beers can be a healthier alternative, offering the flavour of beer without the negative impacts of alcohol.

Negative Health Effects of Beer

• Excessive alcohol consumption, including beer, can lead to serious health issues such as impaired brain function, increased risk of breast cancer, alcoholic fatty liver disease, poor mental health, and disruption of the gut microbiome.
• Beer is often high in carbohydrates, which can lead to unregulated blood sugar spikes, especially when consuming more than one.
• Beers with added sugar can further increase the carb count, pushing it over 25 grams per 12-ounce serving.
• Beers with higher alcohol content, such as those above 5% ABV, can have more negative health consequences.
• Darker and sweeter beers, as well as those with high carbonation and high ABV, are not recommended for pairing with ramen as they can be too heavy and may overwhelm the flavours of the dish.

Health effects of ramen

Ramen is a popular dish in Japan, and it has gained a lot of popularity worldwide as well. While it is a delicious meal, it is important to consider its health effects.

Ramen is typically made with broth, noodles, egg, and vegetables. It can be a very decadent and hearty meal. The quality of ramen tends to be better in Japan or at authentic Asian restaurants. The various styles of ramen span a complex and varied spectrum, but at their core, they are comfort foods.

The health effects of consuming ramen can vary depending on the ingredients used and the individual's health. Here are some potential health effects of consuming ramen:

• High Sodium Content: Ramen is often associated with high sodium levels due to the salt and soy sauce used in the broth. Excessive sodium intake can lead to increased blood pressure and water retention, which may negatively impact heart health.
• Carbohydrate Load: Ramen noodles are typically made from refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes and unregulated blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in large quantities or by individuals with diabetes.
• Calorie Density: Ramen can be calorie-dense, depending on the ingredients used. A typical bowl of ramen can range from 300 to 600 calories or more, which may contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently without adequate physical activity.
• Fat Content: Ramen, especially Tonkotsu ramen, is known for its fatty broth, which is created by simmering pork bones for extended periods. This high-fat content can contribute to increased calorie intake and may negatively impact individuals with high cholesterol or heart-related conditions.
• Nutritional Value: Ramen can offer some nutritional benefits, depending on the ingredients used. For example, the addition of eggs provides protein, and vegetables can offer vitamins and minerals. However, the nutritional value of ramen is generally outweighed by the high sodium, fat, and calorie content.

It is important to note that the health effects of consuming ramen can be mitigated by moderating portion sizes, choosing healthier ingredients, and ensuring a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Additionally, the frequency of consumption plays a significant role in the overall health impact. Enjoying ramen occasionally as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to have severe negative consequences.

Nutritional information for beer and ramen

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup that can be served with a variety of toppings and flavourings. Beer is often served alongside ramen, and there are many types of beer that can be paired with the dish.

Ramen is typically made up of broth, noodles, egg, and vegetables. The broth can be made from chicken, pork, or vegetable stock, and is often seasoned with soy sauce, salt, or soybean paste. Ramen can be a very greasy dish, and it is considered a comfort food.

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from brewing and fermenting grain. The most common grains used are barley, wheat, and rice. The type of grain used can affect the flavour and colour of the beer. Beer is usually carbonated, and can be light or dark in colour, with a bitter or sweet taste.

When pairing beer with ramen, it is important to consider the flavour and heaviness of the broth. Lighter broths, such as the shio broth, pair well with lighter beers. The Sapporo Premium beer is often recommended as it is crisp, refreshing, and acts as a palate cleanser. Other light beers that can be paired with shio broth include the Asahi Super Dry and the Sierra Nevada Nooner.

Shōyu ramen, which has a soy sauce base, is often paired with a traditional pilsner or lager to counterbalance the salty broth. The Southampton Keller Pils and Sapporo Premium Black are recommended pairings for this type of ramen. Shōyu ramen can also be enjoyed with a slightly heavier beer, such as the Rodenbach Classic, which has slightly acidic, cherry notes that complement the gamey flavours in the broth.

Miso ramen is a thicker, cloudier soup made with soybean paste. This type of ramen can be paired with a sour beer, such as a Gose, or a dry beer, such as a pale lager. Budweiser is a classic example of a pale lager that pairs well with miso ramen. Belgian and Trappist beers, such as Orval, are also recommended pairings for this variety of ramen.

Tonkotsu ramen is the heaviest and richest type of ramen, made by simmering pork bones for many hours to extract the marrow and collagen. This style of ramen is often paired with a light, dry beer to cut through the grease and fat of the broth. Beers such as the Sapporo Light and Asahi Super Dry are recommended for this variety of ramen. For a wine-like pairing, an apple lambic can also be a good choice, as the acidity helps to balance the savoury flavours of the broth.

Recommended intake for beer

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage, often enjoyed alongside meals or as a refreshing drink on a hot day. While beer can be a tasty treat, it's important to practise moderation and be aware of the recommended intake guidelines to avoid adverse health effects. Here is some information on the recommended intake for beer:

Recommended Intake Guidelines:

• According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in the United States, the recommended intake for healthy adults who choose to drink is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
• It's important to note that these guidelines refer to the amount consumed on a single day, not as an average over several days.
• Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men within about two hours, leading to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• Heavy drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks per day or eight or more drinks per week for women, and five or more drinks per day or 15 or more drinks per week for men.
• Individuals who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, under the legal drinking age, managing certain health conditions, taking medications that interact with alcohol, or operating machinery or driving should refrain from drinking alcohol.

Factors Affecting Alcohol Intake:

• The amount of alcohol in a drink can vary depending on the type of beer, with light beers averaging around 4.3% alcohol by volume, regular beers at 5%, and craft beers often exceeding 5%.
• The serving size of a "standard drink" in the United States is defined as 12 fluid ounces of regular beer, which typically contains around 0.6 fluid ounces of pure ethanol.
• It's important to check the alcohol content and serving sizes on container labels to make an informed decision about your intake.

Pairing Beer with Ramen:

• When pairing beer with ramen, it's recommended to choose lighter beers to complement the bold flavours of ramen.
• Japanese beers, known for their lighter flavour due to the use of rice in the brewing process, are a popular choice with ramen.
• Beers such as Sapporo Premium, Asahi, and Kirin Ichiban Shibori Stout are often suggested as ideal companions for ramen, offering a refreshing contrast to the salty and heavy flavours of the dish.

In conclusion, while enjoying a beer with ramen or on its own can be enjoyable, it's crucial to follow the recommended intake guidelines and be mindful of the potential health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Frequently asked questions