5 Popular Food Myths in Indonesian Debunker

 
Food Myths in Indonesia: 5 Facts You Need to Knows

How many times have you been told not to eat instant noodles because they supposedly cause cancer? Or maybe you’ve been warned to avoid MSG, even though it’s found in almost everything? If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.

In Indonesian, food myths spread incredibly fast, sometimes even faster than scientific discoveries. Information often circulates by word of mouth, and nowadays, it spreads just as quickly through family WhatsApp groups filled with forwarded messages from unclear sources.

In this article, we’ll explore 5 of the most common food myths in Indonesian and set the record straight with facts. Not to scare you, but to help you enjoy your food more calmly and not rely too much on questionable information.

Let’s get started!

1. Myth: Instant Noodles Cause Cancer

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This is probably one of the most well known food myths in Indonesia. Almost everyone has heard that instant noodles are “dangerous” and can cause cancer if consumed too often.

However, scientific research to date has not directly shown that instant noodles cause cancer. Cancer risk is more strongly linked to factors such as processed meats, smoking, and environmental exposures (World Health Organization, n.d.). Not specific foods like instant noodles.

Fact: There is no evidence that instant noodles cause cancer. Their high sodium and saturated fat content should be a concern if consumed too frequently; this is not linked to cancer, but rather to long-term risks like hypertension and obesity (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, n.d.).

The body can digest instant noodles just like other flour based foods. It only becomes a problem if you eat them every day. Having instant noodles once in a while? Totally fine. The key is to add vegetables and protein to make them more nutritious. 

2. Myth: MSG Always Dangerous

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Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is often seen as the main enemy by many mothers in Indonesia. Some believe that it not only makes people less intelligent but also causes children to become misbehaved. This belief has circulated widely in society.

In reality, MSG has been classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), and food safety authorities state that it is safe when consumed in reasonable amounts (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.). The fear surrounding MSG originated from anecdotal reports in the 1960s that have not been scientifically proven since (European Food Safety Authority, n.d.). Compared to regular table salt, MSG actually contains lower levels of sodium.

Fact: If consumed in normal amounts, MSG is safe. The fear largely comes from outdated anecdotal reports from the 1960s that lack strong scientific evidence. In comparison to table salt, MSG has less sodium (European Food Safety Authority, n.d.).

Keep in mind that some people may be sensitive to MSG and experience mild symptoms such as headaches. However, the same can happen if you consume too much salt or sugar.

Fun Fact: Glutamate naturally occurs in foods like tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and soy sauce. So when you eat tomatoes, you’re also consuming natural glutamate!

3. Myth: Eggs Raise Cholesterol Levels in Everyone Photo by Shaiith on iStock

Many people panic and avoid egg yolks because they contain relatively high cholesterol. However, it’s not that simple.

When we consume cholesterol from food, our bodies tend to reduce their own cholesterol production to maintain balance. This is part of the body’s natural regulatory system (American Heart Association, n.d.)

Fact: Eating one egg per day is generally safe and even beneficial for healthy individuals without a history of heart disease or high cholesterol. Eggs can be part of a healthy diet and provide important nutrients such as choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein, which support brain health (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, n.d.).

People with a history of high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease should be more cautious. It is generally recommended to moderate cholesterol intake and consult a doctor if needed (American Heart Association, n.d.). to moderate cholesterol intake and consult a doctor if needed (Health Guidelines). 

4. Myth: Eating spicy food can cause Appendix

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If you’ve ever avoided spicy food because you were afraid it could “cause appendicitis,” here’s some good news and bad news.

The “good” news is that eating spicy food does not cause appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs due to a blockage in the appendix, which can be caused by hardened stool, infection, or swelling of the tissue (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). The main cause of appendicitis is a blockage that leads to infection, not specific foods like spicy food.

Fact: Spicy food may only irritate the stomach or digestive system, causing discomfort that is sometimes mistaken for appendicitis. There is no scientific evidence from health organizations showing that spicy food can cause appendicitis (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, n.d.).

The “bad” news is that spicy food can cause discomfort if you have a sensitive stomach, but this is not the same as appendicitis.

Therefore, you don’t need to worry about getting appendicitis from eating spicy food. The issue isn’t the spice itself, but how your body responds to it.

5. Myth: Durian Should Not Be Consumed with Coffee 

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This is one of the most widely debated myths, especially among durian lovers. It is often said that consuming durian together with coffee can cause heart palpitations or even be dangerous.

There are several things to consider from a scientific perspective. Durian contains compounds such as tyramine and sulfur compounds, while caffeine in coffee can affect blood pressure and heart rate (Mayo Clinic, n.d.; Healthline, n.d.). In theory, consuming both in large amounts may increase the workload of the heart.). 

Fact: Eating durian and drinking coffee in moderate amounts is generally safe for healthy individuals without a history of hypertension or heart disease. However, for those with hypertension, heart conditions, or caffeine sensitivity, it is best to be cautious or avoid the combination (Healthline, n.d.)

Basically, this combination is not as dangerous as it is often believed to be. However, it’s better to consult a doctor if you have certain medical conditions. Also, keep in mind that durian is high in calories and fat, so it’s best not to consume it in excess! 

Conclusion: Don’t Immediately Believe It, but Don’t Be Afraid Right Away Either

The five myths above have long circulated and have been believed by many Indonesians, including perhaps our own parents or family members. This article is not meant to blame anyone, but rather to encourage all of us to be more informed and critical when learning about food.

Before you believe something that spreads widely on social media or WhatsApp, try to check whether there is scientific evidence behind it. Has it been proven by research? Reliable information can usually be easily verified. Most importantly, enjoy your food in moderation and maintain a balanced diet.

If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with friends or family who still believe these myths! 😊