Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a food additive commonly used to enhance the savory, umami flavor of various foods, such as processed meats, canned vegetables, soups, and Asian dishes. This additive is most popular in Asian cuisine. The average daily intake of MSG in the US and UK is 0.55–0.58 grams, while it is around 1.2–1.7 grams in Japan and Korea.
Despite this ingredient’s popularity, it has acquired a negative connotation because many people think it is a harmful ingredient. To learn more about the truth behind MSG, and determine if it provides you with health benefits or is simply bad for your health, read the information below.
What Is MSG?
MSG is a white crystalline powder that looks like sugar or table salt. Its chemical compounds include a combination of sodium and glutamic acid made by fermenting starches.
Why Does MSG Have a Negative Reputation?
MSG gained a reputation for many people for being harmful to their health because some claim that this additive leads to harmful neurological effects due to excessive stimulation of nerve cells and excessive glutamate in the brain. As a result, this ingredient has been considered as an excitotoxin.
The truth is that dietary glutamate has little to no effect on your brain due to the barrier between your brain and blood. At present, there is no concrete evidence showing that MSG can overstimulate your neuron receptors when you consume it in normal doses.
When Should You Be Careful When Consuming MSG?
You are sensitive to MSG
In some cases, people may have a condition called the MSG symptom complex or the Chinese restaurant syndrome, which causes them to experience severe adverse side effects after consuming MSG. It can occur after consuming large doses of MSG, they are extra sensitive to this ingredient, and the glutamic acid interacts with neurons.
As a result, this can lead to brain injury and swelling. Some symptoms related to the health condition include flushing, headache, muscle tightness, tingling, numbness, and weakness of the body. On the other hand, some people may also experience asthma attacks due to excessive MSG consumption.
You are trying to lose weight
Some studies highlight the relationship between MSG consumption and weight gain and obesity. While some studies suggest that MSG may reduce your calorie intake and help you curb your appetite, you should not rely on this ingredient to feel full for a longer time than normal. It is because this has an umami flavor that may trigger the release of hormones responsible for regulating your appetite, causing you to feel hungry.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, MSG is a food additive that is relatively safe in moderate amounts. If this ingredient is consumed in high doses, it may cause the additive to act as a dangerous neurotoxin that can lead to different negative effects. Learn more about MSG and stay updated with health and medical news by checking a reliable go-to news source.
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