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Monosodium Glutamate: The Sly Health MenaceMonosodium glutamate has been around for some fifty years. It has become so common that it is no wonder we don't realize the health effects of this menacing flavor enhancer. Sure, you have probably heard of people who have an intolerance to msg. When they go to Asian restaurants, they ask that none of this food additive be used.
It is true that monosodium occurs naturally in some foods, like beets for instance. However, there seems to be no evidence of toxicity from naturally occurring msg. Perhaps the reason is that the whole food balances out the effects with all the other nutrients you obtain. Now, here is a possible research paper. Consider those who do react to the chemical as our early warning. Sidebar Miners used to take a budgie in a cage down into the mine. Why? As a warning. If the budgie would succumb, the miners knew the air wasn't safe and would get out. Let's take a closer look at this chemical. Monosodium glutamate is the monosodium salt of the amino acid glutamic acid. This is processed by fermenting starch, corn, sugar beets, sugar cane or even molasses. It is an excitotoxin, as is aspartame . The chemical crosses the blood-brain barrier. Then acts to over excite neurons. This is just too much activity for the neurons to handle. The result is cell damage and even cell death. So those who would react to this poison are actually warning you and me of the danger. This food additive is classed by the FDA as GRAS or 'generally regarded as safe'. This despite well over 100 research papers disputing this title. If you like reading research papers, visit the National Library of Medicine (will open a new window) . What effect does msg have on the human body? Monosodium glutamate has an addictive effect. It causes you to eat more. And this is the true reason it is so widely used. Sidebar In order for researchers to test products for obesity, they need fat lab rats. However, rats don't naturally get fat. So, to make the rats fat they are given msg at a very young age. Kind of puts a whole new light on obesity, don't you think? It is known in the research community that msg will make the grown rats fat! Let's move on... It is also linked to diabetes, headaches and migraines. And there is evidence linking msg to autism, ADHD and Alzheimers. Food manufacturers are aware that many of us want to avoid msg. Although it is required to be on the label, the answer was to use alternate names. These are some of the names monosodium glutamate can be disguised as... So, now you have the data. What are you to do with it? What You Can Do Take a sensible approach to change and you will find you do have room for organic food in your diet. Your body will thank you too! Return from Monosodium Glutamate to Food Additives
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