Mega Bored
There has been an abundance of processed food these days and it’s all because of the preservatives used in it. Among the main ingredients of these processed foods is MSG or Monosodium Glutamate. The use of MSG has been debated by many people as some believe that this seasoning causes bad side effects in the body. Now if you are interested to know what they are talking about, let us break down MSG and learn as to how much is considered dangerous and the side effects it come along with.
What is MSG?
MSG or monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. This is usually found in naturally-occurring non-essential amino acids and is produced by certain vegetables and fruits. Among them are tomatoes, potatoes, parmesan, mushrooms and the likes. MSG is often used in the food industry as a very good flavor enhancer. It intensifies any meaty or savory flavor in meat soups and stews. This seasoning was first prepared by a Japanese biochemist named Kikunae Ikeda and is popular among many Chinese and Japanese dishes for over a hundred years since it was first produced. However with the many food businesses and companies today, the use of MSG has become popular. Because of this a lot of people are wondering about the side effects of this flavor enhancer.
Ingesting MSG has indeed its side effects. According to studies, ingesting MSG can cause a malfunction in the adrenal glands, diabetes, seizures, excessive weight gain, stroke, high blood pressure and even other health problems.
Side Effects:
Although this has been used in many foods for decades, the FDA has received many complaints as well as adverse reactions from ingesting too much MSG. Among the many symptoms felt by patients include headaches, sweating, flushing, tightness in the face and numbness. There is also tingling or burning sensation in the face, neck and other parts of the body. Heart palpitations and chest pains can also be experienced when a large amount of MSG is ingested. It is also followed by nausea as well as weakness. In severe cases, vomiting may be experienced as well.
However, according to researchers, these symptoms have no link to MSH and if there are any, it is usually short-term reactions to monosodium glutamate. Mild symptoms do not usually require treatment as they do not last for a long time.
There are four ways in which you can eliminate toxins of MSG in your body. One is by avoiding products that contains high amount of MSG as their ingredients. In case you want to eat at a restaurant, you can always order dishes that do not contain much MSGs. Try to reduce eating fast foods, if you can avoid doing this, do so. Fries contain a lot of MSG so the flavors are enhanced; this is one way of getting addicted to junk foods. Cleansing your colon regularly and flushing out toxins with vegetable and fruit juices can help you eliminate the toxins as well.
Is MSG bad for you?
Yes! With the dangers it poses to our health, MSG may cause great danger if you are using them on a daily basis and in large amounts. Although nothing is wrong with using a pinch or so just to enhance the flavor, the choice of using them regularly and how much is entirely up to you. You know the consequences already, now you just have to be smart when choosing what you put in your food. Makes sense, right?
