Have you ever wondered why some restaurant food or packaged food feels addictive? The main reason may be due to certain chemicals that affect our brains and taste buds.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that works when molecules of MSG bind to receptors on the tongue that naturally sense the key flavour chemicals that contain glutamate. MSG brings the 5th basic flavour of taste, “umami”. It’s still a debate topic of whether MSG are harmful or works well with the body’s physiology without any harm.
Earlier, reporters published an article on “Chinese food syndrome,” describing symptoms such as stiffness of the arms and neck, headaches, palpitations, and dizziness in certain individuals after consuming heavily seasoned Chinese food with MSG. This created considerable controversy. However, subsequent investigations by the US Food and Drug Administration found no evidence linking MSG to these symptoms, and the additive was considered safe for consumption.
Whether MSG is harmful to your body directly is still a controversial topic. But what consumers should pay attention to is that MSG may lead to overeating of unhealthy food. Once we like the taste, we may keep craving for the same foods high in calories and excess fats, with less nutritional value. Therefore, we must be aware of the fact that such artificial flavors are usually added as a marketing strategy in hotels and restaurants and it is our responsibility to have healthy eating habits.
Monosodium glutamate is nothing but a sodium salt of glutamic acid that provides a 7th sense of taste called umami. This taste is especially prevalent in Asian food. It is synthesized by fermentation of food starch. According to the FDA, no evidence has been proven linking it to any adverse health effects. Most effects seem to be misconceptions. The health hazards of overeating foods with such MSG have been linked only to overconsumption of carbs and fat, and no relevance has been found linking them to MSG.
MSG is considered safe for most people based on scientific evidence and regulatory reviews.
While a few individuals may feel temporary sensitivity, there’s no solid proof that MSG is harmful or addictive.