Is MSG in Chinese food bad for you?

Answer 1

Lots of food has MSG
potato chips
sauces
frozen dinners
NOT just Chinese food (like the stereotype)

Do you think that MSG is only bad if it is in Chinese food?

http://www.rense.com/general52/msg.htm MSG was in everything! The Campbell's soups, the Hostess Doritos, the Lays flavored potato chips, Top Ramen, Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, Heinz canned gravy, Swanson frozen prepared meals, Kraft salad dressings, especially the 'healthy low fat' ones. The items that didn't have MSG had something called Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, which is just another name for Monosodium Glutamate. It was shocking to see just how many of the foods we feed our children everyday are filled with this stuff. They hide MSG under many different names in order to fool those who catch on.

But it didn't stop there. When our family went out to eat, we started asking at the restaurants what menu items had MSG. Many employees, even the managers, swore they didn't use MSG. But when we ask for the ingredient list, which they grudgingly provided, sure enough MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein were everywhere. Burger King, McDonalds, Wendy's, Taco Bell, every restaurant, even the sit down ones like TGIF, Chilis', Applebees and Denny's use MSG in abundance. Kentucky Fried Chicken seemed to be the WORST offender: MSG was in every chicken dish, salad dressing and gravy. No wonder I loved to eat that coating on the skin, their secret spice was MSG!

Answer 2

I agree with Frankey.

I am Vietnamese, and I have grown up eating MSG occasionally, and I am healthy. Yes, it is a sterotype that monosodium glutamate is in all Asian foods [no, really, it isn't.], but the thing is that it is consumed all over the world in copious amounts. I've found it in rice-a-roni, potato chips, and canned soups. You know, the "non-Asian" foods?

And few people have reactions to it, probably because their bodies are not used to it, or they are sensitive with their own different health issues. Some people get headaches, joint pain, or diarrhea when they try it. It's not poison, and it doesn't effect everyone the same way, but it's not like playing Russian roulette with your life or anything. Just like any other food, it should be regulated. MSG is like salt in that they're both enhancers, and they both should be taken only in moderation, for safety and optimal health.

But like Frankey said, it's everywhere. Chances are, you and the majority of answerers on this question have eaten a lot of it in foods other than Chinese food. So you should all know from past experience, right? So get it right. Asians are NOT the only ones that use MSG.

But if you're still creeped out, then I suggest you cook your own Chinese food, or find a family friend with a nice Asian person who will cook you a nice, real, home-cooked meal. I'm sure it would be healthier and will taste better. Who knows? You can ask him or her if they use MSG.

Answer 3

Prepared, processed food items (wet & dry) all over Asia use msg especially in snacks. It is not found only in Chinese food. Use sparingly as flavor enhancer, it pose no harm. Millions have and are still eating Chinese food and not a single one person anywhere in the world has ever been reported to die from consuming msg; including actress, models, fitness buffs, and the average person.

Answer 4

MSG is a cheep flavor enhancer one of the so call safe food additives which has poisoned the American population
However the safe list included trans fats and a number of food dyes that are now on the not for human consumption list
so let work on getting MSG and HFCS off the safe list as they are not at all safe or fit ot eat.

Answer 5

Yes it is Not all chinese food contains MSG but some does in a lot of people including myself it can trigger migraines.

Answer 6

It depends on your immune. It is just chemical but it can enhance the taste of food. In fact, it is not only in Chinese food, it is also in our daily food. If you carefully read the ingredients of what you eat you will find out it is already in your stomach. For example, Doritos's Nacho Cheese chips have MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).

Answer 7

Too much MSG is bad for you. Chinese food is not bad if you eat it once in a while.

:P

Answer 8

MSG in any food is bad for you. its a flavoring that isn't really needed in food. its only bad for some individuals. most people just get a bad headache after eating it... you can always as for no MSG when you order...

Answer 9

MSG in ANY food is bad for you. The country of origin is immaterial! [joke?]

Just remember that MSG means Mono Sodium Glutamate, and you KNOW sodium is bad for you

Answer 10

I put MSG in and on everything (including toothpaste). I love it! It enhances flavour. Life is so much more intense.