what is monosodium glutamate?what can it be found in?

Answer 1

Monosodium Glutamate or MSG is a salt based flavor enhancer. Though Glutamate or Glutamic Acid can be found in common vegetables such as asparagus or tomatoes. MSG is the synthesized form of Glutamate. Glutamate is most found in seaweed and exctracting it is the first process of making MSG. The next is to use sodium as a storage capsule of glutamate so that it can become a stored solute.

Since sodium has no smell odor or distinct flavor, it can be used in a large range of food preparations. It is also soluble in water so it makes it convenient to mix with any food dish or even beverages.

Since the production and the source has been mentioned, the next statements will explain the use and the effects of monosodium glutamate(MSG).

MSG enhances the flavor of the food by releasing the glutamic acid and attaches to the taste buds and "opening" them up for chemicals to enter and heighten the flavor of the food. Think of it as a reverse pain-killer. A pain-killer "numbs" the area whereas the MSG increases the sensitivity of the receptors to taste. This is where the side-effects come in. This is more rare than common but some people who are exposed or have ingested MSG experience migraine headaches as a simple logical opinion, I believe that when the concentration of MSG increases, the pain receptors in the brain is heightened and becomes over active. The pituitary gland then secretes prostaglandin to signal "pain" hence the development of pseudo-migraine attack.

Answer 2

Hi,its the first time I have heard of it looked it up.Its put in frozen foods, tinned soups,salad dressings the list is endless if you type which foods have monosodium glutamate in them
if like me you will get a shock.Its an additive E621

Answer 3

MSG can be found in many foods. Most packet soups for example. It is a flavour enhancer and is used by the Japanese (Aji no moto - means more flavour) and Chinese. Said to be carcinogenic, beware of European pre-prepared foods which harmlessly state in the ingredients 'flavour enhancer', without specifying.

In Chinese cooking, a good pinch of sugar will have the same effect. A tip I picked up in Hong Kong.

Answer 4

It is a chemical that enhances flavour in food and helps preserve it as well.

It is completely unnecessary but lots of companies put it into their food products to enhance the flavour because most food products these days are very processed. It is also something that more and more people are becoming allergic to.

It is found in lots of foods on your supermarket shelves and also in lots of prepared chinese foods.

Answer 5

It's a chemical used highly in Chineese food. MSG is another name for it, and some people with migraine headache problems are particularly sensative...

too much can make ur hair fall out too.. Maggie mee contains msg..

Answer 6

It's a chemical used highly in Chineese food. MSG is another name for it, and some people with migraine headache problems are particularly sensative.

Answer 7

It's a flavour enhancer and it can be found in many foods. Check the label if you're unsure. It's also associated with food intolerance (it gives me migraines).

Answer 8

it is the older "less fancy" version of the stereosodium glutamate. check at best buy or circuit city stores

Answer 9

It's a flavour enhancer, commonly found in Chinese food.

Answer 10

look out for it in the less obvious things, such as dry roasted peanuts, cheesy flavoured crisps etc.