Is MSG [monosodium glutamate] bad?

Question

It's it a lot of foods. and those foods often make you want more of them, like cheetos. So what's so bad about it?

Answer 1

MSG is basically a sodium compound of glutamate. Basically they took what makes tomatoes, mushrooms, steak, or cheese tasty or meaty and made it into a salt. So when it hits your mouth, it turns into sodium and one glutamate ion, so you have the sensation of tastiness.

MSG is in almost every food compound, especially protein rich foods. Glutamates themselves are not bad for you. In fact, your body needs them to function, which is why your body craves them so much. But why is MSG, which is just a salt of the same exact thing, so bad for you? My theory is the way it's absorbed into the body, and the fact that so many restaurants PILE that stuff on. MSG, because it is in its refined form, probably absorbs ten times faster into your system than natural MSG. Combined with excessive amounts, as a result you probably will experience adverse reactions, and there maybe even long term effects. Not only that, you get an extra dosage of sodium. The fact is that glutamates aren't bad for you but anything artificial and made with shortcuts can be. It's okay to eat a little, but not alot. It's just like any other condiment: moderation is key. Eating a meal that is drenched in salt is probably going to give you adverse effects too.

Answer 2

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that is "generally recognized as safe," the use of MSG remains controversial.

MSG has been used as a food additive for decades. Over the years, the FDA has received many anecdotal reports of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG. But subsequent research found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and the symptoms that some people described after eating food containing MSG. As a result, MSG is still added to some foods.

A comprehensive review of all available scientific data on glutamate safety sponsored by the FDA in 1995 reaffirmed the safety of MSG when consumed at levels typically used in cooking and food manufacturing. The report found no evidence to suggest that MSG contributes to any long-term health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease. But it did acknowledge that some people may have short-term reactions to MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — may include:

Headache, sometimes called MSG headache
Flushing
Sweating
Sense of facial pressure or tightness
Numbness, tingling or burning in or around the mouth
Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Chest pain
Shortness of breath

Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. However, some people report more severe reactions. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG. When MSG is added to food, the FDA requires that "monosodium glutamate" be listed on the label — or on the menu, in restaurants.

Answer 3

MSG is a natural plant product. It is used almost in very thing.Remember Accent ? it was MSG.. I think their slogan was "wake up the favor" Some people do have an allergic reaction to it and have to be careful with foods it is in .It is not the reason you what to eat more of the food its in rather it is most likely the salt

Answer 4

MSG is a flavor enhancer. But unfortunately many people are allergic to it. Some of the symptoms are headaches, sweating, chest tightening, feeling faint, anxiety. My husband is allergic and when we go to the chinese restaurant we always say: "No MSG".

Answer 5

It's not necessarily bad for you. It is a flavor enhancer. Some people (myself included) are allergic to it. Also, it is an additional source of sodium, which can worsen high blood pressure if you are "salt-sensitive."

Answer 6

MSG is a non-natural, processed preservative typically found in asian foods, but also in processed wet foods. It has been found to have links to carcinogens, and those cause cancer. It has also been linked to ulcers and high blood pressure.

Answer 7

the probl;em is that like u said whenu eat it u want more and more and more and eventually ull just crave it evryday. Too much of something is bad for even if it's something as healthy as oranges or carrots.

Answer 8

Its a flavor enhancer that can cause lots of different reactions, that's why. And it helps u gain weight.

Answer 9

Yes, it is bad, even the Chinese/Japanese/Asian restaurants use it with their foods, but try not to over use it since it really is salty.

Answer 10

It is bad and most restaurants try to avoid it now.