what is monosodium glutamate? why is it used in food preparation? what are the health concerns related to its use?
2007-10-26 15:58:24 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
It's said to be a "flavor enhancer".
Chemically it makes your mouth water, so I guess it gives you the idea that the food is mouth-watering good.
But I'm allergic to it and if I eat food with it I get a weird headache over and behind my left eye, and can even vomit if I had a lot. I always read labels now and it's in a lot of things, like most canned soups, flavored potato chips, seasoning mixes (Like gravy mix or Sazon Goya).
If I go to eat chinese food, I look for the sign "No MSG" or I ask for them not to put it. If I find I've eaten something with it, I take a Benadryl or Claritin and since it's an allergy it usually takes the headache away.
It's a shame so many packaged foods use it. They could use other seasoning like miso for example and it would be healthier. MSG allergy can cause "migraines". It is sodium, so it counts towards your overall sodium intake. That's all I know, but I avoid it.
2007-10-26 16:09:04 · answer #1 · answered by topink 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a salt substitute or flavor enhancer used mostly in Chinese food. many people have a sensitivity to it- headache diarrhea. Check labels. it is also in many American prepared foods.
2007-10-26 23:06:57 · answer #2 · answered by ditdit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It fools your body into thinking the tastless high profit product you're eating tastes good. it opens your taste buds to be larger.
2007-10-27 12:44:58 · answer #3 · answered by ken G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋