How MSG Harms
Though foods that contain MSG are much tastier than other foods, this food additive is a silent killer
MSG or better known as monosodium glutamate and also widely known as a taste maker because of its ability to enhance the taste of food. MSG is one of the most abundantly found and naturally occurring non-essential amino acids. It is naturally found in mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, parmesan cheese and many other vegetables.
It is an ingredient that makes food taste good and also makes one crave for those foods again and again. MSG is usually used in many food products and food industries as an ingredient to enhance the flavour of the food since it is well known to intensity meaty and savoury flavours. The reason why foods with MSG are rich in taste, is because this ingredient is said to awaken the fifth taste bud on the tongue called Umami.
MSG was first prepared by Japanese biochemist Kikunae Ikeda in the search of a duplicate savoury taste found in edible seaweed called Kombu used as base for several Japanese soups. Though foods that contain MSG are much tastier than other foods, this food additive is a silent killer. It can adversely affect the body in different ways.
Changing lifestyles have made changes in food habits and many people now consume processed foods and street foods frequently. The surplus of processed food in the markets is the main reason people lack proper nutrition and it is also the root cause of many critical health issues. We eat processed foods almost every day and we do not even pay attention to the food label to realise how healthy or harmful a particular food is.
Though many people have an immediate reaction after consuming MSG. not everyone is susceptible to it. Some might not experience it, but in the long run it affects everyone. Some of the side effects people encounter after consuming MSG are as follows:
- Numbness
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Stomach upset
- Burning sensation in the mouth and over the neck and head
- Headache
- Tingling
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Facial pressure and tightness
- Skin allergy
Regular consumption of MSG can lead to more critical and greater health issues and some of the long term health problems that MSG can cause are listed below.
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Depression
- Eye damage
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Hormonal fluctuation
- Infertility
- Adrenal gland malfunction
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
Many people have an immediate reaction after consuming MSG but some don’t, however in the long run, it affects everyone Making a choice to avoid MSG in your diet will be a wise decision. Avoid eating in restaurants frequently and also avoid processed foods. Doing this, will keep you away from the ill effects caused by MSG. Make a commitment to eat healthy and wisely!