5 Debunked Myths About MSG
Many people still believe that any store-bought food is crammed with chemicals that are bad for our health. Among the most terrifying for people is monosodium glutamate that is present in a huge number of products. More than two million tons of MSG is used in food production annually so we ate, eat, and most likely will eat it.
Regular publications report that it causes a number of diseases and leads to pathological dependence on food. Although the first concerns about sodium glutamate appeared in Asian countries, today this food supplement is consumed there without any fears.
But in some countries, monosodium glutamate(1) is still filled with legends msg myths facts so we selected the most famous myths to find out the truth.
Table of Contents
Debunked Myths About MSG
1. MSG Is an Artificially Created Substance
Glutamic acid (which turns into sodium glutamate in combination with sodium) is part of the protein that is necessary for all of us. This amino acid is not only naturally found in all protein foods but also synthesized by our body.
Glutamate plays an important role in the metabolism(2) and functioning of the nervous system. We eat about 12 grams of glutamic acid per day.
Artificial glutamate is obtained from bacteria and then combined with sodium salts. Other compounds are possible but with sodium, food is tastier and cheaper.
Artificial glutamate does not differ from the natural one and for our body, it’s just two sets of the same molecules. When frying or cooking, the protein breaks down and the glutamate is released, giving the food a special taste.
2. Glutamate-Containing Foods Cause Addiction
Dependence on food is an overly multifaceted problem to blame it all on MSG. Glutamate as an attachment to a particular taste is determined by genetic, psychological, and other factors.
