Monosodium glutamate or most popularly known as MSG is a food additive that has been creating a buzz for many years now. Although it has been popularly used since the early nineteenth century, the controversy regarding its safety is still circulating like a virus. First of all, it is important that you know that MSG is not chemically produced. This is a non-essential amino acid found in the human body as well as meat, some vegetables and some dairy products. It is produced using food fermentation process – a process used in producing wine, sugar, chocolates and vinegar – wherein the L-glutamate is isolated. It will then go through the process of filtration, acidification and crystallization to produce pure glutamate, water and sodium. The end product of this process is known as monosodium glutamate.
Why people use MSG?
Monosodium glutamate was discovered in 1908 by a Japanese professor. He noticed that his broth have a peculiar taste which isn’t bitter, salty, sweet nor sour. He then studied it for a very long time and has discovered the umami taste produced by sodium glutamate. MSG was then patented and named monosodium glutamate, known to the world as MSG.
The primary reason why people use MSG is not because of its natural taste. If you actually taste MSG, it has this unpleasant flavor but when used in right amount with savory foods, the taste of the food changes, especially when combined with salt. The MSG balances the overall taste of the food making it a lot more flavorful as it enhances your dish’s natural flavor. However, this only happens if used appropriately. Excessive usage can spoil the taste of the dish. Some people use MSG in replacement for salt as salt is widely known to cause heart diseases, hypertension and stroke.
Is MSG safe?
Yes, MSG is safe to use. Although there are thousands of articles and blogs that say so otherwise, there are no scientific studies that prove that MSG is harmful to people’s health. In fact United States Food and Drug Administration have given MSG Group II classification which means that MSG is generally safe to eat. Other food additives in Group II classification are sugar, salt, spices, etc. MSG is classified as flavor enhancer like so autolyzed yeast extract and hydrolyzed soy protein. However, there are some people who have sensitivity to MSG, like any other food such as sea foods that can trigger asthma as well as chocolate and caffeine that can trigger your migraine. And since MSG naturally contains salt, you should still be careful about excessive consumption. Too much sodium can trigger heart attack, hypertension and even promote obesity.
Guest post provided by Kahthan Deane of Paleo Forever. Visit the site for more information on the Paleo diet and Paleo Snacks like Paleo Zucchini Chips.
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