Is MSG bad? “This common flavor enhancer has had a bad reputation – but here’s what the research shows.”
“Most of those myths [which began in the 1960s] have been dispelled, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says MSG is “generally recognized as safe.” Global food-regulating bodies like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) agree.”
Originally published in the Cleveland Clinic website Health Essentials section, January 19, 2022
Is MSG Actually Bad for You?
Author: Cleveland Clinic
More quotes from this article:
“Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is one of the most popular flavor enhancers in the world — an ingredient that gives food a savory or umami taste.
“In the late 1960s, the ingredient came under fire for allegedly being a toxic addition to some favorite foods, from soups and salad dressings to Chinese takeout and French fries.
Since then, research has debunked the myth that MSG is a villainous ingredient, and research shows that in small amounts, it doesn’t cause any significant or lasting harm.”
“This flavor enhancer gives an umami kick to many popular Asian dishes, and it’s often added to fast food items like fried chicken.
Umami foods increase saliva production — literally, they make your mouth water — which improves the way food tastes. And although MSG does add a salty flavor to foods, it has just one-third the amount of sodium as standard table salt, which makes it a popular substitution.”
“This flavor enhancer gives an umami kick to many popular Asian dishes, and it’s often added to fast food items like fried chicken.”
“There’s no reason to avoid small amounts of MSG in your diet — so go ahead, enjoy that stir-fry worry-free.”
Read the full article here.
Related reading from Prevention magazine: “Is MSG Actually Bad for You? Here’s What the Science Says”
Feature Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
Soup Photo by Alex Bayev on Pexels
