Sweet Poison – MSG
evawhite on February 20th, 2008
Have you ever thought that why outside food tastes much better than home food? You may be following the same recipe as the dish you ate in the restaurant, but somehow you never match the taste! Well that is because you don’t use MSG in your food. MSG, or MonoSodium Glutamate or even more popularly known as ajinomoto. MSG is known for its flavor enhancement.
What is MSG?
MSG (MonoSodium Glutamate) looks like fine white crystal substance and is used as flavor enhancers in processed foods, fast-foods, pre-made soups, dressings, sauces and Chinese food. At some places it has also been found in deep fried foods, wafers and chips too. It enhances the tastes so much that it makes a person outside food addictive.
Harmful effects of MSG
Studies have shown that MSG is very harmful for the body. Over use of MSG can cause
-Chest pain
-Head ache
-Nausea
-Rapid heartbeat
-Drowsiness
-Weakness
-Burning sensation
-Obesity
-Depression
-Asthma
How to Avoid MSG?
-Clarify with the restaurant about their usage of MSG before ordering your dish.
-Avoid canned, pre-cooked and frozen foods
-Check the labels of ingredients before purchasing any food products.
Myths about MSG
There are myths that MSG is found only in Chinese cuisine. But studies have shown that it is found in almost all kinds of foods. Restaurateurs use this product to enhance the tastes of their dishes.
The best way to avoid MSG foods is to cook in your own kitchen. Home cooked food tastes good; it’s healthy and made with purity. So to avoid MSG we should become the chef in our own kitchen
