View this email in your browser

Quote of the day:

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

– Lao Tzu

MSG

What is it?

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a white crystalline powder known for its ability to enhance the savory, umami taste of dishes.

MSG is commonly used in the food industry to enhance the taste of processed and packaged foods. It is derived from glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in certain foods such as tomatoes, cheese, soy sauce, seaweed, and mushrooms. MSG itself is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. We are not talking about the naturally occurring compound in whole foods or if using in small amounts to enhance flavor in your at home cooking.

When MSG is added to these processed foods it masks the taste of saltiness and the massive amount of sodium added to the product. It works by intensifying the natural flavors present in food, making them more robust, satisfying, and addicting.

The presence of MSG in the standard American diet can be attributed to its widespread use as a food additive in many processed foods. Since ingredient labels do not need to specify the percentage of each ingredient, it can be challenging for consumers to determine the exact amount of MSG in a product.

Furthermore, MSG is often listed under different names, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast extract, or natural flavors, which can make it harder for consumers to identify its presence.

Why does it matter?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been a topic of concern and debate regarding its potential health effects when consumed in high frequency. While the scientific consensus generally considers MSG safe for the majority of individuals when consumed in moderate amounts, some people may experience adverse reactions or sensitivities to it.

The FDA has deemed MSG "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS), although some health experts argue that it may have potential long-term side effects like:

• Adverse Reactions: Some individuals report experiencing symptoms such as headaches, flushing, sweating, and nausea after consuming foods containing MSG.

• Excitotoxicity: Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board-certified neurosurgeon labeled MSG as an excitotoxin, which means it has the potential to overstimulate brain cells and cause damage. There are claims that excessive consumption of MSG may lead to neurological problems, such as cognitive dysfunction or even brain cell death. Mark Hyman talks a lot about this effect.

• Hunger and Overeating: Some people claim that MSG can induce increased hunger and cravings, particularly for carbohydrates. This can potentially lead to overeating and weight gain, as seen in laboratory experiments where MSG is used to fatten rats.

If you have concerns about MSG or believe you may have a sensitivity, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

How to remove from your life?

To avoid MSG, you can follow these tips and guidelines:

• Read ingredient labels: Look for specific ingredients that indicate the presence of MSG or its derivatives. Common names for MSG include monosodium glutamate, glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast extract, and yeast extract.

• Be cautious of hidden sources: Some food products may not explicitly list MSG on the label but could contain it as a hidden ingredient. Watch out for terms like "natural flavorings," "spices," or other generic descriptions that may encompass MSG.

• Choose fresh, whole foods: Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and unprocessed foods whenever possible. These foods are less likely to contain added MSG compared to processed or packaged foods.

• Cook from scratch: Preparing meals at home using fresh ingredients allows you to have better control over the ingredients and avoid added MSG.

• Select MSG-free products: Look for food products specifically labeled as "MSG-free" or "no added MSG" if you prefer to avoid it entirely.

Here are common foods that contain MSG:

• Fast food: Many fast-food restaurants, including franchises like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Chick-fil-A, use MSG to enhance flavor in dishes like fried rice and chicken sandwiches.

• Chips and snack foods: Popular chip products like Doritos and Pringles often contain MSG.

• Seasoning blends: MSG is used in seasoning blends to give a savory taste to dishes like stews, tacos, and stir-fries.

• Frozen meals: Many frozen dinners, including frozen pizzas, mac and cheese, and breakfast meals, contain MSG.

• Packages good & Soups: Canned soups and soup mixes, including Campbell's chicken noodle soup, often have MSG added for flavor enhancement. Packaged goods like Rice-a-roni also have MSG.

• Processed meats: Hot dogs, lunch meats, sausages, beef jerky, and other processed meats can contain MSG. It is sometimes used to reduce sodium content without altering flavor.

• Condiments: Condiments like salad dressing, mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce often contain added MSG.

• Instant noodle products: Instant noodles frequently contain MSG to enhance flavor. These products are often high in sodium and preservatives.

Overall the foods that have MSG, tend to have a laundry list of other ingredients that are harmful to our health. Even though the FDA considers MSG safe, I choose to avoid it. I try and focus on a balanced diet with whole foods to promote overall health.

Shop Now

Copyright (C) Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe