Doesn't sound too good does it?
Well courtesy of my Dad who mentioned a little something called Monosodium Glutamate...
What is MSG?
WARNING! Sciency stuff....
" E621.The glutamate of MSG confers the same umami taste of glutamate from other foods, being chemically identical. Industrial food manufacturers market and use MSG as a flavor enhancer because it balances, blends and rounds the total perception of other tastes.Trade names of monosodium glutamate include Ajinomoto, Vetsin, and Ac'cent. MSG is often used to refer to all of the salts of glutamic acid.".....Wikipedia
In general terms, its an artificial flavour enhancer.
Where is it found?
I think a more suitable question would be: Where Isn't it found!
Its mainly associated with Chinese/Japanese foods because we love a good take away and its not a secret that they use MSG in their foods, but the truth is its use is becoming popular in food manufacturing, its now being used in sauces, soups, seasonings and instant snacks.
So why are we so bothered about MSG?
Something researchers are calling 'Chinese restaurant Syndrome' This name has been formulated through the weird symptoms that have been recorded from people who have been eating at a Chinese restaurant such as Dizziness, Uncontrollable thirst and chest pains! There is a massive debate in America at the moment about MSG being responsible for these symptoms, but the U.S FDA still say that it is completely safe.
But I must admit, I have definitely experienced at least one of these symptoms after eating a Chinese take-away. But if we get these weird symptoms, how on earth can they say that it is completely safe!
Again, Its one of those things that in about 200 years time, they will say; 'Scientists now discover, after 200 years of MSG being safe, it is now responsible for DEATH!'
Well, maybe not death, but you know what I mean.
I wish that we would be more careful and think 'hold on a minute, how does this work, why does it make this dodgy cut of meat taste so delicious' the answer is; because it is all artificial and it plays tricks on your mind.......
We just need to ask what are the long term effects? And i'm sure nobody will no
What do you think?
Laura
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