Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
What is it:
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavor enhancer commonly used in many cuisines to increase the flavor of savory dishes. It is a salt form of glutamic acid, which is an amino acid found naturally in many foods, such as tomatoes, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. MSG is typically made by fermenting starches, such as corn or sugarcane, into glutamic acid through a process called bacterial fermentation. The resulting glutamic acid is then treated with sodium carbonate and hydrochloric acid to produce the crystalline powder form of MSG. MSG is often added to packaged foods to enhance their umami flavor, which is a savory taste that is distinct from sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.
Rating:
MSG is a processed flavor additive that has been associated with weight gain and in animal studies has shown toxic effects at high amounts. Some individuals appear to be sensitive to MSG and experience symptoms such as headaches and numbness/tingling after consuming it. While other studies have suggested no negative effects of MSG, more research is needed to ensure its safety in long-term consumption. MSG is commonly produced from corn, which is a GMO crop.
Resources:
- MSG causes brain lesions, obesity, infertility, and stunted development in mice when given in very large amounts (animal study)
- MSG may lead to weight gain (cross-sectional study)
- High consumption of MSG associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (observational study)
- MSG consumption not associated with being overweight (cross-sectional study)
- MSG consumption causes symptoms in MSG-sensitive persons (double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
Top Ingredients To Avoid
Almond extract is a concentrated liquid flavoring derived from almonds, commonly used…
Recent Articles
Not all flavors, or oils are created equal!
The Food Showdown: Popcorners flavors
Ingredient Rating: Canola oil – is it bad for you?
Clean Consuming: Nourishment for your
Is It Clean 2023 Recap + Our top 3 Tips for a Healthier 2024
We have accomplished so much in just 1 year since our launch in March of 2023! We now have 10,000
Food Showdown: Nacho Chips
The Nacho Chip Food Showdown, is Tapioca Starch safe in food? and a must-see documentary on America’s food system.