Hold the soy sauce! New research confirms animal studies linking the common additive MSG (monosodium glutamate) with weight gain.
Healthy adults using MSG had higher BMI (body mass index) than those cooking without it. And that’s discounting calorie intake or physical activity.
Found in Chinese cooking as well as many refined foods and processed meats, MSG is an excitotoxin, which may intoxicate nerve cells involved in weight control. For decades, people have complained of headache, flushing or sweating, numbness or tingling around the mouth, chest pain or palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, or weakness after consuming MSG. More than 25 percent of Americans react negatively to monosodium glutamate. They and anyone with heart disease (since so many symptoms mimic cardiovascular problems) should avoid MSG.
While the FDA reaffirmed this additive’s “safety” in 1995, the agency does require that monosodium glutamate be labeled on food ingredient lists and restaurant menus. Some ingredients always contains MSG: hydrolyzed protein (including plant or vegetable protein), plant protein extract, textured protein, calcium or sodium caseinate, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, and hydrolyzed oat flour.
For other ways to shake MSG and salt out of your diet, read Get the Salt Out with advice on seasoning your food instead with healthful herbs and spices. And like millions around the world, keep your weight where you want it with The Fat Flush Plan and The Fat Flush Cookbook, which avoids MSG and other dubious food additives.
Sources:
www.nature.com/oby/journal/v16/n8/full/oby2008274a.html
www.mayoclinic.com/health/monosodium-glutamate/AN01251
