Do you use MSG in the food you cook?
By kens425
@kens425 (436)
Spain
November 7, 2008 2:52am CST
I am married to a family that have 4 chefs, my father in law, sister and brother inlaw and her husband. all of them say that their trade secret is monosodium glutamate or MSG. I also use it when i cook, its true that the food i cook are more delicious with MSG in it. a TV show called Quickfire in Q channel claims that using MSG is not dangerous or unhealthy since it is naturally found in some foods. but doctors claims it causes cancer.
it really hard to decide which to believe in. and it really hard to resist the taste of MSG in food. What can you say about this?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
9 Nov 08
I have read and heard enough about MSG that I avoid it as much as possible. MSG is linked to a large number of health problems from Asthma to sleeplessness. it is particularly bad for children. In the 1900 many health problems that we have today were practically unheard of for the most part. These health problems have increased with the increaded use of MSG. We all have to decide for ourselves whether we want to use it or not or whether to believe the reports. As for myself I don't want to take the chance. I like to use a veriaty of herbs and spices instead.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
20 Nov 08
It depends on what I'm cooking. For chiclen I use garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme and basil. Not always at the same time. I also use cumin, oregano, and a little bit of hot sauce to give the food a little extra kick. Not a lt to make it burn your mouth but a couple of drops. I also use ginger and cinnamon.
@kens425 (436)
• Spain
10 Nov 08
I have heard many as well, come to think of it, indeed there are many new age diseases today, things that are not common in the earlier days, diet before are mostly natural, made up of high fiber no preservative ingredients. My grandma lived up to 106 years old without getting sick of food related diseases. Im just curious, what are the spices you use in place of MSG? I have read an article that many spices contain glutamates that naturally exist in their composition. and it says that it is no different to the crystallized MSG that is bought in the market today.
1 person likes this
@ladysurvivor (4746)
• Malaysia
7 Nov 08
I use MSG in my cooking too and I like the taste of it. It is much tastier when using MSG if compared to not using it. Now I never cook without MSG. The only thing I don't use MSG is when I cook spaghetti, and omelet.
As long as it doesn't bring harmful effects to my body and my husband's, I will still use MSG because I am used to it. Until now nothing happened to our family and we live as healthy as ever. So I think there is nothing to worry about. You can continue using it.
1 person likes this
@kens425 (436)
• Spain
7 Nov 08
its good to get info from others who practice the same as I do. I got used to it and really i cant enjoy the food i cook without it. still i did not notice any ill effects on my body, and i get to be praised by the taste of the food i cook. tahnks for the post.
@gaisri (154)
• India
7 Nov 08
It is better to give a pause until a clarification is sought..Food that tastes good are not always good for health and healthier food always doesn't taste good. We too have stopped using MSG when we had the same dilema..particularly, it is better to avoid in case of children as they are prone to get trouble very easily.. Ultimately doctors are god player and not some Xyz channels who does such banner buildings for money..
@kens425 (436)
• Spain
9 Nov 08
I think you have a good point too gaisri. Not all that glitter is gold as they say, not all that taste good are healthy, thats true. and its very sad that its very hard to kick the habit of putting artificial enhancers such as MSG, especially if is has been there for many years in your life. I am a good cook myself as my son describes my cooking. But without the MSG i cant make the food I cook as palatable as having it in. Well i'll try my best to take your advise, thanks a lot. happy mylotting
@kiinin (335)
•
7 Nov 08
Hi kens
MSG is a flavor enhancer that can cause adverse effects, including migraine headaches, nausea and certain forms of glaucoma.
I cook at home... I don't have MSG at home... cause I don't need and don't like them.. I use onions, tomato, beans... miso and all kinds of herbs to enhanced the taste of food... you can cook yummy and healthy dish without any MSG... trust me... give it a try... Happy myLotting...
Good Health!!
1 person likes this
@kens425 (436)
• Spain
9 Nov 08
Is that so, well thats just sad, it has been my habit to put MSG on my cooking. Are you chinese? or you like chinese cooking, the ingredients you mentioned are chinese spices, i use them too however i still put MSG :( . I'll try to lessen it until finnally cut it out of my cooking. Happy posting :)
