Is MSG (monosodium glutamate) healthy for our body?

@Genericbe (1376)
Philippines
January 7, 2010 8:45am CST
MSG or monosodium glutamate is a crystalline substance which is used as flavor enhancer for food. Others said that it is not dangerous in our health because it is needed by our brain. While others are claiming this product to be dangerous in one's health. What can you say about this product? Is is healthy or not healthy in our body? Share your views about this. thanks!!
1 person likes this
5 responses
Gomer Magtibay
@magtibaygom (4858)
• Philippines
7 Jan 10
I used to hear that MSG is bad or our health. I happened to read many books and articles discussing the dangers of taking in MSG. But recently, there is a show in the TV that featured MSG and they discussed that MSG pose no health risk to us. They said, the bad publicity of MSG can be traced back to an American scientist who mislabeled MSG as potentially dangerous to our health. MSG is just a victim of the scientist erratic research.
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bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
7 Jan 10
It would be unfortunate if this bad publicity about MSG was just because of a scientist's error, as I know of friends who work for companies whose main product is MSG. Still, I think it healthier if food is without it.
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Genericbe
@Genericbe (1376)
• Philippines
7 Jan 10
I do agree that there was an error in scientist research and made MSG as a victim under bad publicity. Same as, there was a dog killed because of eating MSG. I heard that news before and had been very controversial. Now, they have good publications about the positive side of MSG. If you will notice, Almost all food products being sold to the market has MSG as added to their ingredients. Does it conform to be healthy for the body? Thank you guys for the responses~
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bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
7 Jan 10
Some years back, we've learned to eat food without MSG. We've gotten so used to it that now everytime we eat, and there is MSG, our taste buds almost always recognizes it. And that we don't like it. I don't know if it is psychological but I would think food without any chemical added would be healthier. So we try to avoid it.
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Genericbe
@Genericbe (1376)
• Philippines
7 Jan 10
I agree also, that before, there was no MSG present in foods and it is much healthier than those chemical based. MSG if used for food need only to put small amount which is enough to improve the taste of the product.
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longsdogin
@longsdogin (454)
• China
7 Jan 10
Hi,Genericbe,MSG definitely do harm to the brain,nerve or something according to some scientists' research,most people in Europe or America allergic to it.And most people in China often use it to enhance the flavor.My father don't like the food using it bcz it is do harm to our health so I don't like the food add MSG either. Happy mylotting,cheers.
Genericbe
@Genericbe (1376)
• Philippines
7 Jan 10
hi longsdogin, I agree with your opinion. It can harm one's health. They say MSG is good for the brain for it has glutamate substance needed by the brain. If these MSG was added to food in using very small amount only to enhance taste, then, if the person had put large amount, it can possibly give negative effect. This product if added in small or large amount, the taste effect will also be neutral. Not like salt, when added in large amount, the effect is salty. Thanks for your response. Happy mylotting too.
Fulltank
@Fulltank (2882)
• Philippines
15 Jan 10
If you really wanted the bad effects of MSG, try putting excessive amounts in a dog food. The MSG would kill it. Thats how bad it is. But thats only if it is taken excessively. Anything that is taken excessively, is bad for our health. Even foods have effects on our body when taken excessively. We can never get rid of it,the only thing we need to know is to take it in a moderate way.
kingparker
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
9 Jan 10
I believe this substance used more often in chinese cuisine rather than on other cultural food. Because if you used it a lot, it might dehydrated a human being easily. So, it is not really healthy at all, in my opinion. Many people might even allergic to it. So, watch out.
Genericbe
@Genericbe (1376)
• Philippines
9 Jan 10
Same as not all substance in food when taken by the body is healthy or no side effects. Any eating of less or too much substance /food can damage the body. Example is sugar, to much sugar in the body can lead to diabetes. To low sugar can lead to hypoglycemia. Thanks for the response!