Ajinomoto, is it safe?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), also known by its chemical name, is the headquarters of Ajinomoto Company in Chuo, Tokyo! It operates in 26 countries. Its use is mainly to enhance the taste of food in Chinese food items. Earlier, we used to eat mostly homemade food, but now people have started preferring foods like chips, pizza, and Maggi, which contain MSG. It is used in many packaged fast food items, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and preserved fish.
MSG was first discovered in 1909 by Japanese biochemist Kikunae Ikeda. He identified its taste as “umami,” which means pleasant taste. It is used in many Japanese soups. Its taste is similar to that of salt and appears as shiny small crystals. It naturally contains amino acids.
However, today, MSG is used in almost every kitchen worldwide to enhance taste. The use of MSG is considered safe; it was initially used in Chinese kitchens, but now it has gradually become a part of our kitchens too. In order to save time, we opt for foods that can be prepared in 2 minutes, and most of these foods contain MSG, which gradually harms our bodies.
In a way, it’s like addiction; once you consume food with MSG, you start craving it regularly. Its consumption increases the level of insulin in the body. When you consume food with MSG, the level of glutamate in the blood increases, which can have serious effects on the body.
MSG can be called a slow killer! It can damage the retina of the eyes and can also create symptoms of diseases like thyroid and cancer. If foods containing MSG are consumed regularly, it can cause migraines, also known as Adhakpali. In this disease, there is a slight headache in one side of the head.
Excessive consumption of MSG always poses the risk of obesity. Leptin hormone present in our body signals our brain to stop excessive food intake. Consumption of MSG can affect this signaling, which can lead to overeating and ultimately obesity.