Is MSG really harmful to our health, or is it just a misconception?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has long been perceived as a harmful substance, but scientific studies have debunked this myth. MSG is no different from natural seasonings and has no proven side effects. It’s important to get the science behind it to make informed choices.

 

We’ve all heard the term MSG at some point in our lives. Even if you’re not a foodie, you’ve probably seen the words “no MSG” prominently displayed on snacks or ramen noodles, and you’ve probably assumed that MSG is bad for you. However, the idea that MSG is harmful may be a result of misinformation. In fact, there has been a recent debate about whether or not MSG is harmful.
First, MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It is made by mixing or diluting monosodium glutamate with at least 50% of monosodium L-glutamate and additives that are chemically synthesized, or one or more of the following: spices (powders, juices, or extracts), sodium chloride (table salt), starch, glucose, sugar, or texture. In Korea, MSG, commonly known as miwon, is widely used in everyday life as a seasoning that enhances the original flavor of food, mainly during food processing and cooking. However, in the late 1960s, MSG began to be recognized as a harmful substance in the United States when it was reported to cause headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, and other side effects. At that time, people’s opinions were that MSG should be reduced because it has a strong effect on the nervous system and can cause obesity and diabetes. Therefore, restaurants and companies began to eliminate or reduce the use of MSG. In fact, one TV show even had a segment where they found restaurants that only used natural seasonings and not MSG and named them “good restaurants”. After watching this program, you might think that MSG is bad for you.

 

 

However, contrary to popular belief, the Food and Drug Administration has officially released a study showing that MSG is not harmful and is safe to consume in unlimited amounts. Although MSG is a man-made artificial seasoning, it is made from nature by fermenting glutamic acid extracted from sugar cane, and monosodium glutamate, the main ingredient in MSG, is found in both artificial and natural seasonings, so there is not much difference between natural seasonings and MSG. The monosodium glutamate in MSG is one of the essential amino acids that make up the human body and is found in very high amounts in breast milk, tomatoes, cheese, and other protein-rich natural foods. If MSG is dangerous, then so are the substances mentioned above. However, MSG is less dangerous than other chemicals because it doesn’t accumulate in the body, even when consumed in large amounts, and is used for energy. On the contrary, there is an opinion that using MSG can reduce the use of sodium, so it can have a good effect on the health of people in Korea who consume a lot of sodium. However, people who have experienced adverse effects from MSG did not consume MSG alone, so other factors may have played a role, and it is difficult to say that the adverse effects were caused solely by MSG.
Furthermore, recent studies have further supported the safety of MSG. For example, a 2018 study looked at the effects of MSG on cerebral activity and found no harm in humans. This study demonstrated that long-term consumption of MSG does not affect brain function or the nervous system, suggesting that the negative perception of MSG is based on social bias rather than scientific evidence.
Of course, there are those who argue that monosodium glutamate, which is naturally occurring, and MSG, which is artificially produced, may have different effects on the body. However, this has yet to be proven. It’s possible that future advances in science and technology will reveal harmful effects, but to date, studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have found no evidence that MSG is harmful. Even though it’s been a while since a study was published showing that MSG is harmless, many people still think that MSG is bad. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration has been doing a lot of publicity to correct misconceptions. Eating MSG or staying away from it is a personal choice. But don’t let the misconception that MSG is bad for you fool you. In reality, MSG is innocent and has been falsely accused.
In recent years, there has been a movement in some countries to emphasize the positive effects of MSG and promote its use. For example, some Asian countries, such as Japan, claim that MSG plays an important role in enhancing the umami flavor of food, and they want to maximize the flavor of their dishes. This trend is expected to change the perception of MSG and contribute to the development of a richer food culture.
As you can see, the MSG debate is not just about food additives, but also about the reliability of the information we receive in our daily lives, and it is important for individuals to make informed choices. Hopefully, as more research and information becomes available in the future, a clearer understanding of MSG will be established and consumers will be able to use it with confidence.
In conclusion, MSG is recognized as a safe food additive, contrary to past misconceptions. It is important to recognize that the information we rely on may not always be correct, and to make informed choices based on scientific evidence. With a better understanding of MSG, we hope you can use it appropriately and enjoy a healthy and delicious diet.