Mischievous Names for MSG

Glutamic acid is the real culprit here, not just MSG.

Many of us have heard that MSG is an unhealthy ingredient in Chinese food. Some of us have also heard that there are other names for MSG, under the guise of which it sneaks into many other foods we eat. But there is some misconception surrounding the ingredient and the harm attributed to it. Let’s clear that up.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the salt form of glutamic acid, a neurotransmitter that causes nerves in the body to fire. Glutamic acid is the real culprit here, not just MSG, and it is found in many other forms. A build-up of this excitatory acid can over-stimulate the central nervous system, damaging and even killing nerve cells.

Some people are especially sensitive to MSG and other glutamic acid-containing ingredients and may experience migraines, chronic pain, and other symptoms upon consuming it. Whether or not you have an established sensitivity, avoiding foods loaded with glutamic acid is a smart move in the direction of healthy eating. Make good choices by learning the mischievous names for MSG and other glutamic acid-containing ingredients.

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Mischievous Names for MSG

Ingredients which Definitely Contain Glutamic Acid
Glutamate (including monosodium, monopotassium, calcium, monoammonium, magnesium and natrium glutamate)
Anything “hydrolyzed” (such as hydrolyzed protein)
Caseinate (calcium or sodium caseinate)
Yeast extract
Torula yeast
Yeast nutrient
Yeast food
Autolyzed yeast
Gelatin
Textured protein
Whey protein (including concentrate or isolate)
Soy protein (including concentrate or isolate)
Anything “protein”
Anything “protein fortified”
Soy sauce (including extract)
Anything “enzyme modified”
Anything containing “enzymes”
Anything “protease”
Anything “fermented”
Umami
Vetsin
Ajinomoto

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Ingredients which Sometimes Contain Glutamic Acid
Carrageenan
Broth
Stock
Bouillon
“Flavors” or “flavoring” (including natural flavors)
Seasonings
Maltodextrin
Oligodextrin
Citric acid, Citrate
Anything “ultra-pasteurized”
Barley malt
Pectin
Malted barley
Brewer’s yeast
Malt extract

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Mischievous Names for MSG

Foods Commonly Containing Glutamic Acid
Fast food
Canned soups
Prepackaged and frozen foods
Canned vegetables
Ramen noodles
Deli meats
Mayonnaise
Some cottage cheeses
Some yogurts
Salad dressings
Gravy
Reduced fat milk

It should be noted that glutamic acid is not only an excitatory neurotransmitter, but a building block for proteins in the body. It’s found in many healthy, protein-packed foods, such as chicken and eggs. The acid is not pure evil, but the health risks come when we’re getting too much of it from foods that aren’t good for us. Your best bet for avoiding too much glutamic acid is to eat clean, whole foods that you make yourself, avoiding packaged and pre-made foods whenever possible.

Sources:
The Neurotransporter Group
Truth In Labeling

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2 Comments

  1. My husband gets migraine headaches from MSG. Therefore I don't cook with anything packaged, precooked, etc,. I have seen lists of foods to stay away from, but I never saw the explanation of glutamatic acid. Didn't realize that was the culprit. Thank you for your explanation and lists.

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