MSG has a bad reputation due to a 1968 hoax letter describing "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," which linked it to symptoms like headaches and numbness, despite later, more rigorous studies showing no consistent link for most people. Flawed initial research using unrealistically high doses cemented the myth, which persists through cultural bias and marketing, even though major health bodies deem MSG safe at normal levels and only a small percentage (<1%) are truly sensitive.
MSG is not banned, so check the labels
We have to remember that, in Australia, MSG is allowed as a food additive and is not banned. However, any packaged food containing MSG must declare it on the label, either by name or by its code number 621, or even the numbers 620-625, which indicates that glutamates are present.
Researchers have found no clear proof of a link between MSG and these symptoms. But some people may have short-term reactions to MSG. Symptoms are often mild and don't need to be treated. To prevent a reaction, don't eat foods that have MSG in them.
Sugar, salt, and MSG are all naturally occurring substances in food, but they have the ability to contribute to heart disease if consumed in large quantities. No one substance is better than the other two, as each has the capacity to lead to illness.
(4) -MSG simply makes food taste better - it increases their umami quality, making people rate foods that are higher in MSG as tasting better. Sugars and fats do a similar thing. (3) -In studies MSG has been tied to headaches, dizziness and other feeling of unease known as ``Chinese restaurant syndrome'' (3).
The association between MSG and negative health effects became so widely accepted that it was once called Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Yet, many of these side effects aren't backed by research, and the idea that MSG is harmful is actually rooted in racism and xenophobia.
No, MSG isn't inherently "worse" than salt; in fact, it contains about one-third the sodium of table salt, making it a tool to reduce overall sodium intake while boosting savory (umami) flavor, though it still contains sodium and some people report sensitivity, so moderation and labeling are key. While excessive sodium from any source is linked to health issues, MSG can enhance flavor, potentially lowering the need for more salt, but it's not a complete salt replacement, and potassium-enriched salts are another sodium-reducing option.
MSG powder is used sparingly in Chinese, Japanese and other South Asian cuisines and as a food additive to mimic savory flavors in ultra-processed products like soup mixes and ready-made sauces, cured meats and savory snacks, stock cubes and instant noodles.
The #1 worst food for blood sugar is sugary drinks (soda, fruit juice, sweetened teas) and other highly processed sweets like candies, donuts, and baked goods, because they contain refined sugar and low-quality carbs that cause rapid, sharp blood sugar spikes with little nutritional value, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance. Fast food, processed snacks (chips), and some energy bars also rank high on the list of offenders.
High blood pressure is a silent killer due to the fact there seems to be few to no symptoms that one can feel. That's why it's important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. Too much salt in the diet is damaging to blood pressure and also vital organs.
MSG can cause headaches and other symptoms in some people. Drinking plenty of water can help flush MSG from your system. Avoid foods with added MSG if you are sensitive to it.
While MSG itself likely doesn't deserve its reputation as a toxic ingredient, there are reasons to avoid eating foods with MSG. Foods that contain MSG are often highly processed convenience foods that contain high amounts of sodium, fat, and other refined ingredients that aren't good for us.
A tiny bit will bring out more of the flavor you started with in a stew, chile or gravy because it adds a pure umami flavor. One very helpful thing to know is that Vegemite has glutamate (also known as glutamic acid) that delivers the umami, and not MSG: they are two different things. Try it - you might like it.
Here's a more detailed, evidence-informed breakdown:
Ajinomoto Umami Seasoning 454g is the original monosodium glutamate (MSG) trusted by home cooks and chefs for over 100 years.
Fruits to avoid with diabetes
While you don't need to avoid these high glycemic fruits, you should limit or eat them in moderation: Bananas. Mangoes. Pineapple.
There's no single "number 1" unhealthy food, but ultra-processed items like sugary drinks, processed meats (bacon, hot dogs), deep-fried foods (fries), and refined snacks (donuts, chips, sugary cereals) consistently top lists due to high sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. These items offer little nutritional value while increasing risks for chronic diseases.
Dietary modifications help the patients to control blood glucose. Traditional herbs and spices are commonly used for control of glucose among which cinnamon (Ròu Guì; Cinnamomum cassia) has the greatest effect. Research has shown that adding cinnamon to diet can help to lower the glucose level.
Asia-Pacific, particularly China and Japan, has traditionally accounted for the largest consumption and production base for MSG, supported by extensive fermentation capacity and strong demand from snacks, soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat foods.
Worst: General Tso's Chicken
One order clocks in at around 1,500 calories and 88 grams of fat, and it delivers more sodium than you should get in a day. Other fried dishes to watch out for: sesame, orange, and sweet and sour chicken.
This research provides human data that MSG intake may be associated with increased risk of overweight independent of physical activity and total energy intake.
Enjoy high-potassium foods regularly.
These include sweet potatoes, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and lower-sodium tomato sauce, white beans, kidney beans, nonfat yogurt, oranges, bananas and cantaloupe. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium and may help lower your blood pressure.
What are the potential benefits of MSG? MSG has been largely researched for its potential use in low-sodium foods. Whereas NaCl, also known as table salt, directly adds sodium to your diet, adding MSG largely enhances the flavor of the food without as much additional sodium.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), also known as sodium glutamate, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. MSG is found naturally in some foods including tomatoes and cheese in this glutamic acid form.