MSG – The Flavor that Kills

MSG – The Flavor that Kills

It used to be that MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) was associated only with chinese food. But, now, it is not only present on nearly every processed food label, but hides behind a wide variety of pseudonyms. If you’re not careful, you may be consuming this dangerous additive without even knowing it.

MSG Is an extremely potent neurotoxin that causes a wide variety of health issues. Dr. Russell Blaylock, noted neurosurgeon and author of “Excitotoxins: the Taste that Kills” calls MSG “a well known brain toxin that is poured into our food and drink by the thousands of tons to boost sales.” He further added that “this additive can cause permanent brain damage.”

MSG is a flavor enhancer, specifically designed to enhance the taste “Umami”, which is a relatively new addition to the traditional sweet, salty, sour and bitter line up. It achieves this through a very different (and disturbing) mechanism however. While the other flavors stimulate taste receptors in your mouth, MSG alters your brain chemistry, affecting parts of your brain that experience flavor. The accumulated micro traumas sustained by consumption is the reason why MSG is referred to as a slow poison.

When reading labels be sure to look for the name monosodium glutamate. However, be aware of the many other things that create free glutamate (the dangerous component of MSG). Below is a list of the common ingredient names MSG hides behind.

Food Additives that…

ALWAYS contain MSG

  • Monosodium Glutamate
  • Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
  • Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
  • Plant Protein Extract
  • Sodium Caseinate
  • Calcium Caseinate
  • Yeast Extract
  • Textured Protein (Including TVP)
  • Autolyzed Yeast
  • Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
  • Corn Oil

FREQUENTLY Contain MSG

  • Malt Extract
  • Malt Flavoring
  • Bouillon
  • Broth
  • Stock
  • Flavoring
  • Natural Flavors/Flavoring
  • Natural Beef Or Chicken Flavoring
  • Seasoning
  • Spices

MAY Contain MSG Or Excitotoxins

  • Carrageenan
  • Enzymes
  • Soy Protein Concentrate
  • Soy Protein Isolate
  • Whey Protein Concentrate

The good news is, if you eat mostly organic, you should be okay. But, because of the ever increasing deception in the food industry, it has become our responsibility to get educated about dangerous food additives and make smart choices in what we eat!

Sources and further reading:

http://www.infiniteunknown.net/2010/05/18/dr-russell-blaylock-hidden-sources-of-msg-in-foods-flashback/