Scariest Food Additives |
Scary Ingredient #12: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
The salt of the amino acid glutamic acid, used to enhance the savory quality of foods. MSG alone has little flavor, and exactly how it enhances other foods is unknown.
Why it’s scary: After forty years of scrutiny, research has yet to reach a definitive verdict on MSG. Studies have shown that injecting the amino acid into mice causes brain-cell damage, but the FDA believes these results are not typical for humans. Still, the administration fields complaints every year for nausea, headaches, chest pains, and weakness. It could be that the results are limited to people with acute MSG sensitivity, so the FDA continues to allow manufacturers to use it.
Where you’ll find it: Hormel Chili, Hamburger Helper, Stove Top Cornbread Stuffing
Why it’s scary: After forty years of scrutiny, research has yet to reach a definitive verdict on MSG. Studies have shown that injecting the amino acid into mice causes brain-cell damage, but the FDA believes these results are not typical for humans. Still, the administration fields complaints every year for nausea, headaches, chest pains, and weakness. It could be that the results are limited to people with acute MSG sensitivity, so the FDA continues to allow manufacturers to use it.
Where you’ll find it: Hormel Chili, Hamburger Helper, Stove Top Cornbread Stuffing
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