What is MSG and why do some food places refuse to use it?

Question

What is MSG and why do some food places refuse to use it?

Answer 1

Monosodium glutamate is not only a food additive, it is a poison to many people and the biggest reason people are saying it is so bad for you is because it causes addiction to food and it also has a tendency to stay in the body longer than it is supposed to and can cause unhealthy side affects and health issues, such as increased cholestrol, high blood pressure and clotted ateries due to the build up of plack in the blood vessels.  MSG isn't the only contributor to all of that, it just is one of the many horrible food additives that are slowing killing us from the inside out!

Answer 2

Monosodium glutamate enhances food flavor but it contains sodium which is bad for blood pressure and also some people seem to have bad reactions to it.

http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/951326...

Answer 3

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that is "generally recognized as safe," the use of MSG remains controversial.

MSG has been used as a food additive for decades. Over the years, the FDA has received many anecdotal reports of adverse reactions to foods containing MSG. But subsequent research found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and the symptoms that some people described after eating food containing MSG. As a result, MSG is still added to some foods.

A comprehensive review of all available scientific data on glutamate safety sponsored by the FDA in 1995 reaffirmed the safety of MSG when consumed at levels typically used in cooking and food manufacturing. The report found no evidence to suggest that MSG contributes to any long-term health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease. But it did acknowledge that some people may have short-term reactions to MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — may include:

Headache, sometimes called MSG headache

Flushing

Sweating

Sense of facial pressure or tightness

Numbness, tingling or burning in or around the mouth

Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Nausea

Weakness

Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. However, some people report more severe reactions. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG. When MSG is added to food, the FDA requires that "monosodium glutamate" be listed on the label — or on the menu, in restaurants.

Answer 4

monsodium glutamate is a chemical flavour enhancer for some foods most notably chinese food which can cause some people to get reactions such as sweating, headaches, nausea...etc.  It also makes one hungry and want to eat more. It is not a healthy addition to food and so most places do not add it, however you will see on chips for example like doritos.

Answer 5

food enhancement...loaded with sodium...that why many restaurants do not use them for health reason...high blood pressure, bloating, headache, migranes, ect.