Reducing Sodium with MSG: Separating Facts from Myths
Is MSG Really the Villain It's Made Out to Be? For decades, monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Many people assume that MSG is unhealthy or that it contains excessive amounts of sodium. However, modern scientific research and regulatory authorities have consistently found that MSG is safe for most people when consumed in normal amounts. If you're trying to reduce sodium intake without sacrificing flavor, understanding the relationship between MSG and salt can help you make smarter dietary choices. What Is Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)? Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG , is the sodium salt of glutamic acid—an amino acid that naturally occurs in foods such as tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweed, parmesan cheese, and fermented products. MSG is widely used as a flavor enhancer because it provides umami , the savory taste recognized as one of the five basic tastes. By enhancing flavor, MSG can help reduce the need for exce...