Is it true that MSG is healthier than table salt? & bull; hello healthy

What is monosodium glutamate (MSG)?

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or what we often refer to as “mecin”, is useful as a flavor enhancer in food and is an additive that is often used in packaged foods and foods made in home kitchens. There has been an increase in MSG consumption from year to year in various countries. It is known that the consumption of MSG in people in England in a week is as much as 4 grams (less than 1 teaspoon), while in America, the average MSG use is 0.55 grams of MSG in one day. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, the average person who consumes MSG in one day reaches 3 grams per day.

According to US Food and Drug Administration, MSG consists of sodium / sodium, amino acids, and glutamate. Glutamate is naturally present in the body and in various food sources, such as beef, poultry, milk and vegetables. The human body has the same way of digesting glutamate that is obtained from food or from MSG. In fact, the glutamate that is in MSG is just as important as the glutamate we get from food. However, the consumption of MSG should not be too much because MSG contains sodium which can cause high blood pressure.

The effect of consuming MSG on the body

Several studies say that MSG has a bad impact on health. One of the well-known syndromes of the effects of consuming MSG is " Chinese Restaurant Syndrome " which has symptoms such as headache, nausea, and chest palpitations. This syndrome appears in people who are sensitive to MSG.

Another study was conducted to look at the impact of consuming MSG on reproductive health and birth. The research subject used was a mouse that was given as much as 7.2 grams of MSG / kg body weight in one day. The results of this study found no adverse effects on these mice. A study conducted by the American of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs on breastfeeding mothers who consume MSG in reasonable amounts and limits, shows that no effects or disturbances arise in these breastfeeding mothers.

What is table salt?

Table salt (sodium chloride) is a residual substance that comes from the evaporation of sea water. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a substance that creates a stimulant for a salty taste on the tongue. Sodium enhances the sensory properties of foods by increasing the saltiness, decreasing bitterness, and increasing sweetness and other taste effects. Until recently, the factors that led an individual to accept salty foods were poorly understood, but it is thought that environmental factors such as the level of sodium intake in the diet and dietary habits have a major influence on it.

In one teaspoon of salt, there is 2,300 mg of sodium, while the recommended daily intake of sodium by the World Health Organization (WHO) to avoid various degenerative diseases is less than 2,000 mg of sodium.

MSG vs table salt

Until now, there is still a lot of controversy regarding the levels of sodium contained in MSG. Some say that the sodium in MSG is made up of only one-third of the sodium in table salt, which is a ratio of 12% in MSG and 39% in table salt. Sodium is very important in maintaining the physiology of the human body, but excessive sodium consumption can result in an increase in blood pressure which can lead to various heart diseases. It is estimated that 62% of strokes and 49% of coronary heart disease are caused by high blood pressure. Excess sodium consumption also has other negative health effects, including gastric cancer, decreased bone mineral density and possibly leading to obesity.

MSG and table salt both contain sodium that is needed by the body but are also limited in their use. To date, there has been no study that states which is better between MSG and table salt. As long as the consumption levels are regulated and considered, so that sodium intake is not excessive, the use of MSG and table salt is allowed, except for some people who have certain diseases whose sodium intake is very limited.