MSG is short for monosodium glutamate. It’s a food additive that is often added in processed foods and restaurants to enhance flavor. MSG has got a bad rep over the past few years with various health concerns reported including headaches, numbness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and chest pain. Here is just another reason to add to the list of why avoiding MSG is a good idea. In a 2011 study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who started at a healthy weight but were among the high MSG consumers (about 5 g per day) were 33% more likely to be overweight at the end of the 5 year study. And here’s the big surprise, this had nothing to do with increased caloric intake. Researchers think that MSG may somehow interferes with appetite regulating hormones, however more research is needed to confirm these findings. How to avoid MSG? Read your ingredients list on your food labels, anything with monosodium glutamate listed, toss it out.
Estelle L. Benoit, RD, LDN Source: realage.com