For those who don’t know, aji no moto [味の素] literally means essence of flavor. This company is famous for selling Monosodium glutamate (E621) and related products responsible for umami flavor. Does this product harm health?
The MSG aims to enhance the flavor of food. Monosodium glutamate [E621] (ajinomoto) strengthens the flavor of foods and is commonly found in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, as well as in processed products.
Various controversies involving monosodium glutamate appear on the internet. Many are indecisive about whether it is advisable to use it in food. In this article, we will answer whether Ajinomoto and derivatives of monosodium glutamate are really harmful to health.
Table of Contents
How is Ajinomoto made? MSG?
The “aji no moto” is produced from a fermentation process of foods. Products such as fish, dairy, tomatoes, mushrooms, meats, and vegetables are rich in glutamate and in the “umami” flavor.
We usually use these foods daily in our meals, thus giving flavor and taste to our meal. The “ajinomoto” available in 30 countries claims to be an amino acid made from “sugar cane,” but there may be differences and variations in some countries.
Monosodium glutamate is widely used in restaurants and fast food to enhance flavor, which is why we find the snacks from these places so delicious. Just imagine how juicy a roasted meat is; it becomes much juicier when using E621 (the code for monosodium glutamate) because this ingredient enhances the flavor of the food.
The big problem is that some people associate monosodium glutamate with migraines, allergies, hypertension, and other diseases. Shall we find out if this is true?
Monosodium glutamate does not harm
First, we must remember that everything in excess is harmful, even water. Not to mention that monosodium glutamate, the name says it all, contains sodium.
People use monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavor of food, but they also overdo it with salt, since ajinomoto is not meant to season food. In reality, the use of monosodium glutamate can make our meal tastier and healthier if used correctly.
Ajinomoto has only one-third of the sodium present in regular table salt. If we balance the seasoning with salt, we can actually reduce the sodium present in the food.
Have you ever eaten in Japan? The Japanese do not usually season their food with a lot of salt; you really won’t feel the food is salty and you won’t easily find salt sachets in restaurants.
The Japanese season with different types of condiments and herbs, and foods rich in umami or ajinomoto help to enhance the flavor of this seasoning, making the food tasty without the excessive salt that we have in our Brazilian cuisine.
If Monosodium glutamate really harmed, Japan would never be one of the countries with the highest life expectancy in the world. The controversial monosodium glutamate is a process that occurs naturally in tomatoes, cheeses, and mushrooms.
Most Brazilians consume tomatoes every day and have never stopped using salt just because it contains sodium. Of course, we live in Brazil, so we don’t know how the industries are really supervised here; after so many controversies regarding meats, it wouldn’t be surprising if ajinomoto had some mixed ingredient with negative effects.
Lies spread on the Internet about ajinomoto
All the controversy on the internet started just due to an article published in 2007 by BJP. The article claims that monosodium glutamate causes colon and gastric cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this.
The article also states that monosodium glutamate causes headaches, but what does that have to do with cancer? The false article also claims that monosodium glutamate was banned by the World Health Organization, which is completely false.
In fact, WHO stated that monosodium glutamate is in the safe category for food additives. You should know how lies arise on the internet and spread in our society. These lies are so widespread that even today there are people who think that Hello Kitty made a pact with the devil.
Remember that it is much easier for people to share bad news than good. Probably if this article were speaking poorly of ajinomoto, most would have already shared it on their social networks.
I am afraid that people will not share this article because I am defending it, and that is not relevant to those who do not know. Many want to warn people about the dangers of things, but end up spreading things that may not be true.
Of course, it is natural for a person to have an adverse reaction to this food; most Westerners have no idea of the existence of the umami flavor. Foods here are not usually rich in this flavor, so much so that many people, when trying oriental cuisine, end up feeling unwell or not liking it.
What does not harm some may indeed harm others, especially if in excess. E621 is really addictive; there are people who even eat aji salt pure.
Other truths and lies about ajinomoto
Excess ajinomoto (several tablespoons) can indeed cause side effects, such as dizziness and headaches. Just as we can feel unwell from overeating, we can feel unwell from consuming too much ajinomoto.
Remember that ajinomoto enhances the flavor of foods; if something is already strong without monosodium glutamate, imagine with it? The fact is: Have control, but don’t blame monosodium glutamate.
Some claim that E621 harms neurons. Where do people get these crazy ideas? Aren’t the Japanese known for being the most intelligent in the world?
The Japanese have never had an epidemic of brain damage. We know that vitamin C protects our neurons against negative effects, so if you are afraid, just enrich your diet with vitamin C.
Several studies and tests regarding the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome and monosodium glutamate indicate that they have no relation. The tests showed people who did not consume monosodium glutamate complaining of symptoms of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.
People stop using ajinomoto but forget the following fact: Most proteins in foods contain glutamate and are broken down by endopeptidases in the stomach and small intestine, so that free glutamate is released. The same thing happens with monosodium glutamate, which turns into free glutamate in your stomach.
Should I use monosodium glutamate or not?
Therefore, just use ajinomoto in moderation and you will not have any health problems. In reality, there are so many things we eat that are thousands of times more concerning than monosodium glutamate.
Unfortunately, we cannot escape this generation of industrialized products or those full of pesticides and even poorly preserved, expired, and full of chemicals that industries invent.
Everything today is harmful, so don’t waste your time worrying! Even plastic bottles of mineral water release bisphenol. There is no escaping cancer and death, which is everywhere today!
So far, all research that talks about glutamate says that its toxicity is very low. It takes consuming around 15 kilograms to present 50% lethality. The symptoms spread on the internet are found in only 1% of the studied population.
You can eat it if you don’t have reactions! It doesn’t matter if glutamate is natural; remember that sugars are also natural, but still cause diabetes. Have control! Always seek umami in a natural way!
And if you feel something and are sure it was the responsibility of ajinomoto, avoid it! Each person has a different body, especially if they lack certain vitamins that protect their body. Some people feel unwell eating peppers, eggs, pork; it is not abnormal for someone to feel unwell after consuming glutamate.
We are not saying that glutamate does no harm and can be consumed freely. Just that the studies related to the side effects of monosodium glutamate are a bit misguided. Everything needs control! Have you ever had any problems with this amino acid? Do you usually use it in food? What is your experience?
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