Ajinomoto, also known as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), is a key ingredient in most Chinese foods. It is also found in many fast food products and packaged foods. Consuming excessive quantities of MSG regularly results in side-effects, which are also referred to as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. While some studies have shown that MSG is safe for consumption, some people experience discomfort after ingesting MSG. Common side-effects include burning sensations, breathing problems, headache, nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate. Other major side-effects of MSG are mentioned here.
1. Infertility
Sterility in women has been linked with the consumption of MSG. In pregnant women, it can break down the placental barrier of food supply to the baby and also adversely affect the brain neurons. High sodium content in the diet can lead to water retention and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
2. Migraine
MSG can cause headaches in some people. Regular consumption of MSG can trigger minor headache that can snowball into a severe migraine.
3. Chest Pain
Eating food that contain MSG can result in sudden drop or increase in heartbeats, abnormal heart rate, chest pains, and cardiac muscles arrest.
4. Neurodegenerative
MSG induces the nerves and causes imbalance of the neurotransmitters. Regular ingestion of MSG affects the nerves. It can cause numbness, and tingling or burning sensations in the face and neck. MSG is also known to cause disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.
5. Obesity
Consuming MSG on a regular basis can lead to overweight or obesity. Leptin hormone in our body signals the brain to stop eating. High intake of MSG may cause leptin resistance, which results in a person overeating and becoming obese.
6. Hypertension
MSG contains about one-third of the sodium found in table salt. Consuming MSG increases the salt intake, which can have adverse consequences like water retention, swelling in the legs and even lead to increase in blood pressure. In some studies on women, MSG caused a sudden surge in their blood pressure.
7. Insomnia
MSG is a neurotransmitter that stimulates the brain cells or neurons, which can keep you awake at night and trigger insomnia. MSG may also increase the risk of snoring and sleep-related breathing disorders.
The side-effects of Ajinomoto discussed here are good reasons to avoid or at least reduce the intake of food products that contain MSG. If you have never experienced any problems after eating foods that have MSG, then you may safely consume it. Side-effects of MSG may vary from person to person, but research has shown that it is overall not a recommended ingredient.