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Ajinomoto Leads to Faster Aging, Heart Problems

Ajinomoto Leads to Faster Aging, Heart Problems

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Ajinomoto or MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate), an essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine, can cause hypertension, heart problems and faster aging.

Highlights:
  • Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, commonly known as Ajinomoto, is used to enhance the flavor of Chinese dishes like Chow Mein and Manchurian
  • MSG can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation and other health problems even when used in doses that are below the permitted limits
Ajinomoto, a crucial component, particularly in Chinese food, is causing several health problems like hypertension, heart problems, and an accelerated aging process.

What is Ajinomoto?

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is commonly known as Ajinomoto. It is used in Chinese dishes like Chow Mein and Manchurian to give them their distinctive, lingering umami flavor.

Along with sweet, sour, bitter and salty, umami is the essential fifth taste. Researchers at Allahabad University's department of biochemistry, led by Professor S.I. Rizvi, have claimed that MSG can be harmful to health even in small quantities.

Why is MSG Bad for Health?

MSG may induce oxidative stress, inflammation and other health problems even at doses below the permitted limits, according to an AU study on the substance’s toxicity. In addition, umami can lead to MSG addiction in kids.

Prof Rizvi said, “All these adverse effects may predispose an individual to diseases such as hypertension, heart problems and a faster rate of aging.” Since the consumption of foods high in MSG has grown significantly in recent years, the study assumes significance. This substance is available in significant concentrations in all fast foods, including packaged momos, chips and other items.

MSG enhances the body’s production of several substances that could be very dangerous. Patients with COVID-19 frequently experience the same kind of shift, he continued.

“The experimental study carried out on rats given a fixed dose of MSG revealed that after three weeks of continuous intake of this salt, some alterations were also seen in the brain region,” said Prof Rizvi.

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Researchers studied the effects of MSG at two different concentrations- 30 mg and 100 mg per kg of body weight. The 30 mg dose had no side effects. However, the 100 mg dose had several side effects that could be harmful.

“This study is an eyeopener as growing children may especially be vulnerable to toxic effects of MSG,” said Prof Rizvi, adding that children and growing fetuses have a leaky blood-brain barrier and could be affected by toxic effects of MSG.

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Source-Medindia


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