Is MSG Making You Fat?

Sure, MSG (monosodium glutamate) makes even bland food taste better. And you probably consume more of it than you think. You can find it (or its variant gluamate) in processed foods ranging from Doritos to ranch dressing. But could this ingredient be expanding your waistline, regardless of your total calorie intake?

New research from China says yes. In fact, of the study participants, those who ate the most MSG were three times more likely to be overweight than those who ate no MSG. The study was controlled for physical activity and total calorie intake, and still MSG proved to be an overwhelming culprit for extra weight. Previous research had suggested MSG’s role in nerve damage, and some researchers claim it may worsen the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Knowing most shoppers would be wary of picking up something labeled with MSG, certain food manufactuers try to hide the ingredient’s presence under words like glutamate, hydrolyzed protein, calcium casinate and yeast extract, all which contain MSG. Even vague labels like natural flavors may masquerade its presence. (Click here for a full list of alert words.) And unlike trans fats, which are banned from foods labeled organic, MSG can be found in organic products (usually through the form of yeast protein).

I don’t doubt that MSG and its variants sneak into my diet once in awhile, but now I’m going to be even more diligent about reading labels and banishing it from my food for good.

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

By Lindsey Galloway, Natural Solutions magazine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Murat K.

5:46AM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

After reading this information, even though konteyner we have already dealt with
getting rid of most the plastic in our lives. Yet, I just thought about
something else. The fact that we have children giving birth to children.
These kabin cemicials mess with a young girls hormone and they become
physically a adult with hormones racing out of control and what does it
do to prefabrik villa our young boys.

send a green star

Kim L.

7:39AM PST on Mar 2, 2011

not trying to be smart or rude why dont you ask 2 billion chinese who eat msg every day, it seems they dont have a weight problem over there. 2 billion peopl can't be wrong or can they?

Jim C.

8:18AM PST on Jan 25, 2011

Sorry, this simply isn't true. Further work has found no correlation between msg and weight gain. See http://exm.nr/gpO7NV

Ufuk K.

9:57PM PDT on Jul 12, 2010

Ufuk Karaca

Past Member .

5:05PM PST on Dec 13, 2009

web günlüğü

2:58AM PDT on Jun 15, 2009

thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner

Joy R.

1:40PM PDT on Oct 31, 2008

In reading the original article, I thought about individuals who overeat primarily processed junk foods, like snack cakes and chips. I have also looked into the "satiety factor" and I don't think these people feel satisfied with the sensory experience of these foods, making them eat more. There was also a recent story about obese individuals not having "the full or off switch" with eating that normal weight individuals may have. With all these factors in play, the MSG probably does have some role in some cases, especially with overeating or gorging.

Phil P.

6:31PM PDT on Oct 21, 2008

I truly am for self gardening,plant it and let grow!That's easy for me to say though,I grew up on a farm but I'm glad of it, especially when times are in such a need of healing,today. Prayers and faith and healing to everyone.

Jessica B.

7:47AM PDT on Oct 16, 2008

The biggest problem is not knowing if "natural flavours" contain MSG. Almost all foods have "natural flavours" listed in the ingredients.

nancy c.

6:29PM PDT on Oct 11, 2008

I have a yeast allergy. Although I read ingredients and rarely buy packaged foods, I noticed flat crackers and other foods containing yeast and wondered why....

Many people have yeast allergies, especially women and this should be CLEARLY labeled.

Also, calories from SUGAR.

We need to crack down on the manufacterers putting ingredients in our food that are artificial chemicals. Other countries have banned what we allow here, even India!

cheers,
Nancy