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Message
MSG on Food Detectives
Posted on 2/11/09 at 10:05 am
Posted on 2/11/09 at 10:05 am
Food Detectives on the Food Network had a very interesting segment on MSG last night. The food geeks said that there has never been any scientific proof that MSG has any adverse effects, the headaches and stomach ailments that people complain about, and the benefits to the taste of food are considerable. So they conducted on experiment at a Chinese restaurant in Manhattan.
They invited 40 people to a free lunch and, unknown to the subjects, served half th e people food with MSG and half without. After they ate they asked for a show of hands of the people who had and "MSG symptoms". There were about 5 or 6 people on both sides of the MSG, non-MSG groups that had the "symptoms". They questioned the "sufferers" and at least 2 people on the non-MSG side were adamant about their "symptoms".
One lady who was a non-MSG'er said she could tell from the first bite that the food had MSG in it because she got a severe headache right away.
Since MSG occurs naturally, especially in beef, I guess I will go back to adding a little Accent, a name brand of MSG, in my dishes and see if it improves them.
They invited 40 people to a free lunch and, unknown to the subjects, served half th e people food with MSG and half without. After they ate they asked for a show of hands of the people who had and "MSG symptoms". There were about 5 or 6 people on both sides of the MSG, non-MSG groups that had the "symptoms". They questioned the "sufferers" and at least 2 people on the non-MSG side were adamant about their "symptoms".
One lady who was a non-MSG'er said she could tell from the first bite that the food had MSG in it because she got a severe headache right away.
Since MSG occurs naturally, especially in beef, I guess I will go back to adding a little Accent, a name brand of MSG, in my dishes and see if it improves them.
6
Posted on 2/11/09 at 10:07 am to andouille
I had no idea MSG has symptoms. I just thought it made you full and then made you want to eat more really soon.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 10:13 am to andouille
quote:
food geeks said that there has never been any scientific proof that MSG has any adverse effects, the headaches and stomach ailments that people complain about, and the benefits to the taste of food are considerable. So they conducted on experiment at a Chinese restaurant in Manhattan
I used to work at a chinese restaurant, trust me, people can't tell. MSG is in pretty much everything anyway.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 10:17 am to andouille
I didn't see this episode, but I recently read several articles that maintained the same thing: MSG has never been proven harmful.
The story relates back to a food reviewer (maybe NYTimes?) years ago who was trying to understand why he was was starving a few hours after eating a huge lunch of Chinese food. This was the origin of the "Chinese restaurant effect" and MSG was deemed to be the culprit.
Several articles discussed the "MSG myth" as one of those pervasive "truths" that has widespread implications; it's almost surprising to not see "NO MSG" on a Chinese menu now. Of course, Accent and other brands just use versions of glutamic acid (MSG). There are tons of glutamate-based flavor enhancements that aren't quite MSG...you can even get naturally occurring MSG from hydrolyzed soy protein, which is in almost everything.
I think it's great that stuff like is tested - now excuse me while I snort this line of MSG off of the jiggling rump of an FDA research stripper.
The story relates back to a food reviewer (maybe NYTimes?) years ago who was trying to understand why he was was starving a few hours after eating a huge lunch of Chinese food. This was the origin of the "Chinese restaurant effect" and MSG was deemed to be the culprit.
Several articles discussed the "MSG myth" as one of those pervasive "truths" that has widespread implications; it's almost surprising to not see "NO MSG" on a Chinese menu now. Of course, Accent and other brands just use versions of glutamic acid (MSG). There are tons of glutamate-based flavor enhancements that aren't quite MSG...you can even get naturally occurring MSG from hydrolyzed soy protein, which is in almost everything.
I think it's great that stuff like is tested - now excuse me while I snort this line of MSG off of the jiggling rump of an FDA research stripper.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 10:30 am to Fratastic423
One of the "problems" with this show is that it does not go into a full discussion of issues. You've got a limited number of XX minutes to cover a subject. Ted Allen does a decent job of hosting the show, but there is too much entertainment.
As a PhD in food science I cringe every time I see commercials for the show. There is far too much entertainment than fact giving. Alton Brown does 1 brazillion percent better at teaching food science facts on Good Eats than Ted's crew ever will. IMHO
The US FDA back in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's reviewed MSG under the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) regulations. Each review resulted in the conclusion that further study and/or observation is needed. In 1995 FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) upheld the general FDA sentiment that MSG was safe for the general population in moderation. But they also found "FASEB identifies two groups of people who may develop a condition the report refers to as "MSG symptom complex." One group is those who may be intolerant to MSG when eaten in a large quantity. The second is a group of people with severe, poorly controlled asthma. These people, in addition to being prone to MSG symptom complex, may suffer temporary worsening of asthmatic symptoms after consuming MSG. The MSG dosage that produced reactions in these people ranged from 0.5 grams to 2.5 grams."
There is one other fact that probably went unmentioned by "Food Detectives", MSG today is hidden in a number of ingredients in processed foods. There is no mandatory labeling of MSG. It can be found in things like "Natural Flavors", "Beef Broth", "Spices", and other items. If you see "glutamates" on a food label, this might also be MSG.
So the bottomline is, if you have a reaction to a food wth the following symptoms you may, I repeat MAY, be MSG senstive. Or you might simply have eatten too much. Consume MSG in moderation. Remember to look at the Sodium content on the nutritional panel.
MSG Sensitivity Symptoms
burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest
numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back
tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms
facial pressure or tightness
chest pain
headache
nausea
rapid heartbeat
bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) in MSG-intolerant people with asthma
drowsiness
weakness
As a PhD in food science I cringe every time I see commercials for the show. There is far too much entertainment than fact giving. Alton Brown does 1 brazillion percent better at teaching food science facts on Good Eats than Ted's crew ever will. IMHO
The US FDA back in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's reviewed MSG under the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) regulations. Each review resulted in the conclusion that further study and/or observation is needed. In 1995 FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology) upheld the general FDA sentiment that MSG was safe for the general population in moderation. But they also found "FASEB identifies two groups of people who may develop a condition the report refers to as "MSG symptom complex." One group is those who may be intolerant to MSG when eaten in a large quantity. The second is a group of people with severe, poorly controlled asthma. These people, in addition to being prone to MSG symptom complex, may suffer temporary worsening of asthmatic symptoms after consuming MSG. The MSG dosage that produced reactions in these people ranged from 0.5 grams to 2.5 grams."
There is one other fact that probably went unmentioned by "Food Detectives", MSG today is hidden in a number of ingredients in processed foods. There is no mandatory labeling of MSG. It can be found in things like "Natural Flavors", "Beef Broth", "Spices", and other items. If you see "glutamates" on a food label, this might also be MSG.
So the bottomline is, if you have a reaction to a food wth the following symptoms you may, I repeat MAY, be MSG senstive. Or you might simply have eatten too much. Consume MSG in moderation. Remember to look at the Sodium content on the nutritional panel.
MSG Sensitivity Symptoms
burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest
numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back
tingling, warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms
facial pressure or tightness
chest pain
headache
nausea
rapid heartbeat
bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) in MSG-intolerant people with asthma
drowsiness
weakness
Posted on 2/11/09 at 12:11 pm to LSUChicageaux
quote:
now excuse me while I snort this line of MSG off of the jiggling rump of an FDA research stripper.
in true form bro............
Posted on 2/11/09 at 12:18 pm to andouille
I never get msg symptoms or feel hungry after I eat canes.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 1:09 pm to andouille
I don't have "symptoms" of an allergy when I eat MSG, but I usually can taste it in processed foods and there are some brands I prefer because they don't have that "flavor" added to it. IMO, if you don't need it, don't add it.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 1:34 pm to drfood
quote:
As a PhD in food science I cringe every time I see commercials for the show. There is far too much entertainment than fact giving. Alton Brown does 1 brazillion percent better at teaching food science facts on Good Eats than Ted's crew ever will. IMHO
Good post...but you'll never get any respect on here by presenting facts. It's all about the hyperbole, one-up-manship and stating your own anecdotal evidence as fact. Welcome to TD.
This post was edited on 2/11/09 at 1:36 pm
Posted on 2/11/09 at 1:36 pm to Dallas Tiger
quote:
Good post...but you'll never get any respect on here by presenting facts. It's all about the hyperbole and one-up-manship. Welcome to America.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 1:45 pm to Dallas Tiger
drfood-
Thanks for the professional insight, please post on here anytime you see something of interest.
I'm sure you are right, Alton Brown does a great job even in his limited time, FD is more of a blow and go. But, FD did a great service of bringing up the question to be discussed, and for that I am grateful. No additive, salt, MSG or anything else, should be abused, but the idea of Chinese restaurant having big banners in front of their businesses that say "NO MSG", is playing to unfounded fears.
I thought MSG stood for miniature schnauzer guts.
Thanks for the professional insight, please post on here anytime you see something of interest.
I'm sure you are right, Alton Brown does a great job even in his limited time, FD is more of a blow and go. But, FD did a great service of bringing up the question to be discussed, and for that I am grateful. No additive, salt, MSG or anything else, should be abused, but the idea of Chinese restaurant having big banners in front of their businesses that say "NO MSG", is playing to unfounded fears.
I thought MSG stood for miniature schnauzer guts.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 2:12 pm to andouille
(no message)
This post was edited on 2/11/09 at 2:14 pm
Posted on 2/11/09 at 2:24 pm to andouille
The whole "No MSG" advertising came about as a result of several scientific papers written in the late 60's, mid-70's and 80's. The term "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" or CRS was quoted in a paper written in 1968 where the symptoms were linked with folks eating Chinese food.
Then there was another set of papers published in the 1980's again linking the 2. The advertising by Chinese food establishments related to "No MSG" came into vogue in the 1980's. Primarily as folks here were finding Chinese food to be good to eat and cheap. And when 60 minutes did a profile on MSG back in the late 1980's or eartly 1990's there was a stronger push by Chinese restaurants to make sure they did not add MSG.
I used to tell my students that we should actually call it "US Processed Food Syndrome" since so much of America's processed foods have hidden MSG and glutamates. But that was always greeted with resounding groans. Guess I wasn't PC.
I can tell if a food contains MSG. It has a very strong metallic note to it. Can't stand that.
I have worked with companies who refused to remove MSG from their products because Sales and Marketing "gurus" found no intrinsic value to removing it. Their claim was without it the food did not taste the same as with it. Gotta love the sales and marketing "gurus"
I'll keep my eyes and ears open and bring new things on here. Was kinda shy about posting, been reading the rant for about 4 or 5 years. Didn't know how my postings would be perceived.
Looking forward to learning more about Louisiana foods and unique recipes and other goodies on this forum. Enjoy the other one's too. This is a much better board than texags.com which I used to read about sports/politics/money etc.
Then there was another set of papers published in the 1980's again linking the 2. The advertising by Chinese food establishments related to "No MSG" came into vogue in the 1980's. Primarily as folks here were finding Chinese food to be good to eat and cheap. And when 60 minutes did a profile on MSG back in the late 1980's or eartly 1990's there was a stronger push by Chinese restaurants to make sure they did not add MSG.
I used to tell my students that we should actually call it "US Processed Food Syndrome" since so much of America's processed foods have hidden MSG and glutamates. But that was always greeted with resounding groans. Guess I wasn't PC.
I can tell if a food contains MSG. It has a very strong metallic note to it. Can't stand that.
I have worked with companies who refused to remove MSG from their products because Sales and Marketing "gurus" found no intrinsic value to removing it. Their claim was without it the food did not taste the same as with it. Gotta love the sales and marketing "gurus"
I'll keep my eyes and ears open and bring new things on here. Was kinda shy about posting, been reading the rant for about 4 or 5 years. Didn't know how my postings would be perceived.
Looking forward to learning more about Louisiana foods and unique recipes and other goodies on this forum. Enjoy the other one's too. This is a much better board than texags.com which I used to read about sports/politics/money etc.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 4:37 pm to andouille
I have one of these in the cabinet
Had it about 5 years and used maybe 3 Tbsp, but if someone sees it they just assume I put it in everything. I think most people are affected mentally, but I am sure that there are those out there with reactions. But then again people have reactions to all sorts of food that we deem safe for consumption right?
Had it about 5 years and used maybe 3 Tbsp, but if someone sees it they just assume I put it in everything. I think most people are affected mentally, but I am sure that there are those out there with reactions. But then again people have reactions to all sorts of food that we deem safe for consumption right?
Posted on 2/11/09 at 4:49 pm to fightin tigers
there is only one food that I know reacts badly with me and I think it is because of MSG...that is one restaurant's sushi. More than once my head felt like it was going to explode, rapid heartbeat and I felt so drowsy about 10-15 minutes after eating. Granted, I can get this effect with too much sodium, but this sushi isn't salty and I do not eat it with soy. Other than that, sodium probably gives me more of an "effect" than MSG. I think...
drfood---this isn't the OT/rant, people are a lot nicer here.
drfood---this isn't the OT/rant, people are a lot nicer here.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 5:08 pm to TinyTigerPaws
I can't wait to get involved in the OT/rant area 
TinyTigerPaws, you should ask the sushi place what they add or treat the particular item that gives you a reaction. Of course I coulda been a smart arse and said "if it makes your head feel like its going to explode maybe you shouldn't eat it", like the old addage "Doctor this hurts when I do this, well then don't do it". But seriously the place should tell you if they treat their sushi with anything.
fightin tigers, MSG is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. So it is approved to use as a food additive. Some folks reactions to things is fear based (media driven) and mental (I got sick from eatting xxxxx once therefore I won't eat it ever again). Some folks truly have varying degrees of reaction to MSG. I am more concerned today about food companies stupidity (like the peanut butter folks) and outsourcing manufacturing to foreign 3rd world countries without good oversight, than I am about the overall food supply being healthy.
TinyTigerPaws, you should ask the sushi place what they add or treat the particular item that gives you a reaction. Of course I coulda been a smart arse and said "if it makes your head feel like its going to explode maybe you shouldn't eat it", like the old addage "Doctor this hurts when I do this, well then don't do it". But seriously the place should tell you if they treat their sushi with anything.
fightin tigers, MSG is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. So it is approved to use as a food additive. Some folks reactions to things is fear based (media driven) and mental (I got sick from eatting xxxxx once therefore I won't eat it ever again). Some folks truly have varying degrees of reaction to MSG. I am more concerned today about food companies stupidity (like the peanut butter folks) and outsourcing manufacturing to foreign 3rd world countries without good oversight, than I am about the overall food supply being healthy.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 5:12 pm to drfood
thanks for not being a smartass, because since I figured out this effect, I have not had that specific roll....sadly it is by far, my favorite.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 5:13 pm to drfood
quote:
More than once my head felt like it was going to explode, rapid heartbeat and I felt so drowsy about 10-15 minutes after eating
TTP, it is the ruffies...never leave your date and your drink alone
drfood, thanks for all the info. With people eating so much raw food and processed food today I know it is just a matter of time before we have a good kill off.
btw, beware of the OT and never EVER post any sort of personal insight into yourself...you have been warned.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 5:15 pm to fightin tigers
quote:
btw, beware of the OT and never EVER post any sort of personal insight into yourself...you have been warned.
VERY VERY VERY true. And if they tell you to go away....ignore them.
Posted on 2/11/09 at 5:21 pm to drfood
quote:
drfood
Interesting insight on MSG, never knew that.
So whats the scoop on High Fructose Corn Syrup?
Bad? Neutral?
This post was edited on 2/11/09 at 5:21 pm
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