Starbucks 'Trenta': How The New Size Compares To Your Stomach
Famous Death Row Last Meals
MSG has long been a contentious ingredient. It is often vilified, as a lot of people believe that they are allergic to the stuff. Recently, though, MSG has had its reputation partially restored as it is thought to be a source of Umami, the much-heralded fifth taste.
A new study has raised the possibility that MSG might once again losing its good standing. A group of scientists have recently finished a study linking MSG to higher body weight. They found that "high MSG consumption was associated with a 110 per cent increase in the risk" of having a high body mass index (BMI).
Industry groups immediately responded, essentially saying "no way Jose." The Glutamate Association said that on top of flaws in the study, areas of the world that already consume large amounts of MSG do not have high BMI numbers (which would indicate they were overweight). What do you think about the new findings?
Jane Seymour's Modest And Modern Style
Broke Stars: 11 Celebrities Who Went Bankrupt
LOOK: Amazing Underwater Photos Of Dogs
Adele Five-Year Break? Singer Plans to Focus on Relationship, Write 'Happy Record'
Social Security Is Failing Even Faster Than We Thought
PHOTOS: How You Can Get The 'Miracle' Dress
Man Says Starbucks Discriminated Against Him Because He Has Half An Arm
Chris Brown, Grammys 2012: Embattled Singer Slams Critics
Janice Dickinson's Outrageous Style
Ford's clever Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ad features phantom model
3 Economic Misconceptions That Need to Die
Photos Of Dead Lacrosse Player's Injured Body Shown To Jury
Trace Adkins Reunites With College Crush, 30 Years Later
Van Gogh's Starry Night modded into beautiful interactive light and sound show (video)
PHOTOS: Model Falls At Dennis Basso Show
'Hooker Teacher' Forced To Resign, Now Can't Find Work
Lauren Scruggs Goes On Ski Vacation
WATCH AND LAUGH: Cops In 2-Hour Standoff With Empty Car
New Clues, Details Emerge In Powell Case
Woman's Dead Fiance Is Behind Her Disappearance: Cops
Stephen Wiltshire Draws Cities From Memory
PHOTOS: Remembering The People's Ballerina
We Meant There WERE Nukes In The Fire
8-28-2008 @6:30PM xeno said... "They found that "high MSG consumption was associated with a 110 per cent increase in the risk" of having a high body mass index (BMI)."
Or maybe some people can't resist eating more than they should if the food tastes good.
Reply
8-28-2008 @6:39PM Michael Schmitt said... ... and in 2-3 months we will be seeing a study that shows that it DOESN'T cause weight gain.
What this study will do is add evidence to those who wish to perceive MSG as a "bad" ingredient that kills people (do a google search for "natural MSG" and see how many sites claim it will make people have migraines, have the runs, or get autism), and will act as a counterpoint to those who wish to be neutral to positive as to the role MSG plays in our society.
Reply
8-28-2008 @6:40PM totoro said... Can't wait for Jeffery Steingarten to research this one-his article about MSG was hilarious.
Reply
8-28-2008 @10:12PM Rt said... A great quote I heard about studies was, correlation is not necessarily causation - concise.
Reply
8-28-2008 @11:12PM yuri elkaim said... MSG is one of the greatest poisons ever developed and marketed!
It's a highly addictive neurotoxin that food companies use to enhance flavour, thus creating addiction and dependency among those who eat those containing it.
Studies have shown that because of this, people are more likely to eat more leading to weight gain.
But of course the glutamate association refutes the findings since their sole mission is promote the "safeness" of eating MSG.
It makes me sick to my stomach!
Yuri
http://www.EatingforEnergy.ca
Reply
8-29-2008 @9:58AM tc said... Maybe they studied porkers bellying up to the all-you-can-eat Asian buffet.
Reply
8-29-2008 @2:00PM Eugene said... You know this article is so true - look at all the obese people people in China vs all the skinny people in America. Seriously do we need a study to figure out that?
Now if we listen to our bibles ...(Phil 4:5 KJV) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Which means don't over do it people - in MSG and the case of the previous poster going overboard on emotion against a spice.
Reply
8-30-2008 @1:13AM Tim said... My theory: Most American cooks don't bother with MSG, as it's a chemical, and most home cooking consists of less processed foods. Those who eat a lot of MSG likely eat a lot of processed foods, as a food scientist is more likely to add some MSG to perk up a food's taste. Processed foods tend to be eaten by people who care less about their weight/health, and since they have a lot of refined carbs, sugar, and fat, it'd make sense a person with such a diet would gain weight.
What would be interesting is to see how soy sauce, a natural source of glutamates, impacts a person's weight. What would also be interesting is to do a double-blind trial, where people doing it take a tablet in the morning that is either sugar or MSG. If the group with the MSG gain weight, that's stronger evidence. However, if the weight gain effect is subtle, it could be a very long study. Then again, if it is subtle and doesn't otherwise make the food unhealthy/toxic, I don't see the big deal. It does indeed make food taste better, and from what I've heard, it isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
Of course, I could be wrong. As for me, I'll use soy sauce or ketchup or tomato paste if I need some umami at home.
Reply
8-30-2008 @10:11PM Zog said... @#5 yuri elkaim: You seem to be laboring under the idea that food should taste awful so that people don't eat much of it, and that food that tastes good is addictive, terrifying stuff to be avoided. People like to eat food that tastes good; what a news flash. The idea that food should not taste good so that people don't eat it is bizarre.
MSG enhances the taste of food. No doubt about it. It's been proven in dozens and dozens of tests, and food prepared with it wildly outsells food that is not prepared with it on a taste basis. It's one of the few things that addresses the umami taste, which is critical in making people feel like they've actually eaten something (i.e., satiety). Our tongues have specific taste receptors just for the umami taste. The umami taste is present in meat, some cheeses, and other protein-rich foods, and is enhanced in combination with sodium, which ... guess what .. is something else our bodies cannot live without.
Not satisfying the umami taste is just like not satisfying the taste for salty, or sweet, or sour or bitter foods. Since MSG enhances the umami taste, people actually eat LESS. Not only are they not casting about eating things that aren't addressing the umami need, but when they do eat umami-rich food, they eat less of it if MSG is used.
Reply
9-09-2008 @6:23PM A Rock said... Hey Zog,
I can tell you've succumbed to the downfall of North Americans believing that MSG is actually good for you. Total BS! I've been following Yuri's opinions and read his book too. You should give it a try because I bet you're tired of being overweight and I think it's time to make a change!
Reply