MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE AND SOME NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

MONOSODIUM AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) also known as sodium glutamate, is a white odourless crystalline powder that is derived from L -glutamic acid, a natural occurring amino acid in a variety of food products especially those rich in protein. Glutamate is a key component in determining the flavour of these foods. Monosodium glutamate adds a special taste to food, due to this special taste; many food producers use it for their products. Currently, people are busy with their technology-based busy work schedules in different sectors and in such a fast-paced life; they have minimal time for meal preparation, which makes most of them depend on “ready-made foods” or “junk foods”. Moreover, even when they prepare their own meals, they still make use of ready-made condiments, spices and seasonings containing MSG. Majority of such foods have harmful effects on human health. Widely using MSG in ready-made fast food significantly affects the appetite centre resulting in over-weight and different adverse impacts on humans and experimental animals. This paper helps to create global awareness on the harmful impact of MSG on human health and recommends the consumption of natural seasonings and spices as an alternative to MSG.