The spice that is known as the “fierce god” in the kitchen will not be too dangerous if you know how to use it.

Many people say that eating too much MSG will cause dementia, hair loss or even cancer. In fact, is this spice so scary?

MSG is a spice produced from many ingredients. It can be made from wheat gluten, starch or pyrogutamic acid found in sugar beets, or it can also be produced through chemical synthesis. The main ingredient of MSG is sodium glutamate, after entering the human body, it will participate in protein metabolism, promote oxidation, and have certain effects on the human brain and liver.

Why do many people think that eating MSG causes cancer?

In 1968, a Chinese-American named Zhao Haomin sent a letter to the New England Medical Journal that read: When he went to a Chinese restaurant for a meal, he frequently developed symptoms. strange 15-20 minutes after a meal. At first, the feeling of numbness in the back of the neck, then gradually spread to the arms and back. At the same time, there are also symptoms such as heart palpitations, poor physical strength, etc.

After the letter was sent, the major media in the West contributed to spreading this letter. From here, many rumors emerged that MSG is carcinogenic. But in fact, these rumors are baseless and there is no evidence to prove that MSG can cause health hazards.

Notes when using MSG

Season to taste

The results of related research data show that the amount of sodium glutamate to be consumed at an acceptable level for an adult weighing about 60 kg should be less than 1.8g.

Do not use with vinegar

Sodium glutamate in MSG when it meets vinegar will not only add umami to the dish but also create a very strange sour taste.

Do not add MSG to foods with sugar

Foods that have been seasoned with sugar are not added MSG. Not only does it not increase the freshness, but it also gives the dish a very strange taste.

It is possible to add ingredients with the same sweetness as MSG

Common ingredients include meat, eggs, mushrooms, and kelp that naturally contain glutamic acid. When cooked with salt, sodium glutamate is created and completely replaces the role of MSG.

During the cooking process, you just need to keep in mind the above things to be able to rest assured in using MSG to taste meals for your family.