Ajinomoto or Monosodium Glutamate is one of the most popular ingredients used in food items. It enhances the flavor of food and makes it mouth-watering. However, most food packages that we buy consist of Ajinomoto in their ingredients. It is a Japan-based food ingredient used in fast food such as pasta, pizza, Chinese cuisine, and many more. On the one hand, it enhances the entire taste of any food and on the other, it can adversely affect health if consumed at a very high level. Let’s have a look at how consuming Ajinomoto can be a pro or con for the health.
What is Ajinomoto made of?
Ajinomoto is made of different products in different areas of the world. In India, Tapioca starch, Potato, and Sugarcane molasses are combined to form Ajinomoto. However, in the West, it is made of non-veg ingredients. MSG is monosodium glutamate, a seasoning made up of wheat. Later, it was discovered that MSG is a kind of a flavor that he named Umami. The main elements are glutamic acid and glutamate. It was noticed earlier that the use of Ajinomoto in food items is hazardous to health but after the subsequent test results it is considered to be an as safe ingredient.
Common Problems caused by Ajinomoto
Ajinomoto is best known for its flavor but its excess can create problems for your health. It is advised to take care of the after-effects as well. As per the medical analysis, the problems arise due to excessive intake of Ajinomoto are as follows:
- Sweating more than usual as it contains sodium salts
- It can lead to laziness
- Stomach burning sensations
- Intake of sodium salt can cause brain damage, joints pain, or muscular pain as well
- It reduces calcium content from the body which leads to bone problems
- Also, it fluctuates the blood pressure level of the body. Sometimes high sometimes low
Adverse Effects of Ajinomoto or MSG
- It is noticed that headache is the most popular problem. Because sodium salts, amino acid sometimes lead to intense pain in the head.
- Glutamate leads to neuro problems which eventually becomes Parkinson’s, Alzheimer, Hutington’s, etc.
- It also effects your sleeping pattern. Snoring issues and sleeping-breath related issues are very commonly seen.
- Excess of consuming Ajinomoto is also a way to cancer. Monosodium Glutamate typically increase the chances of any kind of cancer.
- Due to fluctuating blood pressure level, consumption of Ajinomoto/MSG can cause hypertension as well.
People who are allergic to gluten should undoubtedly keep a distance from MSG or Ajinomoto. We believe that food flavors work great for your taste buds but not for your overall health. Hence, medical experts always advise people to eat gluten-free food as much as they can.
Side Effects of Consuming Ajinomoto during Pregnancy
As we all know that during pregnancy women crave for different flavor of food items. A pregnant lady is ready to taste all sort of cuisines as much as she can. Weird mood swings and cravings sometimes become harmful for the baby’s health as well as mother’s. It is a very popular saying that whatever mother eats directly gets to her baby. Therefore, during this time, a mother needs to take care of your diet as much as she can. If you relish eating spicy chinese, italian, or any fast food make sure you think twice eating it. Here are some major side-effects of consuming MSG during pregnancy.
- Excessive consumption of MSG or Ajinomoto leads to placental damage. It can disrupt your baby’s brain cells or neuro system.
- Headaches sometimes lead to migraine, sleeplessness, and sometimes Insomnia. However, during pregnancy it is very important to take rest and sound sleep.
- Pregnant women consuming too much MSG can suffer from rigorous heart-rate fluctuation. It will eventually lead to chest pain or cardiac arrest.
- If you consume Ajinomoto when you have very low levels of immunity, you will feel nauseatic all the time.
- Sometimes Ajinomoto break down in your body which has a tranquillizing effect. It causes numbness, thyroid, lethargic, and more.
How to Identify Ajinomoto Food Items?
All types of fast food and fancy restaurants serve food flavored with Ajinomoto. They add MSG to the food as it makes the food even more delicious. While buying processed or packed food always check the ingredients written behind the package. Seasoning sauces, colored foods, and any kind of fermented food contain MSG or Ajinomoto. Read the label carefully, if it says it is gluten-free or MSG-free then only you can consider it is.
Conclusion
Flavors in food are great and appetizing only if consumed within the limits. If you only care about the taste you will be compromising with your overall health. At least the people who are allergic to gluten, they should definitely avoid the MSG products. Also, if you are pregnant then you must consult your nutritionist or doctor before consuming any fast food or processed food. That’s how you will be able to consume Ajinomoto flavored food items in a well-proportionate manner.