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(Pixabay/IANS)
Ajinomoto, an essential ingredient, especially in Chinese cuisine, is leading to various health problems such as hypertension, heart problems, and faster aging.
This has been found in research conducted by scientists from the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Allahabad (AU).
The groundbreaking research has been published in the renowned Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry.
Ajinomoto is the trade name for a salt scientists call monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is used primarily in Chinese preparations such as chowmein and Manchurian, leaving a long-lasting aftertaste (umami) that characterizes these foods.
Umami is the fifth core flavor along with sweet, sour, bitter and salty taste buds.
Scientists from the UA department of biochemistry, under the direction of Professor SI Rizvi, reported that monosodium glutamate, even in low doses, could be detrimental to health.
AU research on MSG toxicity has shown that even at concentrations below prescribed limits, MSG can cause oxidative stress, inflammation and other health problems. Also, the umami taste can cause MSG addiction in children.
Professor Rizvi said: “All of these adverse effects can predispose an individual to diseases such as high blood pressure, heart problems and faster ageing.”
The finding becomes important as the consumption of foods rich in monosodium glutamate has increased tremendously in recent years. All fast foods, including packaged chips, momos, and some packaged foods, contain high amounts of this compound.
MSG increases the production of certain chemicals in the body, which can be very harmful. The same kind of change is often seen in COVID-19 patients, she added.
“The experimental study conducted on rats given a fixed dose of MSG revealed that after three weeks of continuous intake of this salt, some alterations in the brain region were also observed,” said Professor Rizvi.
The scientists tested the effect of MSG at two different concentrations, 30 mg and 100 mg per kg of body weight.
Although the 30 mg dose did not cause any effect, with the 100 mg dose there were a number of side effects that could be dangerous to health.
“This study is an eye opener as growing children may be especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of MSG,” Professor Rizvi said, adding that children and growing fetuses have a leaky blood-brain barrier and could be affected. due to the toxic effects of MSG.
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The above article has been published by a news agency with minor changes to the title and text.
