MSG by any Other Name...is Still Not Good for You!

Sufferers of monosodium glutamate (MSG) toxicity syndromes have long been dismissed by the makers of glutamate and food additives and by the FDA, whose labeling standards for foods containing the controversial flavor enhancer are fairly lax. For many of these MSG sufferers, the experience of coping with the ambiguities of food labeling leaves them feeling like Han Solo navigating his way through an asteroid field. Not only is it confusing - it can be very dangerous.

Symptoms that MSG can bring on   Reported MSG reactions, which can occur as a result of consuming even small amounts (much less than the 1/2 gram the FDA considers to be low), include migraines; hives; mouth eruptions; numbness; tingling; swelling of mucous membranes in the oral, gastrointestinal or reproductive tract; asthma; runny nose; insomnia; seizures; mood swings; panic attacks; diarrhea; and cardiac irregularities.   Sufferers of MSG's effects are not experiencing an allergy. Instead, they are experiencing the results of direct nerve stimulation and possible nerve damage, although the latter has not been verified in humans. Emergency room physician George R. Schwartz, author of "In Bad Taste": The MSG Symptom Complex, says MSG is a neurotoxin, a substance that actually induces nerve changes and possible nerve damage.

Other Names for MSG

Monosodium glutamate, Monopotassium glutamate, Glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Vegetable Protein Extract, Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP), Autolyzed Plant Protein, Sodium Caseinate, Senomyx (wheat extract labeled as artificial flavor), Calcium Caseinate, Textured Protein, Yeast Extract, Yeast food or nutrient, Autolyzed Yeast.

Read Those Labels!!

Fast Facts!

What is protein?

Proteins are molecules made up of amino acids, which the body breaks down and absorbs in order to rebuild and repair tissues. Humans need about 20 amino acids in order to live, but our bodies can make most of them on their own. Eight of the 20 must be obtained by eating foods that contain them.

What foods contain those essential amino acids?

Nearly every animal food, including dairy products, meat, fish and poultry, contain all eight amino acids. So do the excrement of animals. That doesn't mean you should eat meat or feces. All of your protein needs can be met easily from a diet with a variety of vegetables and grains. (Also see Dr. Attwood's site regarding the myth of "food combining.")

How much protein do I need every day?

Right now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that protein make up 10 percent of the total calories you consume every day. Since protein has 4 calories per gram, in a 2,000-calorie diet, that would allow for 50 grams of protein. Meanwhile, the national average consumption of protein is about 90 grams daily. Due to the unhealthy, protein-heavy, meat-centered diet consumed in most modern countries, diseases like breast and colon cancer, heart disease and osteoperosis are rampant. If you're getting enough calories as a vegetarian, it is very unlikely you would ever experience a protein deficiency. Other than in starvation situations, the incidence of protein deficiency is practically non-existent.

Good Food for Thought

CURRIED TURKEY MEATBALLS (Serves 4)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan sprayed with pan spray, sauté the onion, ginger and garlic in oil until the onion is soft. Add the curry, cumin and cayenne and stir for 1 minute. Add 3 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and roll into golf-ball-sized meatballs. Drop into the boiling broth, cover and simmer on low for 7-10 minutes until done. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch into remaining 1/2 cup of broth. Pour this mixture into simmering broth in saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add salt to taste.

Serving Suggestions:
Cover each plate with spinach leaves and place meatballs on top. Spoon curry sauce over meatballs and serve plain, nonfat yogurt as garnish.

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:
Calories: 300 Protein: 32 grams   Fat: 7 grams  Carbohydrates: 23 grams

FYI

Foods That Curb Hunger High-Water, High-Fiber Foods Help Curb Hunger

Foods high in water and fiber, like fruits and vegetables, are the so-called high-volume foods. They add bulk to your meals and help fill your stomach.

Lean Protein Can Reduce Hunger. There is growing evidence of the power of lean protein, like lean meat, fish, poultry, soybeans, and eggs, to help with fullness and weight loss.

To read more about eating right and curbing your appetite click <here>

Next Weight Loss Challenge Class Begins July 2nd. The 12 week class beginning July 2, 2008 still has room for enrollment. To see the full schedule, please click <here>.

Chicken Is Dunked in Chlorine? Know Where Your Meat Comes From to Avoid Unwanted Chemicals

To read this article, click on the image.

Info on Proteins and Amino Acids

Proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body.  They are responsible for growth and daily function.  When water and fats are eliminated, proteins make up 75% of the body solids that are left.  They are essential components of muscle tissue, organs, enzymes, blood, antibodies, and neurotransmitters in the brain.  Proteins are made from amino acids, which are referred to as the building blocks of life, and they regulate every biochemical reaction in the body.

In the diet, proteins are found primarily in meats, poultry, eggs, milk, rice and beans, although there are some amino acids in vegetables as well. 

Heat and processing destroy many amino acids in dietary sources, and not all food sources have all the amino acids necessary for proper metabolic balance. 

Vegetarians do not have certain amino acids in their diets, such as Lysine, which is found in eggs and poultry products.  A deficiency in even one amino acid will cause a biochemical imbalance creating health problems, and the amino acid(s) should be replaced for good physical and mental health.

To read this complete article, click <here>

Be sure to visit our website for more nutritional information to help you live healthier, happier, and longer!

www.poiesishealth.com