Is it true that MSG can make the brain slow?

Medical Video: What is MSG? The Truth about Monosodium Glutamate- Thomas DeLauer

Monosodium glutamate or what we commonly know as MSG, is one of the ingredients that is often used as ingredients that can make food more delicious and delicious. However, many say this flavor can make the brain become 'slow'. Is that true? See the facts below!

Get to know monosodium glutamate aka MSG

Monosodium glutamate consists of water, sodium, and glutamate. Glutamate is actually also contained in milk, cheese, meat, fish, and in some vegetables. Well, the glutamate content is what makes food feel more delicious.

The content of glutamic acid contained in flavorings will make brain nerve cells more active and create a sense of pleasure in food.

Is it true that eating MSG makes the brain become 'slow'?

During this time most of the side effects reported after eating foods containing MSG do occur in the nervous system in the brain. Therefore, MSG is considered indirectly can make someone 'slow'. Eits, wait a minute. Actually what is 'slow'?

This term is used to describe decreased brain cognitive function. Brain cognitive functions include thinking logically, making decisions, recording information in memory, solving problems, and maintaining concentration.

Then what does flavoring have to do with the ability of the human brain? Look, in the brain there are many nerves that serve as recipients of stimuli. The nerves that are responsible for receiving stimuli are called receptors. It is located in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus.

Well, glutamate in flavoring has many receptors in the hypothalamus. Therefore, the effect of most glutamate in the brain can be dangerous. Receptors in the brain become stimulated (aroused) excessively due to high glutamate levels. If it keeps happening, as a result, excessive receptor activity can cause neuronal death. Neurons themselves are nerve cells in the brain.

In fact, neurons play a very important role in running brain cognitive functions. Neuronal death means that the cognitive function of the brain will decrease, aka 'slow'.

In addition, monosodium glutamate also has other adverse effects on the nervous system, which will cause headaches, insomnia, and fatigue. Plus, monosodium glutamate can also cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. These things can certainly affect a person's performance and can have a negative impact.

So, is MSG dangerous?

Based on opinions from Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Despite the controversy over MSG, the FDA still categorizes MSG as safe for consumption, although the FDA has received reports of several reactions such as headaches, sweating, numbness and heat on the face, heart beat, chest pain and nausea and vomiting. However, based on the opinions quoted from the mayoclinic page, it was said that there was no definite relationship between these symptoms and MSG.

What is the safe limit for consuming MSG?

Based on the reading quoted from healthline.com, it is said that the symptoms of sensitivity to MSG (such as feeling of headache, numbness and weakness) will only appear if we consume MSG at a dose of 3 grams.

In addition, on the page it is also said that MSG has a harmful effect on our nervous system if we consume very excessive amounts, which is as much as 6-30 times more than the dose should be.

So, just like consuming sugar or salt, MSG does not cause health problems if consumed in moderation.

Is it true that MSG can make the brain slow?

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