“Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been a topic of controversy and concern among consumers due to misconceptions surrounding its safety. It has lower sodium content and an umami taste, so it has been proposed as a salt alternative.”
— an article in HealthNews by Merve Ceylan, RD, HealthNews.com, October 9, 2023
This article explores MSG’s safety and its potential as a salt alternative.
Key Takeaways:
- “Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a lower-sodium alternative to traditional salt.
- Despite concerns [based on misconceptions], MSG has been reported safe by regulatory bodies and is naturally found in various foods.
- Incorporating MSG in select savory products leads to a significant reduction in sodium intake.”
“Excess sodium consumption has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of Americans older than two consume 3,400 mg of sodium daily on average, which exceeds the recommended limit of 2,300 mg.
“If the average sodium intake were to be reduced to 2,300 mg, 11 million fewer people would have high blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
In addition to discussing the use of MSG as a salt alternative, this article addresses other ways to reduce sodium intake. Read more.
