Monosodium glutamate and increased appetite in the elderly
Much is said about the benefits of MSG in the elderly as it does increase your appetite to eat more making it easier to fight his tendency to malnutrition. It is known that many tend to lose their smell and taste and that makes them lose their interest in food.
Surely there were other options such as giving a teaspoon of gentian-based syrups, Wormwood (very sparingly), Angelica, Maria Luisa, or Fenugreek Fenugreek, etc.. Also, take a spoonful of pickled (in vinegar) or fermented as sauerkraut or Pikler usually opens the appetite.MSG and Umami taste
A curiosity of MSG is that named a new flavor: umami in Japanese means “savory taste”. This is a consequence of specific receptors on the tongue produces a very particular taste essential. Hitherto known only essential / 4 basic tastes: sweet, salty, bitter and sour.
What do other studies?
The studies “defenders” of glutamate say there is no risk to the nervous system as the blood-brain barrier and prevents further 95% use the intestine as an energy source.
A new study, prepared at the Hirosaki University of Japan and directed by Hiroshi Ohguro, relates the consumption of monosodium glutamate with a potential loss of long-term vision. Explain that injuries may result in the retina and an increase in cases of glaucoma. Critics say that is because the experiments were done with doses too high and include an additive that is approved by various food control agencies. Hiroshi Ohguro said that its effects are still unknown to take a long time.
Monosodium glutamate and sodium reduction
Another argument “for” consumption of MSG is that it contains less sodium than salt and does not diminish instead of food taste quite the contrary. Other opinions say that the ideal is to use unrefined sea salt mixed with spices or herbs (sold in health food or natural food stores)
The advantage of these seasonings mentioned is that it is not only not harmful, but also bring us more benefits than glutamate.
Our personal opinion is that, as with respect to all additives, it is best to dispense with them wherever possible and the case of MSG is no exception.
credit to: Josep Vicent Arnau