By Michelle Schoffro Cook for Care2.com
Considering that monosodium glutamate, or MSG as it is more commonly known, is linked to many serious health conditions, including: hormonal imbalances, weight gain, brain damage, obesity, headaches, and more, you may be shocked to learn how prevalent it is. MSG is almost always found in processed, prepared, and packaged foods. But, here are some lesser-known food sources of this harmful chemical.
1. Soup—Most soups, even most homemade soup, contains MSG, even if the cook swears it doesn’t. That’s because most soup bases, commercial stocks, and bouillon powder and cubes contain MSG.
2. Spice Mixtures—Love that cajun seasoning, TexMex rub, or other spice mixture? Most spice mixtures contain MSG—frequently as autolyzed yeast or yeast extract.
3. Infant Formula—As terrible as it sounds, some infant formula actually contains MSG in one of its myriad disguises.
Read Full Post >
The average person is supposed to consume no more than 2,400 milligrams of salt/sodium per day (or 1 tsp.). For those with high blood pressure, it’s about 1,500 milligrams. Most of us are consuming two-to-three times this amount each day. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a packaged or processed food, or a restaurant menu item that is low in salt. Food manufacturers are making an effort to include more reduced-sodium items, but even those still have astonishing quanities.
Avoid the risk of stroke and heart disease by following these simple tips for reducing salt in a low-sodium diet:
- Eat Fresh Foods. Cook your own meals, use fresh produce, use fresh meats and seafood, and rinse canned foods before serving.
- Read Labels. Carefully read labels and buy items that indicate no- or low-sodium. Beware of sodium agents like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and baking soda or powder.
- Skip the Instructions. Replace salt in recipes with any other spice or herb.
