The Mystery Ingredient Contributing to Weight Gain

There's one ingredient, and it's not sugar, that contributes to weight gain without people even realising it.

I won't keep you in suspense any longer - that ingredient is MSG. And it's not only found in Chinese food. Of course you know when you've been to a Chinese Restaurant and you may get a headache or feel a bit dizzy, that's MSG. But it is also found in a number of processed foods available at your local supermarket, and you wouldn't even know it's there.

So what exactly is MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). It is essentially a flavour enhancer and it will make food taste a lot better and that is exactly why it is used.

How Does This Ingredient Contribute to Weight Gain?

MSG overstimulates a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. There's a specific part of the hypothalamus that is affected and that part regulates hunger versus being satisfied. It throws off that balance.

More importantly, it hinders the utilisation of food energy by the body and so the body stores more energy as fat. It's basically slowing down your metabolism.

When you combine MSG and carbohydrates the effect is even worse.

Which Foods Contain MSG?

There are a number of food categories that contain MSG.

• Chips and Snacks: Many flavoured chips, crackers, and snacks contain MSG to enhance their savoury flavour.
• Instant Noodles: Most instant noodle seasoning packets contain MSG.
• Canned Soups and Broths: Especially in cheaper or store-brand options, MSG is often added to boost flavour.
• Frozen Meals: Many frozen or ready-to-eat meals, particularly those with savoury flavours, include MSG.
• Sauces & Salad Dressings: Sauces such as soy sauce and teriyaki, salad dressings and some ketchup products.

The Final Word

So why is this allowed to be in our foods? Unfortunately, due to the influence of the food industry, there are some ingredients that are allowed to slip through, and MSG is one of them. It has the status GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) but that doesn't mean that it's particularly healthy.

It is well worth your while to check some of these foods, if you intend to buy them, to see if MSG is included in the ingredients list.