I received this article via email about the hidden Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in our food. I had been holding off writing a post about it because I could not find the original source. I apologize in advance if this is your work. Whoever wrote this definitely deserves the credit. I figured since the article was inspired by the book The Slow Poisoning of America and the author of the article claims to be a friend of the book’s author...we’ll call it good enough.

When I think of MSG, I think of Chinese Food. I do always ask for no MSG in my food at a Chinese restaurant. It’s become such a habit, I forget exactly why other than that it’s a chemical that I don’t want in my food. I had NO idea that so many restaurants and companies were using MSG in their products. Again, I had NO idea that it is also called “Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein”, “Aginomoto” or “Natural Meat Tenderizer”. Apparently there are many other names for MSG and it’s practically everywhere. Check out your pantry. I’m going to play a little game of “chuck” with my mine later today.

Here’s the gist of the article:

”In laboratories all over the world the same chemicals added to Doritos, Top Ramen, and Campbells soup are being used to intentionally make rats and mice obese and pre-diabetic, so that they can be used as test subjects for the latest diet drugs.

Thanks to restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's and Applebees, you are becoming an unwitting participant in the largest experiment ever played on humanity.”

and…

“Even the propaganda website sponsored by the food manufacturers lobby group supporting MSG at: http://www.msgfactscom/facts/msgfact12.html explains that the reason they add it to food is to make people EAT MORE OF THEIR PRODUCTS.”

No wonder childhood obesity is such a problem in America. No wonder Diabetes is so prevalent! MSG is every where you turn.

As most parents do, we really try to be more aware of the nutritional value of the food that we eat. We try to buy local fruit and vegetables. We only buy meat from a local butcher. We only buy milk if it is “antibiotic free”. We limit processed snacks as much as possible without crossing the “militant” line. We definitely try to avoid trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. Those small steps alone are enough to make your head spin while trying to purchase weekly groceries for a family of 4. Sometimes I feel like we’re swimming against the tide. Unless you live on your own farm and are able to grow your own produce, milk the cows daily, gather eggs from the hens and slaughter for your own meat, there’s no hope. I know that I’m from New Hampshire, but my .60 acre lot within a subdivision doesn’t really allow for that lifestyle;)

I guess this is a process and the best thing we can do is educate ourselves. I’ll definitely think twice about stopping at a Wendy’s when we’re running late and the kids are hungry. I’m inspired to keep healthy snacks in the car to tide them over until I can prepare something safer for them at home.

I haven’t read many books or watched “current” movies since having Princess 5 years ago, therefore there are many on my wish list. These have suddenly risen to a new priority status:

Super Size Me

Fast Food Nation

What else can we do? Get the word out. I’m not doing this to increase my own traffic. Feel free to link directly to the article and don’t even mention MommyCosm. I’m OK with that.

If you have any other information to share or tips on how to avoid MSG, please leave a comment.

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