Ajinomoto benefits and side effects
The exact topic of this article first appeared on www.nimedhealth.com.ng
Ajinomoto is a compound made of glutamic acid and sodium; hence, the scientific name Monosodium glutamate (MSG). It is composed of 78% glutamate, 10% bound water and 12% sodium.
Glutamate is an amino acid found mostly in protein-rich foods such as poultry and milk products such as- fish, meat, milk (including breast milk), etc. MSG can also be found in cheese, vegetables, seasonings etc.
The content of Ajinomoto is made of calcium, iron, magnesium and sodium. Ajinomoto contains no proteins, vitamins and fats.
Benefits of Ajinomoto
Promotes good health:
Using Ajinomoto to cook can help improve quality of life. It can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and other associated risk factors like high blood pressure.
Enhance the flavor of foods:
Ajinomoto improves flavors of food, giving the meal a balanced and rich taste. Eating meals made from Ajinomoto can increase food palatability, making you crave for more.
Reduce salt/sodium content in meals:
When you use Ajinomoto to cook, your daily intake of sodium is reduced up to 40%. This is because Ajinomoto can serve as an alternative to salt.
It has a lower sodium content than normal cooking salt. Ajinomoto contains 12% sodium, while table salt contains 39%.
Please note that using Ajinomoto to cook still maintains the taste and deliciousness of the meal. It only just reduce the sodium content.
Increase appetite:
Especially for the elderly, aged and convalescent who get a decreased appetite as a result of less sensitive taste buds. A decreased appetite in turn can lead to malnutrition.
However, with the usage of Ajinomoto in cooking, the elderly and convalescent appetite can be improved. This will enable them lead a healthier life, as nutrient absorption will be improved.
Aid Protein Digestion:
It has been proven that Ajinomoto can help play important roles in the digestion of protein; including ingestion, absorption and metabolism of protein, all which are key processes essential for life.
Side effects of Ajinomoto
Here are some negative effects from the use of Ajinomoto:
Excess consumption can cause the following:
Variations in blood pressure.
Severe headaches (Migraine)
Sweating issues from severe dehydration
Fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, burning sensation in the stomach
Difficulty in breathing, snoring etc.
Colorectal cancer
When is the best time to use Ajinomoto?
According to Nutritionists and Dieticians, there is no best time to have ajinomoto. This substance can be added to any meals.
Who should avoid Ajinomoto?
Ajinomoto should be avoided by pregnant women. Those who are highly sensitive/reactive to it should also completely avoid it as well.
Is Ajinomoto healthy?
Because glutamic acid act as a brain neurotransmitter, it has led to the believe that it is harmful.
This isn’t entirely true as Ajinomoto is healthy and safe to use. However, only in small quantities. Excess use can be harmful and cause adverse effects. It could destroy nerve cells.
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