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MSG: Not Just for Chinese Food

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:30:00 PST

Do you cringe when someone mentions MSG (monosodium glutamate)? While it gets a bad rap as causing Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, most scientific studies prove that moderate amounts of this flavor enhancer have no adverse effects on healthy people. The studies don't seem to really matter though, since MSG has the reputation of causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, numbing of the lips (weird), and heart palpitations, so most people try to avoid it.

It's hard though, since MSG can be found in many food products, and the list of ingredients won't necessarily say "monosodium glutamate." Other food additives contain MSG too such as hydrolyzed soy protein, glutamic acid, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, and autolyzed yeast. That means many common products have hidden MSG in them. Want to know which ones? Then

read more Hidden MSG can be found in: Doritos, Chex Mix, Stove Top Stuffing, Bologna, and even some salad dressings contain monosodium glutamate or other ingredients that also contain MSG. Honestly though, many of these products contain a lot of other unhealthy ingredients and not much actual food, so you're probably not eating these too often anyway. It's definitely good to be aware though, especially if you found that your body is sensitive to MSG. Have you come across any other foods that surprisingly contain MSG? Share the details in the comment section below. Source

What's the Deal with: MSG

FitSugar — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 03:00:00 PDT

You might have seen the sign at a Chinese restaurant declaring "No MSG." There seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding the white crystalline powder known as MSG, the initials stand for Monosodium Glutamate. Since that is a quite a mouthful we shall stick to calling it MSG.

MSG has been used in Asian cooking for centuries to enhance the flavor of food. Originally made by brewing a broth from seaweed, the chemical properties were isolated in the early 1900s. Today MSG is made from fermented sugar beet or sugar cane molasses, in a process quite similar to the way soy sauce is made. Found predominantly in Asian cooking, MSG has wheedled its way into the North American food industry where it is used to add flavor to packaged foods such as soups, sauces, seasonings, and instant snacks. It is also sold in the U.S. under the brand name Accent (Ajinomoto in Japan).

While the FDA has classified MSG as a food ingredient that is "generally recognized as safe," the use of MSG remains controversial. "Generally safe" in this case means asthmatics should avoid food containing MSG, since it might cause MSG syndrome. Once known as "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," the symptoms of the syndrome include: headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations and bronchospasm (this is the side effect worse for asthmatics). There is serious debate in the scientific community if MSG is the culprit. On the other end of the spectrum some folks of the alternative medicine community believe that MSG contributes to Alzheimer's and other long term health problems, but there is no evidence to support these claims.

If you are trying to avoid MSG, it is important to know it has many aliases and here are a few: glutamic acid, hydrolyzed protein, autolyzed protein, textured protein, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, calcium caseinate, and sodium caseinate.

Source

Migraine Relief Techniques

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 09:30:00 PDT

Ever had a migraine? If you answered "no" - well then you are lucky. If you answered "yes" you don't need me to tell you that migraine headaches are both unbearable and disabling. You feel severe pain on one or both sides of your head, or behind your eyes. You develop an extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and may even become nauseous from the pain. All you want to do is crawl into a dark, soundless cave, and wrap yourself in a blanket and wait until the awful nauseating pain passes.

The thing with migraines is that they can be really inconsistent, showing up with no obvious cause. Many people's migraines may be triggered by environment, sickness, or diet. Some women experience hormonal triggers, like mestruation. Stress, too much or too little sleep, alcohol, and weather changes can also cause a migraine.

Certain foods or smells can also trigger a migraine. Eating foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) or strong smells from perfumes or chemicals like in paint can also cause a migraine.

How can you get relief? To find out,

Taking a cold or hot shower directed onto your head may relieve symptoms. Or you can just use a cold or hot wet washcloth. Some people find relief by taking a warm bath, or relaxing in a quiet dark room.

Drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee daily might help to prevent headaches to begin with.
My favorite tasty remedy? The ice cream technique. Some people find relief by causing a "brain freeze." Place spoonfuls of ice cream on the soft palate at the back of the mouth until they melt or become intolerable. This directly cools the hypothalamus, which is suspected to be involved with migraines.
Exercise daily. Regular exercise can reduce tension and stress, which may be causing your migraines in the first place.
Don't smoke - it can trigger headaches or make them worse.
You can also try over-the-counter migraine medications. If these don't work or you have recurring migraines, see your doctor and they may prescribe stronger migraine pain meds.
Biofeedback can help by teaching you how to avoid the physical stress that triggers the headache.

Definition: MSG

YumSugar — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 03:27:12 PST

MSG
Abbreviation for monosodium glutamate.
It's a chemical food enhancer, extracted from seaweed and other vegetable matter. It's used in prepared seasoning blends, processed foods and a lot of Chinese food. It resembles salt and has been used by the Chinese for centuries to deepen and bring out natural food flavors. Many places now advertise their products as "No MSG" or "MSG Free" because it sometimes triggers migraine attacks in susceptible individuals.

Jillian Michaels's Top 5 Snack Picks

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:20:00 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Don't you ever wish you could take a peek in the pantry or gym of the fitness and diet pros you see on TV to see if they really practice what they preach? We do, too! That's why we asked Jillian Michaels, celebrity personal trainer, author, motivational expert, and soon-to-be mom (!), to share her top snack picks that keep her energy high on even the busiest of days.

"These snacks are quick, easy, and they all taste good. Plus they're preservative-free, contain no trans fats, MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners," Michaels says.

Hummus and veggie sticks."This is an incredibly healthy snack that's filling and tasty," she says. The protein from the chickpeas in the hummus and the fiber from the veggies will keep you satisfied.

One hard-boiled egg and one piece of fruit. This combo offers an ideal proportion of healthy fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

Barbecue or sweet potato popchips. "A serving of popchips is packed with flavor and a great savory, salty crunch," Michaels raves, and the 100-calorie bags are handy for on-the-go eating.

Read on for the rest of Michaels's healthy snack picks!

More from Fitness:

The Secret to Jillian Michaels's Amazing Arms

Makeover Mania: the Best Celebrity Body Makeovers

The Top 10 Workout DVDs of 2011

A Reader Recipe: Asian Peanut Noodle Salad

Fit Community — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:48:49 PST

We love healthy versions of our favorite takeout foods, and so does FitSugar reader For The Love of Fiber, who posted this recipe for Asian peanut noodle salad in our Healthy Recipe group.

Here’s a nice vegetarian entrée with a healthy dose of fiber and tons of antioxidant-rich veggies! Inspired by a recipe I found in Shape Magazine a few years back, it’s really tasty and makes great leftovers for lunch. If you’re on a budget, peanuts can be substituted for macadamia nuts – no one will think any less of you. And if your preference is meat, swap out the tofu for some chicken breast. Serve with steamed broccoli and you have yourself a taste of the Far East in the comfort of your own home, minus the MSG. And I made this with Mara's Pasta - quite possibly the best-tasting whole wheat pasta on the planet. It's brand new and doesn't taste like cardboard. Pretty awesome.

Use organic ingredients when possible, particularly if you’re going meat-free with the tofu. Look for a quality brand that is organic and GMO-free. It’s worth the extra money.

Read on for the recipe.

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield Have Dinner For Two at Nobu

Molly Goodson — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:28:15 PDT

Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield were spotted leaving dinner together in Malibu last night. The rumored couple and The Amazing Spider-Man costars dined at Nobu, but they kept their distance as they walked out at the end of their meal. Emma is riding high on the success of The Help, which earned great reviews and was a box-office triumph, while Andrew is taking advantage of a small bit of downtime in LA. He attended a party and movie screening at the Hollywood Forever cemetery on Wednesday and has been tooling around town on his Vespa. Emma's having quite the Summer with three movies hitting the big screen, but this week things took a turn for the weird when she was the subject of an intimate video love letter from Jim Carrey. You were fairly split on whether you thought the confession was funny or just creepy, and Jim Carrey didn't really clear it up when he tweeted, "Yes, my msg to Emma Stone was a comedy routine and the funniest part is that everything i said is tru."

Would You Ever Try These Excuses From The Office?

Diana Nguyen — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:05:37 PST

Is there anything we can't learn from the staff of Dunder-Mifflin? By watching their crazy and hilarious antics, we have learned critical lessons about in-office relationships, holiday gifting, party no-nos, and etiquette. And now this team of moderately enthusiastic, averagely achieving employees keep giving and giving; here's a list of work excuses they've used in seasons past (to be used at your discretion!).

To avoid a work-related phone call:

Civil rights rally
Stopping a fight in the parking lot
An Obama fashion show
Trapped in an oil painting
Colonoscopy

- all courtesy of Michael Scott

To avoid a work lunch (especially at Benihana):

"I'm not feeling so well. I've got a ton of work to do here. MSG allergy. Peanut allergy. I just ate there last night . . . doctor appointment, car trouble, plantar warts, granddad fought in World War II." - Ryan

To avoid office humiliation from falling into a koi pond:

"Well Jim and I got caught in a little flash . . . rain. Flash winds. Flash lightening." - Michael

To avoid or leave an office engagement early:

"You'll never guess. I just got a message from my landlord. Apparently my apartment flooded. Something with the sprinklers." - Jim
"Oh, we wanted to, but our sitter just fell through." - Pam
"Uh, no, thank you. Last time I went to the theater, a man dressed as a cat sat on my lap." - Dwight

While I would never use a colonoscopy as an excuse, an absent babysitter sounds solid . . . assuming you have children, of course. So tell me, would you use any of these excuses or have any you'd like to share?

Link Time - Rumor Has It Rihanna and Colin Farrell Are Sexting Buddies

PopSugar — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:07:00 PST

Have Rihanna and Colin Farrell been sending each other racy texts? - D-Listed
Melissa Leo changes her story on her public campaign for an Oscar - Huffington Post
Watch Paul McCartney rock out at Lady Gaga's MSG concert - TMZ
Radio station bans Carrie Underwood music after her husband's hockey trade - Us Weekly
Get a closer look at Gwyneth Paltrow's hot bikini body - Lainey Gossip
Check out a new clip of MK Olsen and Alex Pettyfer in Beastly - JustJared
Miley Cyrus makes her dad cancel his appearance on The View - PopEater
Hilary Duff dresses up to take action - Hollywood Tuna
Charlie Sheen makes out with his new girlfriend in public - Pink Is the New Blog
Were racy pictures of Alex Pettyfer to blame for his break up with Dianna Agron? - The Superficial
Lindsay Lohan is looking forward to quality time from her family - Popbytes

DrSugar: How Much Salt Is Too Much?

DrSugar — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:30:42 PST

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I am a vegetarian and when I first started cutting meat out of my diet I still craved it. I ate a lot of "fake meat" products, which I understand are highly processed. I will still eat Morningstar and Quorn products on occasion, but rarely. How bad are these products for you? I noticed that they have a lot of salt in them. What does all this salt do to you exactly? Also, how much salt per day is OK? When I search for daily salt intake, nobody can really give me a clear answer. Thank you!
- Salty Gal

Thank you for your great question, as I too worry about my daily consumption of salt given the fact that my nutrition seems to come second sometimes to daily patient care. One of the major life lessons I learned in medical school is that physicians should "eat when you can and sleep when you can" and I must say that I often find myself just grabbing whatever is quickest in the hospital cafeteria in the short period of time I have between patient care duties. Unfortunately, this does not lead to eating the most well-balanced, healthy, and lower sodium diet. So, I am very glad you asked this question regarding salt intake and if you want to learn more, please keep reading!