No, MSG (monosodium glutamate) does not cause stupidity. This is a myth that has been debunked by numerous scientific studies.

MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly used in food and is considered safe by global health organizations such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), WHO (World Health Organization), and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).

Some people may be sensitive to MSG and experience "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" with symptoms like headaches or nausea, but this is rare, and there is no scientific evidence that MSG affects intelligence or brain function.

Thus, when consumed in reasonable amounts like other seasonings, MSG is safe for health.

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and the Myth of Brain Damage

MSG is a widely used flavor enhancer in the food industry. The belief that MSG causes stupidity or harms the brain lacks strong scientific evidence. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Why Doesn't MSG Make You Dumb?

1. Glutamate is a Natural Substance in the Body

• Glutamate is an amino acid naturally found in many foods like meat, tomatoes, cheese, and milk.

• Our brain also uses glutamate as an essential neurotransmitter for nerve cell communication.

• MSG simply adds glutamate in the form of sodium salt, which is not harmful when consumed in normal amounts.

2. Scientific Studies Found No Negative Effects on the Brain

• Research has shown that MSG does not affect brain function or intelligence when consumed within safe limits.

• A study conducted by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), commissioned by the FDA, concluded that MSG is safe for most people.

3. Cannot Cross the Blood-Brain Barrier

• MSG consumed through food cannot enter the brain in large amounts due to the body's natural defense mechanism called the Blood-Brain Barrier.

• In other words, consuming MSG in food does not significantly affect glutamate levels in the brain.

Benefits of MSG

Besides being harmless, MSG also provides several benefits:

✅ Enhances Food Flavor

• MSG provides an umami taste, enhancing the flavor of food without requiring excessive salt or fat.

✅ Can Reduce Excessive Salt Intake

• Using MSG in cooking can reduce salt usage by 30-40% without sacrificing taste, helping lower the risk of hypertension and heart disease.

✅ Helps Patients with Eating Disorders

• MSG can stimulate appetite in the elderly or patients with eating disorders by making low-sodium or low-fat foods taste more delicious.

MSG does not cause stupidity and does not damage the brain. It is a safe flavor enhancer with benefits in a balanced diet. Like all food ingredients, excessive consumption is not recommended, but in normal amounts, MSG is nothing to be feared.

🔎 Fun Fact: The myth about MSG being harmful originated from a letter published in a medical journal in 1968, where a person reported symptoms like headaches after eating at a Chinese restaurant. However, later research found no strong evidence linking MSG to these symptoms.

So, MSG is safe as long as it is consumed within reasonable limits! 🍜😊