Why we avoid MSG

Healthy eating is just as much about avoiding certain foods/additives as it is making sure you eat enough of the right foods, so from time to time I'm going to include reasons we don't eat certain things.

 Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer added to many packaged, processed foods to make them taste better (Chinese restaurants are known to use it, but many others do as well - ask!). While some people can consume it in moderation with no negative side effects, others are very sensitive to it and may not even know it. MSG has been know to cause anxiety, depression, migraines, rashes, nausea, heart palpitations, and much more.Some studies have found it to contribute to obesity and even heart problems, cancer, diabetes, and other serious illnesses.

Read the labels when buying canned food (like soups), seasoning packets (such as taco seasoning), packaged meals (such as Hamburger Helper), frozen dinners, salad dressings, bottled sauces, broths and bouillons, etc. You'll find that many of them contain MSG.

The best way to avoid it? Make your food from scratch as often as possible and know exactly what you're putting in your family's bodies.