MSG is a sodium salt that enhances the taste of specific foods, originally extracted from seaweed but now produced by fermenting corn, potatoes, and rice. It doesn't intensify the four basic tastes—bitter, salty, sour, or sweet—but rather enriches the intricate flavors of meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Widely used in Chinese and Japanese cuisines, MSG is a common ingredient in numerous foods globally. It naturally occurs in high concentrations in tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. In China, MSG is referred to as wei jing, meaning "flavor essence."The first report of a condition linked to MSG consumption emerged in 1968 among individuals who had consumed Chinese food heavily seasoned with MSG. This condition appears to affect only certain people, with symptoms such as headaches, a throbbing sensation in the head, dizziness, facial pressure, jaw tightness, burning or tingling feelings on the body, chest pain, and more. Consuming large quantities of MSG may lead to the widening of arteries. Many Chinese people are skeptical about the existence of what is known as Chinese restaurant syndrome, which might be an allergic reaction in hypersensitive individuals.
