MSG

[Cornfed]

Perhaps this relates to that thread about feeling hungry after you've just eaten.

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http://www.euroresidentes.com/Blogs/2005/12/scientists-in-spain-link-additive-to.htm

Scientists in Spain link additive to obesity

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive (E-621) used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods. Until now it has been generally considered as one of the least offensive additives used by the food industry. But Spanish scientists have concluded that aswell as enhancing flavour, MSG also enhances hunger and as such could be one of the key factors behind the problem of obesity, especially among children.

Monosodium glutamate is widely used in all kinds of processed foods that are popular with children (sausages, chips, processed foods, crisps, sweets and pre-prepared dishes) and also in restaurants.

A team of scientists in the Faculty of Medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid has discovered that when given to rats, E-621 produces a massive 40 percent increase in appetite. The scientists think the additive affects the arcuate nucleus area of the brain and so prevents proper functioning of the body's appetite control mechanisms. According to this hypothesis, people (and children) who consume foods with large quantities of E-621 just feel more and more hungry the more they eat.

Glutamate is an amino acid which naturally enhances the flavour of natural ingredients and as such is present in most of the fresh food we eat. The problems which these Spanish scientists consider potentially crucial in the rising problem of obesity arise when it is used as an additive to enhance the flavour of processed foods or foods served in a restaurant, or even at home. Food companies are obliged by law to list E-621 in the ingredients, but they do not have to specifiy the quantity used.

[waldo]

It also gives you serious hot flushes while eating. That's how I tell if there is any MSG happening. A lot of Signature Range goods (foodtown etc) have it in.

[Flex]

I thought it was pretty common knowledge that msg stimulated appetite. It's also found in most flavour variety's of Pringles (reconstituted) potato chips. It lost favour for a while when it was touted to cause all manner of health problems but now seems to be popping up in use again.

[Pseudonym]

I find on the rare occasions that I have Hell's pizza, I'll be up all night drinking vast quantities of water in an effort to quench an unquenchable thirst. I have no idea whether this is caused by MSG or not, but it's what I blame. :wink:

[Flex]

Unquenchable thirst will most likely be from the massive amounts of sodium in pizza - I get the same thing when I overdose on Pizza Hut

Pizza Sodium (mg)

Pizza Hut, cheese, pan pizza, medium slice 590mg

Pizza Hut, pepperoni lovers, pan pizza, medium slice, 760mg

Pizza Hut, cheese, stuffed crust, large slice 1090mg

Pizza Hut, chicken supreme, stuffed crust, large slice 1110mg

Pizza Hut, cheese, thin crispy, medium slice 590mg

Pizza Hut, italian sausage, thin crispy, medium slice 800mg

So if you eat half a pizza you eat anywhere between 2.4 to 4g of sodium x 2.5 = 6 to 10g of salt - that's a small reason to be thirsty. And MSG is in the cheese, meat and sauce from Pizza hut.

[frans]

I am alergic to msg, so i have to be care full of what i eat, if food has it in i start to crap up.

So there goes all the shit food for me.