Glutamate is generally considered unhealthy, but is that really true? That’s really behind the flavor enhancer.
Glutamate doesn’t have a particularly good reputation. Flavor enhancers are generally considered unhealthy, but is that really true? Background: Glutamate is the salt of the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid. Glutamic acid occurs naturally in many foods such as tomatoes, dried peas or parmesan – and also in our body. In its natural form, our body can process the salt without any problems. The artificially produced powder, monosodium glutamate, causes intolerance reactions such as headaches, body aches, nausea or tachycardia in some people after consumption. However, a scientific connection has not yet been established. What is certain, on the other hand, is that the artificially produced glutamate has a lasting effect on the natural sense of taste. With an increased consumption of the flavor enhancer, natural products are often only perceived as bland and tasteless. The flavor enhancer is used in ready meals as E621. According to current scientific knowledge, however, glutamate does not appear to be harmful to health. Incidentally, monosodium glutamate is also an approved additive in animal feed. It increases the appetite of fattening animals, which subsequently gain weight more quickly.
Source: Stern
