Monosodium glutamate – a flavour enhancer used in many processed and Chinese foods – raises blood pressure, especially in women and in people taking antihypertensive medication. Check labels to ensure you aren’t adding this unnecessary flavour enhancer to your diet without realising.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an amino acid that stimulates taste bud receptors to produce a savoury, or meaty taste known in Japan as umami. This particular flavour enhancer was first discovered by extracting crystals of glutamic acid (glutamate) from a broth made from kombu seaweed. Umami is now accepted as one of the five basic taste sensations along with saltiness, sweetness, sourness and bitterness.
Why Does It Raise Blood Pressure?
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