John Myers
Various salts of glutamic acid, which serve as flavor enhancers, are referred to as glutamate. Glutamic acid is naturally found in many foods, such as tomatoes, parmesan, and fish. In bound form, it has no influence on the human sense of taste. Since it is also produced in the human metabolism, it can be fully utilized by the body.
Glutamates and glutamic acid can be used as food additives to bring out savory flavors – the so-called umami. These additives (E620 to E625) include, for example, pure glutamic acid (E 620), monosodium glutamate (E 621), or magnesium diglutamate (E 625). However, glutamate can also be hidden behind the terms seasoning, yeast extract, or aromas in the list of ingredients. The flavor enhancer is naturally contained in yeast extract, for example, and therefore does not have to be labeled as an additive.
Although glutamate is generally considered unhealthy, this has not yet been scientifically proven. In normal amounts, it is classified as harmless, especially since it is usually ingested with food in its natural form without causing any symptoms.
Glutamate is said to trigger the so-called Chinese restaurant syndrome. After eating foods containing glutamate, which are common in Asian restaurants, those affected complain of headaches and body aches, nausea, and numbness in the neck. However, this has never been proven in studies. It is conceivable that other circumstances or some kind of negative placebo effect triggered these symptoms. Furthermore, glutamate was suspected of promoting diseases of the central nervous system, which has not yet been confirmed either.
Finally, there is the rumor that glutamate stimulates the appetite and thus contributes to obesity. Although this could actually be proven in animal experiments, the fact that the flavor enhancer has the same effect on humans has also remained unconfirmed so far.
According to current scientific knowledge, glutamate itself does not appear to be unhealthy. However, the flavor enhancer is often used in ready meals that contain a lot of fat and/or sugar. In addition, glutamate often serves the purpose of making up for the lack of fresh herbs, spices, and other expensive, high-quality ingredients in terms of taste. Such meals are not unhealthy in moderation, but regular or excessive consumption can lead to a lack of certain nutrients and obesity over the long term. However, this is not due to glutamate.
However, people who eat a balanced and healthy diet overall and eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables can occasionally eat a ready meal with glutamate or other flavor enhancers without a guilty conscience.
