Is it true that micin makes the brain sluggish? Check here the facts!

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) aka micin, mecin, or MSG is one of the ingredients of food that is still being debated. Many say micin makes the brain 'sluggish'. Is that true?

What is MSG (monosodium glutamate) aka micin?

MSG has been used as a food flavoring for decades. In the past, MSG's distinctive savory taste was actually obtained from the processing of seaweed. Over time, now MSG is made from the manufacturing process.

MSG is made from a sodium salt molecule combined with water and the amino acid L-glutamate. The combination of these three molecules produces a savory taste similar to the umami taste of seaweed.

The glutamic acid content in mecin makes brain nerve cells more active, thus creating a delicious savory sensation while eating that is addictive.

Is micin safe?

MSG is actually safe to add in cooking. Even glutamic acid is produced naturally by our bodies, and is also present in many fresh foods such as tomatoes and cheese.

There have been many medical studies and various scientific evaluations that have concluded thatMSG is a safe flavoring ingredient and useful for cooking. The FDA as the Food Drug Administration in the United States has even declared MSG "safe to use" with the official GRAS label.

This FDA decision was also agreed upon by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Indonesian Ministry of Health.

Why does eating micin make the brain 'sluggish'?

So if it's safe, why does eating micin make the brain 'sluggish'? Eits, wait a minute. Actually what is "slow"?

The term 'slow' is used to describe the decreased ability of the brain to think logically, make decisions, remember, solve problems, and maintain concentration. Then what is the relationship between eating micin and human brain function problems?

You see, in the brain there are many receptor nerves that are in charge of receiving stimuli. It is located in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Now in the hypothalamus there are many receptors that are specifically responsive to glutamate.

The more you eat micin, the brain receptors will be stimulated to work more actively. If it continues to occur, overactivity of brain receptors can cause neuronal death. Neurons themselves are nerve cells that play a very important role in carrying out cognitive functions of the brain.

Neuron death means the brain's cognitive function will decline, aka "slow". When the nerves in the brain are overworked, it is also easier for you to feel dizzy and have headaches. These two problems also contribute to why it becomes more difficult for you to think clearly.

However, MSG or micin itself is not the main cause and the only reason why a person becomes "sluggish" after eating. You are also more likely to feel sleepy and difficult to focus after a full meal, regardless of whether the food is sizzling or not.

Effects of eating micin for long-term health

For some people, eating micin may indeed make the brain 'sluggish'. Apart from that, mecin is still at risk of causing other health problems that are more dangerous. Especially if you continue to consume excessive portions in the long term.

1. Liver damage (liver)

There is no denying that almost all of the foods with mecin are also loaded with bad fats, such as trans fats or unsaturated fats.

In the long run, foods high in trans fats can trigger inflammation of the liver cells, leading to fatty liver. Inflammation can also attack the blood vessels around the liver.

Fatty liver is the forerunner of potentially serious cirrhosis.

2. Diabetes

Departing from fatty liver, liver damage caused by most mecin can further trigger insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance occurs when your pancreas produces insulin, but your body's cells can't use it as it should. This results in a buildup of sugar in the blood which leads to type 2 diabetes.

3. Hypertension

Not only does it damage the liver and trigger diabetes, but glutamate mecin also has the potential to cause constriction of blood vessels. In the long term, narrowing of the vessels (atherosclerosis) can cause blood pressure to rise and lead to hypertension.

All the side effects of Micin, from those that make you slow down to hypertension, don't happen in an instant. However, if you are accustomed to using a lot of MSG in your daily diet, the damage can build up and manifest itself in the future.

Especially for mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnant women and busui must be very careful in choosing foods to avoid MSG so as not to affect the health of themselves and the fetus.

Tips to avoid micin side effects

The key to avoiding the side effects of mecin but still being able to eat well isnot too much. When eating at a restaurant or on the side of the road, ask not to add too much MSG to the food you order.

Even as much as possible, you don't need to use MSG at all, either when you are snacking outside or when you cook yourself at home. To add flavor to the dish, try using natural seasonings such as garlic, onion, pepper, pepper, fresh chilies, lime leaves, turmeric, and so on. In addition, natural spices also contain nutrients and nutrients that are good for the body.

Another way is to limit fast food and packaged foods, such as canned or frozen foods. These two types of food have been added a lot of mecin and other preservatives during the production process.