Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) vs Salt

MSG vs Salt

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and salt have long been the titans of flavour enhancement in the culinary world. From home-cooked meals to gourmet dishes, these two seasonings are staples in kitchens across the globe.

Key Differences

Although both MSG vs salt add flavour to food, there are significant differences between the two in terms of their composition, taste, and health effects.

Taste Profile

Salt is straightforward, delivering the salty taste that’s essential in countless dishes. MSG contains glutamate, an amino acid that enhances the umami taste profile of food, boosting the savoury flavours in foods like soups and meats.

Sodium Content

The chemical structure of table salt forms a cube of sodium and chloride ions, while MSG is sodium ions and glutamic acid. MSG occurs naturally in many plant and animal foods. It contains about two-thirds less sodium than sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt.

Is MSG better and healthier than salt?

High sodium intake is linked to hypertension and heart disease. Excessive sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood pressure and straining the heart. This can lead to hardened arteries and cardiovascular issues.

Managing sodium intake is essential for heart health, and reducing salt consumption is recommended for a healthier lifestyle. MSG offers a flavourful alternative to traditional salt with significantly less sodium, supporting better cardiovascular health.

Its use in cooking helps maintain taste while adhering to guidelines for reduced sodium intake, promoting healthier eating habits.

Perception towards MSG

MSG has faced controversy due to the myth of "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome," which originated in the 1960s and suggested symptoms like headaches from Chinese food consumption.

Despite scientific studies disproving this myth and assurances from health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) that MSG is safe, the stigma persists.

Excessive sodium consumption poses health risks like high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney strain. Balancing sodium is vital for heart and kidney health, and MSG, with its lower sodium, can aid in achieving this balance.

AJI-NO-MOTO® Smart Salt Campaign

Ajinomoto Malaysia's Smart Salt Campaign, part of the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV) initiative, focuses on reducing salt in products to combat non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.

The campaign launched since July 2021 to promote AJI-NO-MOTO® as a healthier alternative to salt. By using AJI-NO-MOTO®, salt intake can be reduced up to 40% while preserving taste.

Ajinomoto Malaysia's Smart Salt Campaign aims to enhance public health by tackling high sodium intake through the use of AJI-NO-MOTO® as a healthier seasoning option, promoting a balance between flavour and health.