Have you ever pondered why you rarely see an overweight, let alone obese, Chinese person? Perhaps there exists an ancient wisdom passed down through the generations?
Could “effortless weight-loss” be the export that finally makes “Made in China” a coveted badge of honor?
The Journal of Physiology & Behavior may have broken the code with recently published research suggesting that “the infamous food additive MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) may reduce weight gain and fat deposits.”
A quick refresher: MSG is the food additive, flavor enhancer that became well known for it’s high-concentrations in Chinese food. It’s been widely linked to several adverse reactions including; headaches, weakness, upset stomach, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
In the study, the journal Physiology & Behavior reports that rats (Sprague-Dawley rats at that!) given free access to water containing the flavor enhancer MSG gained less weight, and deposited less fat, without affecting blood pressure, lean body mass with the same level of food and energy intake as the group that did not consume MSG.
It’s an interesting side note to that "between 93 to 97 percent of the animals showed a preference for the MSG solution, over just water alone." Why’s that? I’m find myself wondering what “flavor enhanced” water would taste like.
But I digress…
What’s important is that the animals (rats) “that ingested MSG were reported to have significantly less weight gain, and reduced abdominal fat mass, compared to rats ingesting only water. Moreover, lower plasma leptin levels were observed.”
This looks to be amazing stuff, right?
Is MSG The Magic Pill?
In a time where we’re obsessed with weight-loss, constantly seeking the newest, latest magic pill could it be that the coveted solution has finally been found—and it just happens to be down the street at your local Chinese takeout? And for that matter does this mean that hot-dogs, sausage, bacon, and all manners of fast-food could actually hold the secret to weight loss?
In so many words, NO!
While the study I reference is real (not to be confused with proof), I present this argument with tongue fully in cheek and invite your mind to engage in some critical thought.
Had this same research study—however flawed it may or may not be—been on mysterious, recently discovered exotic Shu-Gu-Roo berry from jungles of New Guinea, you can bet it would be front page news everywhere... the next big, big thing in diets. There is a formula for these home runs after all.
Never mind that recent findings from another study on MSG done at the University of North Carolina—done with humans—have totally contradicted these results. It’s these results that you’d hear about.
Why is this not front page news? Simple, we’re talking about MSG and if you take even a moment to check in with yourself; this doesn’t feel quite right. It’s like a person who’s had too much cosmetic surgery, something doesn’t look right. You may have no idea what it is but you know something’s fishy.
Something Doesn’t Compute.
We’re wired to believe in miracles—we love a super-hero and mythic achievements of any kind. This both makes us human and susceptible to being duped but it need not make us victims.
If you see a weak, frail Superman soaring through the sky with his spandex suit dangling from his limbs as he hoisted an ailing jetliner in one hand, you’d know right away that this doesn’t look right. Where’s the strength?
It’s more than a visual thing it’s more a visceral thing—you’ll often say “something just doesn’t feel right about this.”
I chose this rather obvious example of MSG to illustrate how easy it can be to fall for some promising science or a good story—and quickly and easily you can rule out the promise if you’re awake, aware and in charge.
You don’t need to be a fitness expert or have a degree in nutrition to use common sense and “be wise” about who you follow, what you eat and how you exercise. Consider the amazing fat loss commercials featuring the doctor-endorser who looks to be about 25 and when not wearing the white smock looks to be a bodybuilder. Anything fishy here?
See, you’re getting it already. Now wasn’t that easy?
When you see a promise that doesn’t compute—that feels too good to be true—it may be. This sort of thing is going on all around you every day. It’s up to you to tune-in, pay attention and ask questions.
You are the gatekeeper of information your take-in and the people you trust. Just because someone says so doesn’t make it so. Don’t leave the responsibility for your life, health, strength and wellness to others.
It’s your job to preserve, protect and defend your body, your mind and your life. It’s a job that no one else either owns or is willing to take on—especially not the government.
Only you can protect you.
