When it comes to Thai food in MA, our family at White Coconut Thai knows how to delivery. With an exceptional menu and unsurpassed customer service, we have quite the expectations to uphold! With that comes great responsibility. Leading the way for others, we put our customer’s experience on the top of the list. However, ‘experience’ encompasses more than the overall environment.
Here, we believe that the customer experience encompasses every aspect of the dining journey. From the moment you walk through our doors to the carefully chosen ingredients we serve, every detail matters. Because of this, we also believe that eliminating MSG from our cuisine is a must.
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a common food additive used to enhance flavor. This white crystalline element closely resembles sugar or table salt and is derived from glutamic acid. As a non-essential amino acid, glutamic can be produced naturally in the body.
So, one may begin to wonder, why is there such controversy around the use of MSG?
Glutamic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain. Meaning that glutamic acid stimulates nerve cells to create a response. Some believe that MSG also leads to excessive stimulation of nerve cells. Thus, MSG is labeled an excitotoxin.
The fear many have around MSG began in 1969. It was then that laboratory studies showed neurological effects in mice that were injected with large doses of MSG. Because of the adverse reaction, MSG was under scrutiny. Further studies were conducted, resulting in consistent outcomes that included, but are not limited to, the following reactions:
While most symptoms are mild and require no medical attention, they can still be scary. Thus, the best way to avoid any reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG.
In the United States, the FDA recognizes MSG as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) designation. However, in some countries, such as Peru, the substance is banned. Another important note is to understand the alternative names for MSG:
There is inconclusive evidence tying MSG to adverse health effects when consumed in low to moderate levels. However, with heightened concern, our family at White Coconut Thai Restaurant is playing it safe! Next time you’re looking for Thai food in MA, be sure to inquire about MSG.
Remember, the best way to avoid any potential side effects is to avoid the potential cause!
For the healthiest, most authentic Thai food in MA, visit White Coconut Thai. We are conveniently located near the Burlington Mall at 211 Middlesex Turnpike!