Healthy Eating with Savory Foods

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There are five basic tastes we can enjoy (or hate): sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and savory (also known by the Japanese word umami). Umami taste comes from foods with the key component glutamate, a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid. Foods that tickle our umami taste buds include high protein foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products.The added seasoning MSG (monosodium glutamate) can really bring out that savory flavor in food.

But wait... I thought MSG was bad for you?

Not exactly. In the 1960s the term Chinese restaurant syndrome was coined to refer to a group of symptoms brought on by consuming too much MSG (a seasoning popular in Chinese restaurants). Today it is known as MSG symptom complex and often includes headache, flushing, and sweating. There is minimal scientific evidence linking MSG and these symptoms in humans.

That being said, a new study from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (2018) found that consuming broth rich in umami flavor can cause subtle changes in the brain that may promote healthy eating behaviors and food choices in women. During the study, subjects were more focused and able to self-regulate during food choice after consuming savory broth.

This study suggests that consuming savory tastes may lead us to make the right choices that help us lose weight. Many cultures around the world already choose to drink broth before a meal, perhaps this practice could help you too!

CK

Rose Kivi. (2018, May 4). Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/chinese-restaurant-syndrome

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. (2018, March 30). Savory Foods May Promote Healthy Eating Through Effects on the Brain. Retrieved from https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/news/2018/03/savory-foods-may-promote-healthy-eating

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