Yeast Extract, a Substitute for MSG that Can Prevent Damage to Brain Cells

There is no doubt that MSG (monosodium glutamate) enhances the flavor of many foods. This condiment, often referred to as “umami seasoning”, can make savory foods taste better than when prepared without it. So, many foods also use MSG to make their products, attracting many people. 

There are many examples of food that use MSG, including fast foods, heavily processed foods, and frozen products. This fact also goes along with Fast Food Nations, 45% people in the U.K and 44% in the U.S survey respondents said they liked the taste of fast food so much that they didn’t think they could give it up.

Meanwhile in Indonesia, according to the Litbang Kompas Survey, 43,1% people like instant noodles and 21,7% like junk food. This survey explains that some people like to consume foods with MSG inside it. Delicious and tasty food makes some people forget about the bad effects of MSG. 

MSG causes neurotoxicity (nerve cell damage). Scientists have earlier claimed that MSG consumption results in the release of excessive glutamate levels in the brain, causing brain damage. However, these claims have been refuted by other scientists stating that MSG, when consumed in a lower amount, does not cause any neurotoxicity.

Because of these concerns, more and more people are looking for MSG alternatives that provide that same umami flavor of monosodium glutamate. Actually, there are so many alternatives to replace MSG, and one of them is yeast extract. This commodity is the concentrate of the soluble fraction of yeast and more particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As food ingredients, yeast extracts are described for their nutritional composition and flavoring properties. They are produced principally from autolysis, but in some cases, acid or exogenous enzyme preparations are added. 

So, Yeast extract has replaced monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a taste-booster in most processed foods because it appears to be a natural ingredient on food labels. There are many benefits if we consume yeast extract and one of them is for brain health. Yeast Extract could be brain food since its high vitamin B content cuts down the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It can also protect against brain volume loss, according to a 2008 study.

Finally, if you want delicious and healthy food, you can also consume some ingredients like  HVP ONS26, White pepper Oleoresin, Caramel Color Liquid CDL-014, Beef Fla 82310, Turmeric Extract NC2117.