Looking for advice ...

[333angel]

Hey everyone! Was wondering if anyone could put their 2 cents worth in?    How safe is a vegetarian/vegan/ or "flexitarian" diet and can one avoid MSG's easier by choosing this eating style? I have done much research on plant=based diets but just can't seem to find a lot of information about the MSG factor.  Anything anyone has to offer would be awesome. I hope everyone is well and enjoying life!!
                                                            Peace!   [(Y)]Melody

[misfitguy]

Good morning,

I will say a little and then Sassafras will, later, say a lot.  There are two ingredients called di-sodium guanalate and di-sodium ionosonate that is found in many "vegan" dishes such as soy burgers.  These ingredients are very expensive and the only thing they do is activate hidden or dormant MSG.  Also, they are derived from animal by-products.  If you become a Vegan, then you should consider only preparing your own foods. By the way, I spent some time in Eastern Europe in the early 90's and the majority of the residents there were vegetarians.  The meat in the old USSR was so tainted that most people didn't want to eat it.  The diets were wonderful and some of the best meals I ever had were in vegetarian restaurants. 

Mick

[333angel]

Thanks Mick! I have never eaten much meat and have been interested in the benefits of a stricter vegetarian diet. (Dont know I can say that I could give up venison tho, lol)
I understand soy is one way to replace the protein that lacks in a plant-based diet. I did not realize it had MSG's. I am looking forward to hear what Sass has to say and anyone else who may have information or advice! I knew I was posting to a forum board with people who would have intelligent input!
                                                                            Thaks!  Mel

[Sassafras]

Hey Mel,

Sorry I hadn't gotten back to you sooner.  What Mick said is true and very startling.  I will try to find some websites to help you in your search for a better diet.  I would like to say that "soy" is OK... it is not OK when it comes in the form of Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Soy Protein, and products containing Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate.  The first two because of MSG and the last two because of MSG and the fact that they are animal by-products.

I have not considered a Vegan diet for myself because I am already very limited in what I can eat and Mick and I travel so much it just wouldn't be possible. 

I will get back to you with more info.  Good chatting with you and I will be sure to get back to the City and chat with everyone else.  I have been occupying myself with work and I've been reading (ME, reading) some very good books.  More later.

___________
Just Me

Sass

[Sassafras]

Mel,

Sorry it took me so long to get back with you.  I should have done this before, but here you go.  I searched on the internet (Goggle search) for "Soy Burgers and Monosodium Glutamate" and this article/website...

http://www.msgexposed.com/yves-meatless-soy-brats-and-hotdogs-contain-msg/

I have noticed this site has a very blog and this article is no exception.

I will continue to look for other information.  There has to be a diet out there that will allow a person be vegetarian and avoid MSG.

______________
Just Me

Sass

[Sassafras]

Mel,

Mick found this website while searching for "citric acid".

http://www.westonaprice.org/msg/msgfree.html

This article explains the source of citric acid and introduces a new FDA approved ingredient called Sanova.  This article is a few years old being posted in 2004, but is a must read for everyone, vegan or not.

___________
Just Me

Sass