John Erb, a research assistant at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, made a disturbing discovery while reviewing scientific journals for a book he was writing about the health risks posed by various food additives. In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists created obese rats and mice for diet or diabetes studies by injecting them with monosodium glutamate.

MSG is a food ‘seasoning’ marketed under the name Accent, commonly used as a flavor enhancer in various food preparations, particularly in restaurants and food processors. MSG was the substance chosen by these scientists, since it triples the amount of insulin that the pancreas creates, which makes the rodents in question obese.

MSG is commonly added to most frozen or processed foods, including soups, chips, gravy, salad dressings, and even Starbucks coffee. Products that don’t actually list MSG on the label, substitute “Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein,” which is just another name for MSG.

Restaurant chefs often use MSG or a form of MSG, which is one of the reasons restaurant food tastes so much better than what we cook at home. According to John Erb, MSG is added to foods for the effect it has on the human body.

Not only has MSG been scientifically proven to cause obesity, it’s also linked to ADHD, migraines, autism, and even Alzheimer’s. Also, MSG is an addictive substance. No wonder it’s so hard to give up processed, refined, and canned foods.

Our taste buds become so addicted to the taste of these foods that feeling satisfied with real foods, like fruits and vegetables, becomes a challenge. Since its introduction into the American food supply fifty years ago, MSG has been added in ever-increasing doses to the prepackaged meals, soups, snacks, and fast foods we consume every day.

Now you know why “Betcha can’t eat just one” often turns out to be true. Manufacturers of MSG even admit that the substance makes people addicted to their products, as it causes people to choose their product over others. Instead of feeling satisfied eating a handful of French fries, for example, you’re left wanting more. So don’t feel guilty if you’re having trouble sticking to your weight loss program: MSG/feeling full is an oxymoron.

Several months ago, John Erb took his discovery to one of Canada’s highest-ranking government health officials, who said that while he was aware of MSG’s harmful effects, he was not going to divulge his knowledge to the public. The big media won’t say much either, but remember who their advertisers are.

If this information became public, the consequences within the fast food industry could be enormous. Food producers and restaurants have knowingly addicted us to their products for years, and now we are paying the price. Children should not be cursed with obesity because of an addictive substance that is rampant in our food supply.

Google “obese MSG” and via Pubmed you can read some of the 115 studies on the subject. When you’re convinced, spread the word to everyone you know. With your help we can begin to end this poisoning. It took almost 20 years for the world to realize the dangers of trans fats; perhaps, now that you’re ready to take the ‘Accent Quiz’, we can remove MSG in a more timely manner.