Chinese Restaurant Syndrome New England Journal Of Medicine
Chinese food is a popular cuisine in the United States, loved for its rich flavors and variety of dishes. However, it has also been associated with a condition known as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome (CRS). In 1968, the New England Journal of Medicine published an article that claimed that MSG, a common ingredient in Chinese food, caused a range of symptoms, including headaches, sweating, and flushing. This article sparked a wave of fear and misinformation about the safety of MSG and Chinese food.
The Origins of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer that has been used in cooking for over a century. It is a naturally occurring substance that is found in many foods, including tomatoes, cheese, and meat. In the 1960s, some people began to report experiencing symptoms after eating Chinese food. These symptoms were attributed to MSG, which was commonly used in Chinese cooking.
The first article to link MSG to these symptoms was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1968. The article described the case of a man who experienced numbness, tingling, and tightness in his chest after eating at a Chinese restaurant. The authors of the article concluded that MSG was the cause of these symptoms.
The Controversy Surrounding Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
The publication of the New England Journal of Medicine article sparked a wave of fear and misinformation about MSG and Chinese food. Many people began to avoid Chinese food altogether, believing that MSG was a dangerous chemical that caused a range of symptoms.
However, subsequent studies have failed to find a link between MSG and the symptoms associated with Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. In fact, the symptoms reported by people who claim to have CRS are not consistent with the symptoms of MSG toxicity.
MSG is considered safe by the FDA and is classified as a food ingredient that is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Studies have shown that consuming MSG in normal amounts does not cause any adverse health effects.
The Real Causes of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
So if MSG is not the cause of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, what is?
It turns out that many of the symptoms associated with CRS are actually caused by other factors, such as alcohol consumption, dehydration, and stress. Spicy foods and other ingredients commonly used in Chinese cooking, such as ginger and garlic, can also cause these symptoms.
In addition, some people may be more sensitive to certain foods and ingredients than others. This is true for both Chinese food and other types of cuisine.
The Bottom Line
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome is a myth that has been debunked by science. While some people may experience symptoms after eating Chinese food, these symptoms are not caused by MSG and are not unique to Chinese cuisine.
Chinese food is safe and delicious, and there is no reason to avoid it based on unfounded fears about MSG or Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. As with any type of cuisine, it is important to enjoy Chinese food in moderation and to pay attention to your body's reactions to different foods and ingredients.