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Sleep Study Surprises: Why We Really Need To Sleep

Sufficient sleep is vital for the health of humans and animals. If you sleep badly, you will notice negative psychological and physical effects after a short time.

How important is sleep?

Sleeping is part of everyone’s everyday routine. Researchers now know with absolute certainty that good sleep is essential for survival. According to the Robert Koch Institute, getting enough sleep is particularly important for the healthy development of children and young people. The need for sleep decreases with age and can also differ between peers.

Sleep researchers recommend adults get at least 7.5 hours of sleep a day. Children, on the other hand, need significantly more, depending on their age. In the early years, 13 hours or more is common. After that, the number of hours gradually decreases over the years. As a teenager, you should get eight to eleven hours of sleep.

Children and adolescents who sleep little have an increased risk of obesity, which is attributed to the short sleep duration, which can lead to an increased appetite and thus to an increased energy intake. Furthermore, lack of sleep can be associated with a reduced body temperature, which reduces energy requirements. Finally, lack of sleep leads to fatigue, which negatively affects physical activity.

Previously assumed: why do we sleep?

It is generally assumed that sleep is essential for the development and regeneration of nerve cells. Sleep is a necessary process for storing and processing information. It is therefore extremely important to get a good night’s sleep, since sufficient sleep acts like a reset button. The next morning you are fit and rested, so that you can at best go about your tasks fully focused and concentrated.

If you are constantly sleeping too little due to a stressful job, family or other daily burdens, you will find that you are much less concentrated and clumsy. You react slower or make wrong decisions because your brain can’t run at full speed all the time.

Researchers have put forward some hypotheses about why we need sleep:
The brain has a chance to train important neural connections that might otherwise deteriorate due to lack of activity.
Sleep gives the brain the ability to reorganize data to find problem solving, process newly learned information, and organize and archive memories.
Synapses that are no longer required are deleted and cleaned up. Therefore, we wake up feeling refreshed and more optimistic.
The cardiovascular system takes a break during sleep. With enough good sleep, blood pressure can be lowered in the long term.
Growth hormones are increasingly released during deep sleep. The body can repair or replace muscle, tissue, and aging or dead cells during sleep.

New sleep study: research team delivers surprising results

When we sleep at night, the body sleeps but not the mind. At night, the brain is mainly busy processing thoughts and experiences. It sorts out which thoughts are remembered and which are deleted or archived.

Tononi and Cirelli, biologists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, presented the notion that humans and animals sleep to forget in a New York Times article. They found that synapses are partially cut while we sleep. This is how unimportant memories are lost. On the other hand, we remember more when the neurons in the brain have as many connections as possible. So when a thought or activity is used more often, the connection of the synapses in the brain becomes stronger and stronger. All connections that are only used once or rarely are pushed further and further into the background. We assume that we have this information even if the brain actually never forgets anything.

Now you might think that’s a bad thing, or that it would make us more forgetful. But on the contrary! When the brain automatically deletes all information that is unimportant or superfluous, it creates more capacity for new impressions and thoughts. So if you often have a full head, you should treat yourself to a large portion of sleep to be able to forget unimportant things.

Sleep to forget: Is this why we sleep?

The focus of sleeping is not forgetting, but maintaining our health. This includes the automatic deletion of information in the brain as well as the regeneration of the body. Getting enough sleep is good for your health.

Conversely, not getting enough sleep increases the risk of disease: The results of a recent sleep study by the University of Gothenburg indicate that people who sleep less than six hours a night have a 27 percent higher risk of atherosclerosis, which leads to clogged veins and such heart failure, stroke, or an aneurysm. The study also found that middle-aged men who sleep five hours or less a night are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke twenty years later.

Conclusion: Too little sleep is comparable to the effects of smoking or diabetes. There are enough reasons to get enough sleep and rest on a regular basis to keep your body and mind healthy and active in the long term and to sort, process or delete the 60,000 thoughts we think every day.

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Lifestyle

Install Smoke Detectors Correctly: Which Rooms Need To Be Equipped – and What You Need To Pay Attention to

Smoke detectors are an important protective measure. But in which rooms do you have to attach them and what do you have to consider?

Where do you put smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors must be installed in the children’s rooms, bedrooms and in the corridors that serve as escape routes.

What do you have to look out for with smoke detectors?

Where the smoke detectors are attached is well regulated, but there are also a few things to consider when attaching them:
You should always place the devices in the middle of the room, as the smoke that is produced will always rise and spread to the ceiling. The air collects in the corners and does not disperse, so smoke detectors should under no circumstances be installed in corners.
Furthermore, you should install a smoke detector in every area of ​​larger rooms from 60 square meters so that you can really be warned of the alarm in good time.
When assembling, follow the operating instructions exactly and do not place the devices near air ducts or strong drafts. Even that can be a false alarm
If you want to paint your ceiling, then under no circumstances paint over the smoke detector, as this may mean that not enough smoke can get into the device and the alarm will not be triggered in an emergency.

Finally, it is important to test smoke detectors regularly. There is a test button that only gives an alarm when it is pressed. When you release the button, the alarm stops immediately. It is best to test your devices immediately after installation and then once a year. Then you can go to sleep with peace of mind.

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Lifestyle

What do You Need The Right Compartment of The Washing Machine For? We Solve The Riddle For You

Most people know where to put the detergent in the washing machine. But what about the right compartment in the drawer? What is it for? Here you will find the solution to the riddle.

What are the three compartments in the washing machine for?

A common washing machine has a total of three compartments, which are labeled differently depending on the type of washing machine. As a rule, the following symbols apply: main wash (II), fabric softener (III or a flower symbol) and prewash (I).

The compartment on the far left is for the detergent, whether in liquid or powder form. The washing machine draws detergent from this so-called washing-in compartment for each wash cycle. This compartment is usually the largest and can be filled with heavy-duty detergent, color detergent, mild detergent or water softener. The temperature of the washing cycle is not decisive.

Even with the middle compartment, the temperature of the wash cycle is not decisive. This compartment is for the fabric softener. You can also fill in disinfectant detergent, vinegar for descaling the washing machine or scented oils.

The forgotten right compartment of the washing machine: that’s what it’s for

So the first two subjects are clear. But what is the third compartment on the far right for? The answer is not that difficult: It is used for the pre-wash, for which you can fill the compartment with liquid detergent, powder or special detergent.

But watch out! Some washing machines have the main wash compartment in the middle and the fabric softener on the left.

It is best to always pay attention to the symbols of the compartments in order to use them correctly. For the pre-wash, the symbol is a tub with a vertical line in the middle.

Prewash – when to use it

Prewash is an additional washing program used to soak stains and dirt on clothes. You can use it with front-loading and top-loading washing machines as well as tumble dryers. To do this, fill the detergent in the prewash compartment and select the program provided for this, usually “+ Prewash”.

At the end of the washing process, the fibers of the textiles inside the washing machine are loosened by a short spin cycle. This allows the detergent used in the main wash to work better.

A pre-wash is rarely really necessary. However, it can be useful for heavily soiled clothing or textiles with stubborn stains. There are also some garments for which the washing label recommends prewashing. Otherwise, it’s better not to use it unless it’s really necessary. This saves you electricity, water and detergent and the laundry is finished faster. Normally soiled clothing gets clean without pre-treatment and you also protect it and can wear it longer.

Prevent mold – clean washing machine compartments regularly

Incidentally, all compartments, including the washing-in compartment, should be cleaned every two months. After each wash, dirt settles there and detergent residues stick.

You should pay particular attention to this, as the existing water residue can also cause mold to form. For thorough cleaning, take out the entire drawer and clean it with detergent or vinegar. The chambers can simply be made to shine with a cloth and cleaning agent.

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Lifestyle

Batteries: What You Need to Know About The Expiry Date

Ascending trend. The energy balance is rather poor and the mini power plants are also expensive. We can all contribute to a better environmental balance.

Recycling rate too low

More and more devices require mobile energy dispensers. In Germany alone, the consumption of device batteries or finger batteries rose to 65,368 tons in 2020. Compared to the previous year, this is an increase of 9,463 tons or 16.9 percent.

The rules for the disposal of batteries are in the Battery Act (BattG). So that used rechargeable batteries and batteries (non-rechargeable) do not end up carelessly in the rubbish bin, retailers are obliged to take them back free of charge: Regardless of the type, whether block battery, button or round cell – “return after use” always applies.

In fact, this has so far been the case for less than half of all old batteries. Only 45.6 percent of the disused mini power plants came back in 2020. In 2019 it was 52.2 percent. Germany has thus just exceeded the EU-wide collection target of 45 percent. Quite obviously: Too many old batteries are not recycled or properly disposed of.

Battery power is expensive

Non-rechargeable batteries in particular are inefficient, as the Federal Environment Agency has determined. Batteries require 40 to 500 times more energy to manufacture than they make available later when used.

The situation is similarly unfavorable with regard to costs. The Federal Environment Agency clarifies this with a sample calculation: A kilowatt hour (kWh) currently costs around 0.35 euros from the socket. For the same amount of energy (1 kWh), provided by batteries, you would have to spend around 77 euros with AA batteries, for example (AA battery: 2600 milliampere hours, 1.5 volts, 0.30 euros each).

The comparison is even more disadvantageous when the smaller AAA batteries are used (1250 milliampere hours, 1.5 volts, 0.30 euros each): Here you would have to spend around 160 euros.

note the expiration date

Electricity is generated in the mini power plants through chemical reactions. However, this does not work indefinitely – batteries age and constantly lose some of their original power through self-discharge. An expiry date printed on the pack or the battery provides information on how long the manufacturer can guarantee the quality.

These three tips can help you:
In order not to get already weakening energy dispensers, this date should be at least four years in the future when you buy it.
Batteries should be stored cool (between 10 and a maximum of 25 degrees), dry and preferably in the original packaging.
Batteries of the same type and with the same state of charge always belong in the device.
If batteries touch the poles or come into contact with other metal parts, this can lead to faster discharge or even a short circuit.

Tips for correct disposal

When your batteries are dead, it’s important to dispose of them properly. The consumer center NRW gives tips:
All depleted batteries and accumulators must be returned to the seller. This applies regardless of markings and inscriptions. Household waste is an absolute taboo for the polluted energy dispenser.
Button cells, rechargeable batteries and the like are returned free of charge, even if you don’t buy any new energy cells. Retailers have to take back batteries of all brands, but only the types that they have or have had in their range.
Smaller devices with built-in batteries or rechargeable batteries – such as wristwatches – can be handed in at municipal collection points for old electronic devices or sent back to online retailers free of charge.
When making a purchase, customers in the shop must be informed about the obligation to return the goods.
Batteries and accumulators contain valuable raw materials such as nickel, zinc or lithium. But also toxic heavy metals, caustic alkalis and acids; therefore caution is required. Up to 90 percent of the materials in batteries are recyclable, depending on the method.

Tip: Before you dispose of it, you can use a measuring device to test whether the residual voltage is still sufficient for devices that don’t need much “juice” – for example a small alarm clock. This saves money and protects the environment.

The advantages of rechargeable batteries are clear

The Federal Environment Agency has another clear recommendation: If you only use devices stationary, you should operate them via the socket. You rarely need household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, drills, razors or hand blenders outside of the reach of sockets. As a rule, mains-operated devices without a battery are more powerful and cheaper.

Batteries are the solution for grid-independent energy. Multiple recharging reduces the inefficient nature of the energy supply. Depending on the type and handling, batteries can be recharged 200 to 1,000 times before they reach the end.

Conclusion

Rechargeable batteries and batteries are expensive. You should therefore only use them if mains operation is not possible. Rechargeable batteries have a clear advantage over batteries. If the mini power plants have used up their power, you should definitely dispose of them at the dealer.

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Food

Kefir: What You Need to Know About The Healthy Milk Drink

The tasty kefir has been said to have health-promoting properties for centuries. We’ll tell you what kefir is made of and why the drink is good for your body.

Kefir – what is it?

Kefir is a slightly carbonated, thick sour milk drink. It is created by fermentation processes of milk with kefir fungi, in which yeasts are also involved in addition to lactic acid bacteria. Kefir has its origins in the Caucasus region. Here people have sworn by its healthy effects for centuries and also call it the “drink of the centenarians”. Due to the fermentation process, kefir is largely lactose-free.

Traditionally, kefir was made from mare’s milk. Today, cow’s milk is mostly used for this. But a vegan kefir drink can also be made from plant milk. Kefir made from milk tastes slightly sour and is comparable to buttermilk. Depending on the manufacturing process, kefir has carbonic acid and a low alcohol content.

The kefir mushroom

To make kefir, a so-called kefir fungus is added to the milk. This is also known as “kefir grain”, “Tibetan mushroom” or “Caucasian milk kefir” and has the appearance of a small, pure white cauliflower.

A kefir mushroom can be dried for storage or frozen and used as needed. The mushroom doubles in size in about two weeks at room temperature. If stored properly, you can live off a single kefir mushroom for a lifetime.

To make kefir, the kefir fungus is left in the milk for at least 24 hours, which starts the fermentation process. In this natural process, important substances from the milk are increased and poorly tolerated substances and bacteria are broken down.

Microorganisms of the kefir fungus decompose, among other things, the milk sugar (lactose) in the pure milk, harmful bacteria such as listeria and the poorly digestible casein. At the same time, they form small amounts of carbonic acid, lactic acid and alcohol. So you can safely consume kefir drinks if you are lactose intolerant. The kefir fungus also contains numerous important nutrients and minerals, which it transfers to the milk during fermentation and multiplies in it. These include:
calcium
iron
folic acid
iodine
Niacon
polysaccharides
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C and D

What makes kefir so healthy

Kefir mushrooms also contain numerous health-promoting microorganisms such as bacteria, bacilli, yeast and streptococci, summarized under the term “probiotics”. These stabilize the intestinal flora and ensure that undesirable, pathogenic microorganisms are combated. With regular consumption of kefir, the healthy microorganisms sustainably strengthen the immune system. So kefir can help with a variety of diseases and ailments, including:
Intestinal infections and bacterial imbalances in the gut caused by antibiotics
chronic fatigue
sleep disturbances and nervousness
allergies
Diseases of the liver, gallbladder and heart
stomach ulcers
problems with blood pressure
Various inflammations
osteoporosis
Furthermore, the kefir fungus is said to slow down the aging processes of the body cells and to increase memory performance.

In addition to the traditional milk kefir, there are also “water kefir” and the now well-known tea fungus “Kombucha”. They all have in common that they are a mixture of substances made up of bacteria, vitamins and yeasts.

Kefir – choosing the right milk

You can either buy kefir as a ready-made drink or make it yourself. With both variants, however, you should make sure that you get the milk base in organic quality. Scientific studies have found that organic milk contains around 50 percent more important omega-3 fatty acids than comparable milk from discounters. This is because cows from organic farms have a richer and fresher choice of feed, which directly affects the quality of the milk. The cell-protecting omega-3 fatty acids from the organic milk are processed and increased by the kefir fungus, which has a positive effect on the end product. At the same time, by buying organic milk, you are supporting more species-appropriate husbandry of the dairy cows.

On the other hand, industrially produced kefir is sold under the name “Kefir, mild”, in which a specific composition of bacteria and yeasts is used instead of the actual kefir fungus. This kefir drink contains little or no alcohol, but – unlike the traditionally produced kefir – is not lactose-free and therefore not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

A kefir mushroom can also be cultivated vegan, for example in coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk or fruit juice. Either way, it’s healthy and delicious. However, in contrast to milk kefir, a plant-based kefir drink has fewer health-promoting nutrients such as lactic acid bacteria.

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Food

Maltose: What You Need to Know About Malt Sugar

Maltose is not only found in beer and bread, but also in many other foods. But what is maltose and where is malt sugar used for sweetening?

What is maltose?

You may also know maltose under the name malt sugar. Maltose is one of the carbohydrates and is formed when starch is broken down. Maltose is mainly found in potatoes and barley. From a chemical point of view, maltose belongs to the family of double sugars (disaccharides), just like lactose or normal table sugar. However, malt sugar has a significantly higher glycemic index than table sugar, which makes it even more unhealthy and thus eliminates it as a sugar alternative.

use of maltose

The caramel-tasting malt sugar is less sweet than regular sugar. Its sweetening power is around 40 percent. Nevertheless, it is often used as a sweetener. Mainly to sell consumers a supposedly low-sugar product. Because maltose is viscous, it is also often used for thickening. In addition to confectionery, you can also find malt sugar in savory foods or light products as a fat substitute, but above all in:
drinks
Sweets
Baked goods, in particular bread
baby food
light products
Beer
Maltose is traditionally contained in malt beer, as the name suggests. The malt sugar here is the result of the brewing process. In addition, artificial lactic acid can be obtained from maltose.

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Food

Fructose: What You Need to Know About Fructose

Fructose is also called fruit sugar. It is a natural sugar that is mainly found in fruit, vegetables and honey. But the image of the supposedly healthy fructose has been crumbling for some time. You can find out what’s going on here.

For a long time, fructose was considered a healthy alternative to conventional household sugar. Since fructose is metabolized independently of insulin, it was assumed that it is particularly suitable for diabetics. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has been warning against this widespread opinion for several years.

And otherwise, fructose has a better reputation than is actually appropriate. Here you can find out what fructose is, what effects it has on the body and what you should pay attention to when consuming it.

Fructose is not just fructose

Fruit, vegetables and honey naturally contain fructose. They also provide important vitamins
The situation is different with industrially produced fructose. Ordinary household sugar consists of 50% fructose and 50% glucose (i.e. grape sugar). While glucose is metabolized quickly, fructose takes a while to be used for energy production.

Fructose in finished products is often advertised as a “natural sweetness” and is therefore quickly considered “healthy”. In fact, fructose is particularly popular because it’s sweeter than regular sugar, cheaper, and works as a flavor enhancer. The simple sugar is often found in chocolate, pastries and lemonades. But also in pre-cooked pasta or pizza

The body does not depend on fructose. While he can metabolize the fructose from natural sources well, he is often overwhelmed with the amounts from finished products. The consumer center recommends no more than 25 grams of fructose per day

Fructose: This is how fructose affects our health

Exceeding the recommended daily allowance for fructose is a no-brainer. Already one
This
Fructose enters the bloodstream via the small intestine. However, if you eat a large portion of fructose or suffer from fructose intolerance, larger amounts of fructose can reach the large intestine. There they ensure that more gases and acids are formed. This can cause bloating with diarrhea and abdominal pain
One
The metabolic syndrome is mentioned in the same context. A study by the European Food Safety Authority from 2011 found that the consumption of fructose increases insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, which in turn affect the liver
Because fructose doesn’t affect insulin levels that much, the brain doesn’t get the information that the body is full. This makes it easy for you to take in more food than you need. Sweets encourage us to “want more” and to reach for these foods more often. In addition, fructose should
It is also suspected that fructose has a negative effect on uric acid levels and can therefore promote diseases such as gout.
According to one

Fructose: You should pay attention to this

The common wisdom also applies to fructose: “The dose makes the poison.” You should still eat a sufficient amount of seasonal fruit and vegetables every day

As a rule of thumb, five servings per day are recommended. Since vegetables generally contain less sugar than fruit, the DGE (German Society for Nutrition) recommends covering three of the portions with vegetables. A smoothie or a self-pressed juice would fully replace a portion. So that the drinks don’t get too sweet, it’s best to mix fruit and vegetables here too, for example in a green smoothie

It only becomes critical if you also consume a lot of fructose. This is particularly found in finished products, but also in supposedly healthy fitness bars or wellness drinks.

If you make sure you eat only fresh, unprocessed foods, you don’t need to worry about too much fructose.

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Food

Red Rice: What You Need to Know About Fermented Rice

You can find red rice products in different forms in stores. They are often advertised as natural dietary supplements. But be careful with the fermented rice.

Red rice

Red rice originally comes from China, where it is used as a natural food coloring and medicinal. Processed into powder form, it gives the traditional Peking duck its reddish color. Red rice is also known as “red mold rice”, “red rice” or “fermented rice” and is now also available in the western world in various forms as a dietary supplement. Among other things, you can buy it as red rice flour in stores.

Despite all the health-promoting effects that the package inserts of red rice preparations promise you, you should be more than careful when consuming it.

Production of red rice

Strictly speaking, red rice is not a real rice variety and should therefore not be confused with red-skinned rice varieties.

Red rice does not get its red color naturally, but through a fermentation process. For its production, ordinary white rice is mixed with special molds that stimulate fermentation. This creates the characteristic color and a substance called Monakolin K. It is this substance that drug experts warn about, as the Pharmazeutische Zeitung reports.

It is true that Monakolin K is a natural substance, which explains why products to which it is added can be called “natural dietary supplements”.

It is by no means harmless: Monakolin K is one of the so-called statins. As such, it is almost identical to the lovastatin available in our pharmacies – a prescription drug for high cholesterol levels.

Red rice and its health effects

Statins like lovastatin and monacolin K can cause various side effects. It is true that they can counteract high cholesterol levels. However, a distinction needs to be made here:
First of all, an elevated cholesterol level is not automatically harmful to health. The key here is to differentiate between “good” HDL cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol. Only the latter can lead to long-term problems such as vascular calcification and circulatory disorders if the level is elevated.
Statins, such as those found in red rice, can have significant side effects and should only be used in consultation with a doctor if there is a diagnosis of abnormally high cholesterol, and never for prevention.
For example, statins can cause muscle pain and cramps, trigger sleep disorders and even depression and cause blood sugar to rise, as reported by the Apothekenumschau. As with all medicines, interactions with other substances can also occur.

Red Rice Dietary Supplement

Eaten occasionally as a rice dish, the red rice should not pose any risk to your health. However, it also has no advantages over normal rice. The Federal Institute for Drugs, on the other hand, strongly advises against using it as a dietary supplement. Together with the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, the experts warn in particular against daily doses that exceed 5 milligrams of monacolin K. Red rice supplements are particularly dangerous because they contain the substance in a concentrated form.

Natural remedies with risks

The danger of using red rice is not only the actual side effects, but also the lack of awareness of many people about its composition and effects. Just because you are dealing with a natural and freely available agent does not mean that it can have some serious side effects like a comparable pharmaceutical.

In the case of a pathologically high cholesterol level, you should therefore thoroughly reconsider self-therapy with red rice products. It is better to look for the causes with your doctor and to work out a treatment that is especially suitable for you.

To prevent high cholesterol levels, there are more effective foods that lower cholesterol levels without any harmful side effects.

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Cooking Tips

Buy, Grow, Prepare Edamame: What You Need to Know About Soybeans

Edamame are unripe green soybeans and originally come from Japan. We reveal what you should pay attention to when buying, growing and preparing.

Edamame means “bean on a branch”. The soybean, also known under the name “lucky bean”, is often referred to as a superfood in this country because of its high protein and fiber content. However, the eco-balance is not good due to the long transport routes, among other things.

Nutritional Values ​​of Edamame: Lots of proteins and amino acids

Edamame not only contains many proteins, but also nine important amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Nutritional values ​​of 100 g edamame:
125 calories
12 grams of protein
13 grams of carbohydrates
4 grams of fat
This makes edamame particularly suitable as a filling supplement and for a low-carb diet.

Growing Edamame: Also possible in your own garden

Even if the soybean is mainly cultivated in Asia, it also grows in the Central European climate. That’s exactly what the Taifun project “1,000 Gardens” found out. As soon as it is above 10 degrees overnight (from around April) and the weather forecast predicts this for at least another week, you can start sowing your soybeans.

According to the project description, you should consider the following when growing:
Make a furrow about 3-4 cm deep.
Put a soybean every 2 cm.
Cover the beans with soil and gently press down.
Water the beans when it doesn’t rain.
It is also recommended to install a protection against birds and rabbits.
Soybeans can be sown until June. You can usually harvest about two months after sowing. Since edamame are immature soybeans, you should take care to harvest them when they are still green and have fine hairs.

Prepare Edamame: As a snack recipe or side dish

Edamame is traditionally eaten as a starter, snack or as a side dish. The preparation is very simple:
The unripe green beans, including the pod, are boiled in salted water for five minutes so that they are still nice and crunchy.
The still moist pods are then sprinkled with coarse sea salt. The pod should still be wet so the salt can stick and form a salt crust.
You can refine edamame by drizzling it with chili and lime juice or with sesame oil and Tabasco. A combination of sesame oil, lime juice and soy sauce also tastes delicious.
The pods are not eaten. Although the whole pod is cooked, only the beans in the pod are edible. At this point, manual work is required and you have to free the beans from the pod by puffing them up. Many also “suck” them out of the pod – one more reason to pay attention to organic quality.

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Food

Monosodium Glutamate: What You Need to Know About The Additive E621

Monosodium glutamate (E621) is a flavor enhancer and is often criticized. The substance is said to be responsible for the nausea that often occurs after visiting a Chinese restaurant.

Monosodium glutamate is one of several salts of L-glutamic acid. There are other glutamates, but monosodium glutamate is the most common in the food industry. It is an isolated substance in its purest form. But there is also natural monosodium glutamate, which is chemically identical to the man-made substance. The natural monosodium glutamate is found, for example, in protein-rich foods such as fish and poultry. The body can easily absorb and fully utilize the substance.

Monosodium glutamate has been criticized as an artificial flavor enhancer in finished products. In such foods, however, it does not provide any of its own, but can only enhance existing flavors. Because monosodium glutamate does not have a taste of its own, explains Professor Ursula Bordewick-Dell from the University of Applied Sciences in Münster.

Monosodium glutamate in food: an overview

Monosodium glutamate is naturally found in many foods:
tomatoes
Cheese
eggs
poultry
legumes
Artificial monosodium glutamate is commonly found in these foods:
Ready meals (frozen products, canned products, instant noodles)
Ready-made sauces (e.g. salad dressing)
crisps
hot dog

Effect of monosodium glutamate on health

Studies have shown that monosodium glutamate increases appetite. Therefore, the substance is often mixed into animal feed to make animals overeat and gain weight faster. This has also been observed in humans. However, scientists now assume that humans would have to consume very large amounts of monosodium glutamate for a noticeable appetite-stimulating effect. So big that the crowd could be deadly.
The Kiel scientist Professor Michael Hermanussen points out that in animal experiments glutamate was able to penetrate into the brain: “Obviously the blood-brain barrier has leaks”. In animal experiments, newborns whose mothers received a high dose of glutamate were also harmed. Although these animal experiments cannot be directly transferred to humans, they do indicate potential dangers.

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