Many home cooks consider seasoning powder as an essential ingredient for their dishes. However, there are several important points to keep in mind when using it.
Important Considerations When Using Seasoning Powder
1. Not Harmful to Health
According to Professor Pham Van Khoi from the Vietnam Institute of Chemistry, seasoning powder contains multiple ingredients. Among them, the essential components are monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621) and two flavor enhancers E627 and E631.
Scientific documents indicate that flavor enhancers E627 and E631 are 10-15 times sweeter than regular MSG. For a time, consumers were concerned that these substances could cause birth defects and metabolic disorders. Additionally, MSG has been associated with “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,” which manifests as weakness in limbs, dizziness, and nausea. However, currently, all three flavor enhancers E621, E627, and E631 are included in the list of food additives permitted for use.
As explained by Professor Khoi, both MSG and seasoning powder help create a pleasant sweetness and are less harmful if used in moderation.
In agreement, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, stated that the harmful effects of MSG and seasoning powder are purely hypothetical when scientists began their research. Currently, these substances are still approved for use by the International Food Standards Committee, proving their complete safety for consumers.
2. Contains Little Nutritional Value
“Seasoning powder may contain some components from bone broth, shrimp powder, chicken, straw mushrooms, etc., to provide different flavors, but these are insignificant, making up less than 5%. Seasoning powder is used to enhance the flavor of dishes and cannot replace nutritional products,” said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam.
Professor Khoi emphasized: “Seasoning powder, like MSG, only provides artificial sweetness to dishes, not 100% derived from meat or bones as advertised. They also do not contain significant nutritional value.”
He analyzed that the meat powder in seasoning is usually ground from dried meat, not extracted from boiled bones and fillet meat as advertised. If pure meat or fish were used, they would easily spoil when concentrated and could not be stored for long, especially in outdoor temperatures.
3. Not Better than MSG
Many people have an aversion to MSG and prefer using seasoning powder, believing it to be healthier. However, according to Professor Khoi, seasoning powder contains several components such as sugar and salt, along with MSG and super sweeteners (flavor enhancers E627 and E631). These substances essentially belong to the same flavor group, enhancing the effectiveness of seasoning.
Therefore, those who are allergic or must avoid MSG should also be cautious when using seasoning powder. Particularly, pregnant women (especially in the first trimester) and infants should pay attention to this.
4. Should Not Be Consumed in Excess
Due to its convenience, many families frequently use seasoning powder, neglecting to supplement their meals with fresh produce, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially in young children.
“While seasoning powder has been tested and shown not to be harmful, we should use it within certain limits. Overusing this type of seasoning can lead to unpredictable side effects,” said Professor Khoi.
To ensure nutritional adequacy for family members, home cooks should focus on incorporating a variety of fresh foods into their meals. It is best to limit the use of MSG and seasoning powder and replace them with naturally sweet foods. Absolutely do not use seasoning powder for children during weaning.
5. Cannot Replace Iodized Salt
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that an individual should not consume more than 6 grams of salt per day, including seasoning powder and other ingredients in foods, fruits, and vegetables. Therefore, you need to be cautious when using seasoning powder to reduce the amount of salt and seasoning, making your family meals more balanced.
Seasoning powder does not contain iodized salt. Using excessive amounts of this seasoning can lead to a deficiency in the necessary iodine for the body. Thus, if you wish to use seasoning powder, you should combine it with an appropriate amount of iodized salt.
