What is MSG?

Monosodium Glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is used in many regularly consumed food products. Most people are unaware that they are ingesting a chemical that "tricks" our brain into believing that what we are eating is tasteful and full of nutrients. MSG is a sodium salt that is used as a flavor enhancer or meat tenderizer. The process of isolating MSG takes place by the fermentation of carbohydrates. MSG was successfully isolated in 1907, and in its purest form looks like elongated salt crystals.