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Glutamic acid is one of twenty essential amino acids for the body. Participates in nitrogen metabolism, binds ammonia and other substances toxic to the body. It is present in various food products, it is included in the composition of medicines. Its analogue, made from plant raw materials, is included in some finished products as flavoring additives and spices.
When it comes to glutamic acid and the substances produced from it: monosodium glutamate, potassium, calcium, ammonium and magnesium glutamate, many people are perplexed. According to some reports, glutamate is harmless. Others classify it as a substance that can harm our body and deprive us of our natural taste sensations. What is this substance, in fact? Let’s figure it out.
Glutamic acid rich foods:
General characteristics of glutamic acid
Glutamic acid was discovered in Japan back in 1908 by the Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda. He found a substance that became the fifth in the gustatory line after bitter and sweet, sour and salty. Glutamic acid has a special taste, for which it acquired the name “umami”, that is, “pleasant to the taste.”
The source of the umami was the kombu seaweed (a type of kelp).
The chemical formula of this substance is C5H9DO NOT4… It has the unique ability to enhance or mimic the taste of protein foods. This is achieved thanks to L-glutamate receptors located on the tongue.
A year after his discovery, Ikeda began commercial acid production. At first, “umami” spread to Japan, China and other countries of Southeast Asia.
However, during the Second World War, this flavor supplemented the culinary supply of the US troops. Thanks to her, the soldiers’ rations became more tasty and nutritious, better provided the body with the necessary substances.
Daily requirement for glutamic acid
The amount of permissible use of glutamic acid depends not so much on the person himself as on the region of his residence. For example, in Taiwan, the norm used by “umami” is 3 grams per day. In Korea – 2,3 g., Japan – 2,6 g., Italy – 0,4 g., In the USA – 0,35 g.
In our country, according to the studies of the toxicological committee of FAO / WHO experts – “the permissible daily dose of ajinomoto (another designation by umami) is not established.”
The need for glutamic acid increases:
- in case of early gray hair (up to 30 years old);
- with depressive conditions;
- in a number of pathologies of the nervous system;
- with some male diseases;
- with epilepsy.
The need for glutamic acid decreases:
- during breastfeeding;
- with excessive excitability;
- in case of intolerance to glutamic acid by the body.
Digestibility of glutamic acid
Acid is an active natural neurotransmitter that is absorbed by our body without a trace. At the same time, most of it goes to ensure the health of the nervous system (in particular, the brain and spinal cord). In addition, the successful absorption of acid is associated with the presence in the body of a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid, which is part of the gastric juice.
Useful properties of glutamic acid and its effect on the body
Glutamic acid is able not only to regulate the higher nervous activity of our body, but it also plays the role of a regulator of redox reactions occurring in the body.
In addition, due to its alimentary characteristics, it is able to activate the activity of the entire digestive system, including the liver, stomach, pancreas, as well as the small and large intestines.
Interaction with other elements:
Glutamic acid is highly soluble in water, actively in contact with fats and their derivatives. In addition, it interacts well with proteins that acquire their true flavor and richness.
Signs of a lack of acid in the body
- violation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- early gray hair (up to 30 years old);
- problems with the central nervous system;
- problems with the autonomic nervous system;
- memory impairment;
- weak immunity;
- depressed mood.
Signs of excess glutamic acid
- thickening of the blood;
- headache;
- glaucoma;
- nausea;
- liver dysfunction;
- Alzheimer’s disease.
Glutamic acid: additional use
Glutamic acid can be found not only in all kinds of food, it is present in all kinds of cosmetics: shampoos, creams, lotions, conditioners, and soaps. In medicine, glutamic acid is present in live virus vaccines, as well as in some drugs.
It is believed that negative reviews about artificially obtained glutamic acid arose in our country due to one study of scientists. This amino acid was added to the food of laboratory rats in the amount of 20% of the total daily ration. And this, you see, is a fairly large amount of acid, which, of course, can cause serious problems not only with the gastrointestinal tract, but with the entire body!
Glutamic acid for beauty and health
The ability to maintain your natural hair color for a long time is the reason that attracts the attention of many beauty connoisseurs to the additional use of amino acids for the purpose of prevention, as well as to eliminate the existing problem.
In addition, glutamic acid improves skin nutrition, making it healthy and firm. It is able to stimulate blood microcirculation, which was discovered back in the 30s of the twentieth century. It was then that this acid was first added to cosmetic creams that guarantee elastic and healthy skin.