By: Katherine Lee, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2023
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is something we have all heard of and have probably consumed in a soup or snack. Unfortunately, more often than not, the mention of this mysterious additive elicits fear and health concerns. But do we even know why? Do we even know where MSG comes from? We’re here to debunk a couple of common myths surrounding MSG and to solve this mystery about what MSG really is.
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By: Patricia Garcia Guillen, DTR, CSUN Dietetic Intern Cohort 2021-2022
Let’s be honest: there is a misconception that low-sodium meals, or meals low in salt, can be unappetizing and lack some serious flavor. You are probably thinking, “How can I possibly add any flavor to my meals while using less salt?” Well, there are plenty of methods and ingredients that help make meals taste great by using little to no salt at all. Whether you are looking to decrease your sodium intake for health reasons, or are curious and excited about cooking new recipes, let’s explore the different ways we can make tasty, low-sodium meals packed with flavor!
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Image: Jamie Street/Unsplash
By Laura Ann Horwitz, CSUN DPD* Student
This is the fourth article in the series on Sodium. The first two articles centered on foods that contribute to a high Sodium diet, and how to reduce Sodium when eating on campus (or eating out). The third article concentrated on Sodium as it relates to health. In our last article, we’ll explore how to implement healthy lifestyle changes, which include lowering your sodium intake. Continue reading
Image: Bru-nO/Pixabay
By Laura Ann Horwitz, CSUN DPD* Student
This article in the series on Sodium, will discuss health issues relating to sodium, and explain some of the jargon you see written about it.
So, what’s the buzz about eating sodium? Why should you care about how much sodium is in the food you eat?
Although sodium is an essential mineral needed for our body to function properly, eating foods with high levels of sodium have been linked to numerous health concerns including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and stomach cancer.1 All of these issues impact and cause a burden to the economy of the United States, as well as to the framework of our current healthcare. Researchers have determined that reductions in our daily consumption of sodium could decrease both the number of illnesses among Americans related to sodium consumption, and the amount of money the U.S. could save in health care expenses.2 Continue reading
Image: Congerdesign/Pixabay
By Laura Ann Horwitz, CSUN DPD* Student
This is the second of a four part series of articles on Sodium. Eating foods with too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, which often leads to stroke, heart attack, and other chronic diseases1. In our last blog article, we reviewed 10 high sodium foods most Americans eat on a regular basis. Here are 10 ways you can cut down on sodium when you are eating on campus (or eating away from home). Continue reading
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By Laura Ann Horwitz, CSUN DPD* Student
This is the first of a four part series of articles on Sodium, one of the essential micronutrients needed by our body for proper functioning and development.1 Why should you care about how much sodium is in your diet? Consuming too much sodium increases your risk of high blood pressure, putting you in danger of experiencing heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke.1 Recommended daily guidelines of sodium consumption for Americans are less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) every day.2 Each of the articles in this series will focus on different aspects of sodium in your diet, and how making small, healthy changes in the amounts you consume will improve your overall health. Continue reading
