Here is another item to toss from your pantry...LIPTON SOUP MIX! It seems harmless, but think again. It contains trans-fat, MSG, soy, corn syrup, sugar, caramel coloring (which is banned in other countries due to the link to cancer).
Ingredients: Onions (deyhydrated), salt, cornstarch, onion powder, sugar, corn syrup, hydrolyzed soy protein, caramel color, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, monosodium glutamate, yeast extract, natural flavors, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.
MSG is a slow poison and it is in everything; Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Campbell's soups, Ramen, Canned Gravy, frozen dinners, frozen pizzas, salad dressings (especially low-fat varieties). Tons of 'reduced' or 'no-fat' foods are laced with MSG to make up for flavor lost when fat is reduced. If you don't see MSG on the label, you still aren't safe; the word 'Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein','Accent, 'Aginomoto,' 'Natural Meat Tenderizer,' is just a sneaky names for MSG.
Glutamic acid in MSG is known as an excitotoxin; this means it excites the brain cells. It causes the brain cells to fire too much until they are exhausted and die. This causes us to be addicted to the MSG 'fix,' which is why Lay's Potato Chips claim, "I bet you can't eat just one." Lay's knows they have the upper hand on your brain chemistry. This excitotoxin effect in our brain causes ADHD, autism and Alzheimer's.
This process of over-exciting the brain depletes our brain of serotonin (the feel-good chemical in our brain and gut). Headaches and migraines are the main complaint of MSG consumption, which makes sense because low serotonin is the Migraine headaches are caused in part by changes in the level of serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles in the body, one of which is the effect on blood vessels. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict (shrink). When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate (swell). This swelling can cause pain or other problems. Many things can affect the level of serotonin in your body, including your level of blood sugar, certain foods and changes in your estrogen level if you're a woman. To read more check out my book: Secrets to Controlling Your Cravings, Weight and Mood.
MSG downregulates our body’s leptin production (our appetite suppression), so it makes us hungry sooner. Hoe can this be? Well, MSG stimulates the pancreas, which in turn increases insulin production even though there is no need for insulin. This will cause our blood sugar to rise too much and then drop. When our blood sugar drops, hunger is stimulated (which is why you don't want to eat too many carbohydrates either). Over production of insulin will cause insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity.
So instead, let's try this healthy option!
3/4 cup instant minced onion
1/3 cup beef bouillon powder (watch for gluten and MSG)
4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed celery seed
1/4 tsp powdered stevia (or 1 tsp erythritol)
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. About 5 tablespoons of mix are equal to 1 1¼-ounce package. NOTE: To make onion dip: Mix 5 tablespoons with one pint of sour cream. Makes 4 servings.
NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Soup Mix = 70 calories, 13 carbs, 1 fiber
"Healthified" Soup Mix = 40 calories, 7 carbs, 1.1 fiber
