What is Glutamate or Glutamic Acid?

Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, so it can be produced by the body but is often secreted in insufficient amounts, so it is important to provide it through food as well.

Characteristics of glutamate or glutamic acid:

Nonessential amino acid found in many foods
Acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain
Monosodium glutamate can cause allergic reactions when consumed in excess
The additive E621 derived from glutamic acid is sometimes accused of causing states of addiction to processed foods

Why eat foods rich in glutamic acid?

Glutamic acid role and definition

Glutamate, a neurotransmitter above all
Glutamate, which is an ionized form of glutamic acid is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the central nervous system.

15 foods rich in glutamate

It is the most frequent amino acid in the current diet, its particular flavor has been studied and defined as being the “umami” flavor, different from the sweet, salty, bitter and acid flavors already known.

Why eat foods rich in glutamic acid?

Glutamic acid role and definition

Glutamate, a neurotransmitter above all
Glutamate, which is an ionized form of glutamic acid is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the central neHow to properly use glutamate in cooking?

Use of glutamic acid

As the body is able to produce glutamic acid, it is however advisable to provide 500 to 2000 mg of glutamic acid each day through the diet.

Use in bodybuilding

Glutamine, which is derived from glutamic acid, is very often used by high level athletes. Indeed, L-glutamine makes it possible to quickly and efficiently reconstitute glycogen stocks. Glutamine supplementation therefore makes it possible to maintain a good level of energy, improve performance and optimize post-exercise recovery.

Adverse effects of glutamate

Consequence of a glutamic acid deficiency

It is especially in the mood that the effects of a glutamic acid deficiency are felt, in fact there is irritability, mood swings and significant fatigue.

Is glutamic acid a health hazard?

Monosodium glutamate (additive E621) is widely used by the food industry. This additive is a flavor enhancer which greatly enhances the taste of foods and makes them very attractive to the taste buds. Monosodium glutamate is accused of tricking the brain and creating addiction to junk food. Many studies are still in progress on this subject, caution remains the best attitude to adopt towards this chemically modified substance.

Glutamate allergy

Glutamic acid in the form of MSG (food additive) can sometimes be poorly tolerated, mainly allergic reactions occurring after heavy consumption of foods rich in MSG. Pseudo-allergy to glutamate is also called “Chinese restaurant syndrome”, simply because Chinese food contains a lot of it. This syndrome results in the appearance of red plaque on the face and torso with a feeling of chest tightness, headache, nausea, malaise, etc.

Chemical properties

The semi structural formula of glutamic acid is C5H9NO4. Glutamate is the anionic form of glutamic acid, it is one of the 22 amino acids present on messenger RNAs. It is encoded on RNA by the two codons GAA and GAG.

Its exciting action is counterbalanced by that of GABA, of which it is one of the precursors.

Historical

History of the nutrient

Originally, glutamic acid was an amino acid ubiquitous in foods of animal and plant origin. It was in 1908 that it will be identified within foods as giving a flavor in its own right called umami. We then discover that this amino acid, a priori tasteless, releases a unique taste under the effect of certain phenomena: cooking, fermentation, ripening, etc. rvous system.

15 foods rich in glutamate

It is the most frequent amino acid in the current diet, its particular flavor has been studied and defined as being the “umami” flavor, different from the sweet, salty, bitter and acid flavors already known.

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