There are two things to think about when choosing a seasoning to sprinkle on foods. The first is that many spices (such as cumin, thyme, dried parsley, etc) are very high in phytonutrients even though they are not fresh and have dried (both of these things reduce the nutrient level, but the final product has 10% or more of the original levels for for 1 to a few months). The second thing to consider is that some additives might be unhealthy. MSG may or may not have negative effects on health; the science on this currently indicates that it is safe but there could potentially be problems for some people (see my entry in this category on MSG). Trans fats are to be avoided in all foods, including spices. And we sometimes forget that salt cannot be cleared from the body very quickly so including too much at any one time (such as in one meal) puts the body at risk of high blood pressure for 24 hours or more. The amount of salt in natural food is enough to replace routine salt losses, and salt only needs to be added when a person is active and perspires more than 16 to 32 oz (a liter, which is roughly 1 quart) per day. The amount of salt in a liter of perspiration (about the amount lost in an hour of relatively intense activity) is 250 mg of sodium, or 750 mg sodium chloride (table salt). That is about 1/4 teaspoon salt. This is something to keep in mind when putting seasonings containing salt onto food: Avoid excess salt intake. Once way to get more salt flavor out of less salt is to sprinkle it on after the food is on the plate so the salt is on the surface of the food (do not cook with salt). In short, look for a seasoning that contains herbs and spices, contains no trans fats, and if it contains salt go easy on its use.
Dr Wilson, I have found McCormick seasoning to have MSG and, I think, trans fats. Are there any seasonings brands out there that you would recommend? Also, should MSG be avoided?
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