Glycerol monostearate is a colorless, odorless, slightly sweet organic compound added to food, skin and hair care products. It is considered safe for human consumption but can cause toxicity in certain organs. It is primarily made up of fat and is often derived from animal sources.
Glycerol monostearate (GMS) is a kind of compound that does not have any color or odor. This organic compound has a slightly sweet taste, which is why glycerol monostearate is often added to food products. In many cases, this substance can be found naturally in high-fat foods, including plant and animal sources.
As one of the compounds found within the human body, glycerol monostearate is considered safe for human consumption. In addition to acting as an emulsifier, this ingredient can also effectively preserve food. MSG is also often used in slow-release pharmaceuticals. When used as a pharmaceutical ingredient, this additive helps with the coating process.
Additionally, glycerol monostearate is often added to skin and hair care products. Known for creating a lubricant-like product, many hair care manufacturers rely on this key ingredient. Products that contain this ingredient tend to leave the skin soft and smooth. An additional benefit of this additive is that it forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface, which helps the skin prevent excessive water loss. Commonly, ice cream, whipped cream, and beer products also include MSG.
There is some controversy surrounding the use of this ingredient. Several laboratory studies have shown that this product can cause toxicity in certain organs; Studies of this type are inconclusive. The US Food and Drug Administration has confirmed this ingredient as “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)”. The ingredient is also considered safe for human consumption in most other countries.
Many bodybuilders consume MSG on purpose in an attempt to build lean muscle. The assumption that MSG is made up of carbohydrates and healthy fats is false. While it is a key ingredient in many different products, this compound is primarily made up of fat. In fact, in most countries, glycerol monostearate is considered a saturated fat. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume a large amount of this ingredient. The best way to avoid consuming too much MSG is to read the labels on food packages.
Vegans and vegetarians should note that most glycerol monostearate comes from an animal source. In some cases MSG may be derived from vegetable fat. The best way to find out where the MSG in a product is coming from is to contact the manufacturer of the product.
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