Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Considered a staple in Chinese take-out, snacks, and even salad dressings, flavor-enhancing MSG contains zero health benefits. Instead, it harbors several harmful effects as an excitotoxin—a compound that overexcites cells until they experience substantial damage or death. MSG is found in many frozen dinners, lunch meats, and seasonings, so check the label!

Scientists have linked regular MSG consumption to neurological disorders like cravings, depression, migraines, and seizures. Although it tastes good, MSG isn’t worth the side effects.