Hillsdale Natural Grocery
A Member-Owned Co-operative since 1971
31 N. Broad Street,  Hillsdale, MI 49242
VisaMCard  Phone (517) 439-1397

Hours
M-Th   9 am - 6 pm
Fri  9 am - 6:30 pm
Sat  9 am - 5 pm

Seniors (65+) always receive a 5% discount

Open to the Public

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Excitotoxins

Taken from The Guilt-free Gourmet vegan cookbook by Vicki & Gina Griffin.

            What are excitotoxins?  Excitotoxins are a class of commonly used flavor enhancers that overstimulate the brain and are implicated in such diseases as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, memory and cognitive decline, as well as a host of other hormonal and neurological problems. Russell Blaylock, MD, a neurosurgeon in Jackson, Mississippi, has done extensive research into the effects of excitotoxins on the human brain.  What he found is most shocking:  since 1945, our usage of excitotoxins has doubled every 10 years.  Excitotoxins are now added to many processed foods, fast foods, diet foods and frozen foods.  It has been demonstrated that excitotoxins actually destroy nerve cells in the brain and in the retina of the eye.

If possible, excitotoxins should be avoided, especially by young children and older adults.  Human beings are more sensitive to excitotoxins than any other primate, with children and the elderly being the most susceptible to these damaging, sometimes deadly agents.  There are more than 70 used in processed foods, including many vegetarian foods and seasonings.  What are the names of some of these agents?  When you read labels the most common names to look for are MSG (monosodium glutamate) and aspartame (Nutra-sweet).  But just because a label says something is "MSG-free," doesn't necessarily mean that it is excitotoxins-free.  Look for these names on your labels when you shop—so you won't drop!

Additives that have excitotoxins

  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  • Hydrolyzed protein
  • Hydrolyzed plant protein
  • Plant protein extract
  • Sodium casseinate
  • Calcium casseinate
  • Yeast extract
  • Textured protein
  • Autolyzed yeast
  • Hydrolyzed oat flour

Additives that may have excitotoxins

  • Malt extract
  • Malt flavouring
  • Bouillon
  • Broth
  • Stock
  • Flavoring
  • Natural flavoring
  • Natural beef of chicken flavor
  • Seasonings
  • Spices

Check your labels.  If the ingredients listed include any of the above items, that product may pose hazards to your brain, and overall physical and mental health. Basically, the closer to homemade you can keep your food, the better off you will be.  This is a very serious matter—not a far-fetched scare tactic. The scientific validation of the problem is extensive and compelling.  Your brain health and your ability to think, memorize, learn and recall may be at risk.

            For more information on excitotoxins, we strongly recommend the book by Russell Blaylock, MD, Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills.  You can purchase a video interview with Dr. Blaylock, also called Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills.Call 1-800-453-8732 for more information.

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