Here’s a novel way to reduce your sodium intake! Scientists have created electrically-charged chopsticks that trick the user’s taste buds into believing their food has been liberally sprinkled with salt.
Co-developed by Professor Homei Miyashita, from Meiji University in Japan, and drinks manufacturer Kirin Holdings Co. (2503.T), the chopsticks enhance tastes using electrical stimulation and a mini-computer worn on a wristband.
“This joint research has discovered the possibility of using the effect of salty taste enhancement by electrical stimulation on everyday utensils such as chopsticks, spoons, and tea bowls, thereby increasing the level of taste satisfaction with low-sodium foods. This technology may prove helpful for people trying to, or need to maintain a low-sodium diet,” Kirin said in a statement.
Prof Miyashita said the tests demonstrated his “electric taste chopsticks” were popular with dozens of people, aged between 40 and 65, who have been advised by their doctors to reduce their salt consumption for health reasons.
“In an experiment using low-salt miso soup, we were able to confirm that the salty flavour was enhanced, and test subjects even expressed the opinion that the richness, umami, and overall taste were improved,” he said.
Soy sauce and miso are staples of the Japanese diet, resulting in the country having one of the highest salt consumption rates in the world, with a daily intake of 10.8 grams for adult men and 9.4g for women, double the amount recommended by the World Health Organization.
In a campaign to improve health, Japan’s Ministry of Health has set an initial target of reducing daily intake levels to 7.94g for men and 7.09g for women.
The chopsticks should be available commercially next year for those looking to cut their intake of the salty stuff.
