University in Japan develops chopsticks that change the perception of salt in food A device sends an electrical signal that alters the perception of the taste of food.

By Entrepreneur Staff

This article was translated from our Spanish edition.

d3sign | Getty Images

Eating with chopsticks can be tricky, but now there's an added boost to learning how to do it. Dr. Homei Miyashita , a researcher at Meiji University in Tokyo , has developed a device that connects to chopsticks and that by sending an electrical signal increases the perception of the saltiness of food by 1.5 times among individuals following a low - carbon diet . sodium.

The test was done on food samples 30% less salty than those usually cooked in Japan, a country whose sodium intake is greater than the five grams per day recommended by the World Health Organization (men in Japan consume 10.9 grams per day). day and women 9.3). As is well known, excess salt intake can lead to kidney disease and contribute to hypertension . The device works by sending a small electrical shock to the tongue to change the perception of the taste of food.

The chopstick test was conducted among 36 men and women between the ages of 40 and 65 who currently eat low-sodium diets. According to a university statement : "When testing samples that mimicked low-sodium foods, the perceived salty taste increased by a factor of 1.5 when the electrical stimulation waveform was applied to the chopstick device, compared to using chopsticks. without electrical stimulation. In addition, the study confirmed that the intensity of the salty taste of the sample mimicking low-sodium food was the same as that of the sample mimicking ordinary food when electrical stimulation was applied. This suggests that when foods with 30% less salt are consumed, a device equipped with this technology can provide a salty taste equivalent to that of a normal meal."

Meiji University carried out the experiment in conjunction with Kirin Holdings Company and they could incorporate the same system of electrical impulses into utensils such as spoons and forks. Although for now the chopsticks exist only as a prototype, the finding could contribute to attacking a public health problem that does not affect only Japan, but is present throughout the world.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Living

Don't Miss This Sam's Club Membership Deal for Just $20

Your last chance for a great deal on a membership that helps you save money all year long.

Devices

This $126 Apple- and Android-Compatible Display Can Help You Drive Safer

Adding this display will elevate your older model car for an affordable price.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2023

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2023.

Data & Recovery

This Cyber Week Exclusive Gets You 1TB of Cloud Storage for $120

If you're looking for a reliable cloud storage solution, look no further than Koofr.

Growing a Business

Serial Entrepreneur Turned VC Reveals 4 Numbers You Need to Know to Scale Your Company

If you're looking to attract investment or simply seeking to scale your business, there are four key numbers you should use as your guiding light.

Thought Leaders

3 New Ways to Develop Laser-Like Focus

To boost focus in the face of distractions, you need a new approach to success.