Japanese researchers have developed computerized chopsticks that enhance salty tastes, potentially helping those who need to reduce sodium in their diets.
Co-developed by Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita and beverage maker Kirin Holdings Co., the chopsticks enhance tastes using electrical stimulation and a mini-computer worn on a wristband.
The device uses a weak electrical current to transmit sodium ions from food, through the chopsticks, to the mouth where they create a sense of saltiness, said Miyashita.
“As a result, the salty taste enhances 1.5 times,” he said.
The taste-enhancing chopsticks may have particular relevance in Japan, where the traditional diet favors salty tastes. The average Japanese adult consumes about 10 grams of salt per day, double the amount recommended by the World Health Organization.
Excess sodium intake is related to increased incidence of high blood pressure, strokes and other ailments.
I – Word Understanding
Enhance – to increase / to improve
Stroke – “brain attack”; happens when blood and oxygen could not reach the brain tissues
II – Have Your Say
1, The Japanese traditional diet favors salty tastes. Which foods do you consider high in salt? What are the other dietary habits that you consider not very healthy in your culture?
2, If this chopstick would go commercial, will you buy one? How would you rather control your salt intake?
873 Japan researchers develop electric chopsticks to enhance salty taste
