Two Japanese inventors developed electric computerized chopsticks allowing to increase the saltiness of dishes. This revolution, based on tiny electric currents emitted by the sticks on the tongue of the user, appears to be beneficial for Japanese people to reduce their daily salt consumption. Indeed, Japanese cuisine is using a lot of salty ingredients in most of its recipes such as soy sauce or miso.
This invention, not yet released to the public, was created by Homei Miyashita, a professor at the Meiji University of Tokyo in close collaboration with the beverage producing company Kirin. The point is to enhance the human experience by imitating various food flavors while at the same time preventing people from high blood pressure or even strokes due to a high dependence on salt.
The working process on these chopsticks is very well thought out and established. As a matter of fact, thanks to electrical stimulation, these sticks catch and transmit sodium ions from the food to the mouth of the eater creating the sensation of saltiness.
The eater is holding the sticks in their hands which are linked to a small device attached to the wristband of the user.
The full product looks as follows:
Tests have been run on people to conclude a result of low sodium aliments tasting 1.5 times saltier thanks to these sticks.
From the released information let by Miyashita and Kirin, the product should be released over the next year giving the opportunity to Japanese citizens and potentially other Asian countries to profit from this revolution and drastically improve their long-term health.
References
– https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/19/saline-solution-japan-invents-electric-chopsticks-that-make-food-seem-more-salty
– https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/japan-researchers-develop-electric-chopsticks-enhance-salty-taste-2022-04-19/
– https://nypost.com/2022/04/19/japan-researchers-develop-electric-chopsticks-to-enhance-salty-taste/
– https://www.ladepeche.fr/2022/04/21/grace-a-la-tech-on-a-trouve-le-moyen-de-manger-moins-sale-10249956.php
I really think that’s a cool invention! As a lover of salty food I’m genuinely excited haha. The question is that how much money would the inventor request for such a product – I’m pretty sure people will not overpay for an artificial taste of salt 🙁
This seems cool! They surely have a lot of testing ahead, as you don’t want to be electrocuted while eating sushi ?. Also, too bad they don’t have an electric spoon, as a lot of Japanese food is based on soups. Nevertheless, an incredible invention!
Japan as always – pinnacle of tech. It is also a good solution who cannot get out of the awful diet choices
Looks really interesting, but personally, I’m not sure if I could be bothered to pay for such a product. As my colleague already mentioned in the comments, the price would probably be high. However, maybe for some people, it will be worth it.
I’m actually impressed by Japan’s innovative way of thinking
What a unique idea! Sounds pretty cool, but in my opinion, it is unlikely that those sticks will be used widely. First of all, the price, probably, will be quite high. Then, putting on a bracelet every time you wanna eat or charge these sticks (I assume it will be required) can be annoying for some people. And finally, do many people care about their sault intake that much? It would be interesting to read more about that. Anaway, the idea is unusual and interesting. Thank you for introducing us to it!