A brisk zap to the tongue may be all the seasoning you need.
The bright sparks at Japan’s Meiji University have teamed up with Kirin, a food and beverage outfit, with a novel approach to helping people cut their salt intake.
The team, led by masters candidate Yoshinobu Kaji, has developed “electrified chopsticks” that enhance the perceived saltiness of low-sodium foods.
Previous research has shown that introducing a weak electrical current to food utensils can affect how the tastebuds experience sodium chloride.
In this recent study, the chopsticks were used to deliver a (presumably) weak charge to the mouth. Study participants who got the electrical option said their food was comparable in saltiness to a control sample, despite the control being 30% saltier – suggesting they could happily eat the low-sodium version without missing out on the salty experience.
To their credit, the researchers first tested the chopsticks on themselves before handing over to the 31 brave souls who thought they’d add a bit of pizzazz to their dinner.
“The level of discomfort caused by the electrical stimulation was not a problem for most participants,” The Back Page was relieved to read in the research paper.
More precisely, the study found that “for more than 80% of the participants, the intensity of the electrical stimulation was at least acceptable for daily use”.
“However, approximately 10-20% of participants reported experiencing discomfort that was ‘unbearable in daily life’, suggesting there were significant individual differences in how they felt discomfort,” the paper said.
Putting that aside for the moment, the results of the experiment also showed that low-sodium miso soup got a boost in its overall taste alongside the enhancement to its salt content.
The folks at Meiji Uni aren’t the first to investigate electrically seasoning their grub. Earlier researchers have also tried stimulation via cups, chopsticks and bowls, no doubt with a sizeable effect on their lab’s electricity bill.
The Back Page, however, having experienced electrical acupuncture – in which the needles are wired up and plugged into the wall – would be loath to partake of an amped up bowl of miso. Be assured that any charges at the local sushi train will remain purely on the bill.
Had an experience that shocked you? Let penny@medicalrepublic.com.au know.
