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This Japanese spoon makes food taste saltier without actually adding more salt. Here's how

Sneha Swaminathan
Authored By Sneha Swaminathan
Published: May 22, 2024, 01:52 IST | Updated: May 22, 2024, 01:52 IST
This Japanese spoon makes food taste saltier without actually adding more salt. Here's how

An employee of Kirin Holdings demonstrates an electric spoon

Japanese drinks company Kirin Holdings is releasing a new product: an electric spoon that makes salty food taste saltier without adding more salt. This technology won an Ig Nobel Prize last year for unusual research. Kirin will sell 200 Electric Salt Spoons online this month for 19,800 yen ($127) and a few more in a Japanese store in June. They hope to have 1 million users worldwide in five years and will start selling them internationally next year.

The spoon, made of plastic and metal, was developed with the help of Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita, who previously demonstrated a similar taste-enhancing effect with prototype electric chopsticks. This effect works by sending a mild electric field from the spoon to concentrate sodium molecules on the tongue, making food taste saltier, as reported by Reuters.

Kirin, known for beer but now focusing more on healthcare, highlighted the technology's significance in Japan. The average adult in Japan consumes about 10 grams of salt per day, twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The spoon, weighing 60 grams, is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. Also read | Is salt turning deadly for life? WHO warns against consumption of dietary sodium

What does excessive sodium intake do to the body?

Excessive sodium intake can have many adverse effects on health. One of the primary concerns is its impact on blood pressure. Sodium attracts water, causing the body to retain fluid and increasing blood volume. This, in turn, raises blood pressure and strains the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the kidneys over time. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering blood and maintaining electrolyte balance, including sodium levels. Excess sodium can impair kidney function, potentially leading to kidney disease or worsening existing kidney problems. Beyond cardiovascular and kidney health, high sodium intake has implications for bone health. Research suggests that a diet high in sodium may lead to increased calcium excretion from bones, which could weaken them over time and contribute to osteoporosis. Also read | Consuming too much salt can up your cancer risk by 40%, study finds Additionally, excessive sodium intake can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the extremities and other parts of the body. To mitigate these risks, it's essential to consume sodium in moderation. (With inputs from agencies)

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