The effect is achieved by weak electrical impulses that affect the sodium ions present in the product without increasing the amount of salt. The salty taste of the dish increases by about 1.5 times.

Eating in a new way

The device works like this:

• A special unit with a miniature computer and battery is attached to the hand like a bracelet and metal rods are connected to it with wire.
• They use very weak electrical stimulation, which is insufficient to affect the human body, so they are safe to use.
• The sticks make food taste stronger or weaker by regulating the function of sodium chloride and sodium glutamate ions to alter the perception of taste.

The team said it has developed the prototype and hopes to make the sticks available to buyers next year. Tests have already confirmed the effectiveness of the approach. Participants who received food with a low salt content commented on the improvement in the taste of the food.

The enhancement will help combat increased salt intake. On average, every Japanese consumes about 10 grams of salt per day, which is twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. High salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure, which is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.