A battery-operated spoon has been launched which apparently enhances the salty taste of low-sodium food without the need for extra salt.

The piece of cutlery - made of plastic and metal and being sold in Japan - is aimed at people struggling to reduce their salt intake, as researchers claim it promotes healthier eating.

Excess sodium intake is linked to increased cases of high blood pressure, strokes and other conditions.

In Japan, adults consume on average around 10g of salt a day - which is double the World Health Organisation’s recommended intake.

The Electric Salt Spoon works by passing a weak electric current through the tip of the device to concentrate sodium ion molecules on the tongue.

This magnifies the perceived saltiness of the food by one and a half times, according to its Japanese makers, Kirin.

Users can choose their preferred intensity from four different levels, said the company which is moving more into healthcare from its traditional beer business.

The object was co-developed with Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita, who previously demonstrated the taste-enhancing effect in prototype electric chopsticks using currents. He won the Ig Nobel Nutrition prize last year.

  • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝OPMA
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    6 months ago

    Testimonials are already good: “I managed to halve my salt intake in a week thanks to this brewery’s tongue-electrocution cutlery.” Probably.

    I believe they are moving into smart shock condoms next called Tinglr. Now I say it outloud, I might patent that.

      • ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.ee
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        6 months ago

        Really loved the closing statement

        More than a utensil, the Salt Fork is a reminder that life and the best things are temporary. That you too will one day sink your teeth into a piece of steak for the last time. I hope for you that that day is far into the future

  • AutoTL;DR@lemmings.worldB
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    6 months ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:


    The spoon, which is made of plastic and metal, is aimed at people struggling to reduce their salt intake, as researchers claim it promotes healthier eating.

    Excess sodium intake is linked to increased cases of high blood pressure, strokes and other conditions.

    In Japan, adults consume on average around 10g of salt a day, double the World Health Organisation’s recommended intake.

    Users can choose their preferred intensity from four different levels, said the company, which is moving more into healthcare from its traditional beer business.

    The object was co-developed with Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita, who previously demonstrated the taste-enhancing effect in prototype electric chopsticks using currents.

    Read more technology news:Ticketmaster hit by cyber attack’World’s largest botnet’ taken downSpit test for prostate cancer ‘could save thousands of lives’


    The original article contains 326 words, the summary contains 128 words. Saved 61%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!