Dental News
Don't be surprised if one day you salt your food with dental plaque as scientists the University of Nottingham (England) have discovered an artificial salt substitute from the crusty substance that forms on our teeth after eating.
Researchers have found that compounds called Dextrans --a starch like molecules made by certain types of bacteria found in dental plaque-- have the ability to trick the human brain into thinking food is salty than it actually is, giving researchers hope that it will one day enable food manufacturers dramatically reduce the amount of salt used in pre-prepared meals.
The Plaque Thickens
Food scientists have long known that thickening agents enhance the taste of saltiness in food, but can only be used in low concentrations to avoid making sauces and soups too thick. Professor Bettina Wolf and her research team at the division of food science at University of Nottingham found, however, that high concentrations of certain dextran molecules can increase the sensation of saltiness without dramatically thickening food.
"Though reducing the salt content in processed food could significantly improve the health of the population, the detrimental change in flavor presents a major challenge as consumers generally find low salt products unacceptable", said Professor Wolf. "High concentrations of low molecular weight thickeners could be used to enhance saltiness perception in low salt products."
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