Japan rolls out salt reduction campaign to reduce hypertension rate

Japan has rolled out a salt reduction campaign to reduce the hypertension rate among its people, as one in every three Japanese is estimated to suffer from high blood pressure, with high salt content considered to be the primary cause. A restaurant in downtown Tokyo specializing in tempura and soba noodles has been offering low-salt, health-conscious meals since last year, with the amount of salt per dish kept to an average of two to three grams.

Customers who prefer a light taste can further dilute the dipping sauce with the accompanying plain soup. No salt for sauce is added during the tempura preparation; instead, a salt shaker is provided so that customers can season their food according to their taste and health needs.

"As high blood pressure tends to develop with age, reducing daily salt intake is the most important thing for me," said a local resident.

"In general, older adults, fitness enthusiasts, and even some younger people are paying more attention to reducing salt intake. People are becoming increasingly health-conscious, and there are more and more customers with such needs," said Seitoku Seimiya, restaurant director.

According to statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the average daily salt intake among Japanese people is 9.8 grams, nearly twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

To encourage restaurants to offer healthier meals, the Tokyo Metropolis Bureau of Public Health launched a certification program for restaurants that provide low-salt dishes and services in October last year. Certified restaurants are allowed to display standardized promotional banners and signs, and their information is published on the Tokyo Metropolis government’s official website.

Currently, there are 73 certified low-salt restaurants in Tokyo.

"It is essential for the public to understand the healthy dietary standards from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives," said Kiyotaka Chiba, director of the Health Promotion Division of the Tokyo Metropolis Bureau of Public Health.

In Japanese cuisine, commonly used seasonings like soy sauce and miso paste are also high in sodium in addition to salt. As health awareness increases, many brands have started offering reduced-sodium seasonings.

To reduce salt without compromising flavor, a Japanese company is collaborating with university research institutions to develop an "electric seasoning" device.

The device generates a mild electric current in the mouth by applying electrodes to the chin and the back of the neck, enhancing taste perception through electrical stimulation. Research has shown that, for example, a 0.5 percent saline solution can be perceived as up to 1.6 times saltier than its actual concentration.

Japan rolls out salt reduction campaign to reduce hypertension rate

Japan rolls out salt reduction campaign to reduce hypertension rate

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests