Water is universally acknowledged as the most healthful beverage available. Health experts often emphasize the importance of hydration for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, fitness instructors commonly advocate drinking plenty of water as a strategy for weight loss.
As time progresses, so do innovations in our industrialized world. People have moved beyond just drinking plain water. There are claims that adding certain elements to water can not only enhance its inherent benefits but also have a greater impact on overall wellness.
One such element that has gained attention in the commercial beverage market is hydrogen water, which is believed to enhance health benefits to the utmost degree. But is this fact or fiction? The trend has caught on, making it worth investigating the buzz around it. This exploration will delve into the purported health benefits of hydrogen water to see if it truly is a noteworthy addition to one's essential beverage list.
What exactly is hydrogen water? It's essentially pure water with extra hydrogen molecules added. Hydrogen (H2) is the most abundant molecule in the universe and is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. In 2007, a Japanese study found that inhaled hydrogen gas could act as an antioxidant and protect the brain from free radicals, sparking global interest in its potential health benefits and leading to innovative research.
Regular water molecules consist of two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom. However, these hydrogen atoms are not free to be utilized by the body since they are bound to oxygen. Therefore, infusing water with additional hydrogen supposedly provides benefits that plain water cannot.
Hydrogen is the smallest extant gas particle, which allows it to penetrate every organ and cell in the body, including the brain, where it is claimed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, weight-loss, and anti-allergy properties. Molecular hydrogen might be the breakthrough health benefit the world has been searching for, apparently without any side effects.
But what are the benefits of ingesting hydrogen (H2)? The body naturally produces small amounts of hydrogen gas that disperse into the bloodstream, and studies suggest that introducing higher concentrations of hydrogen into the body could be beneficial. Drinking water infused with hydrogen has been the subject of numerous studies and is purported to be the best way to reap its amazing advantages. The field of hydrogen science is rapidly moving from theory to practical application, with hydrogen ionizers and generators allowing medical professionals and consumers to utilize hydrogen's medical benefits.
Hydrogen's diminutive size means that, unlike larger antioxidants such as Vitamin C or E, it can be taken up directly by the cells without the need for digestion. It is said to act immediately upon entering the stomach lining and can penetrate all parts of a cell, purportedly protecting DNA, RNA, and proteins from the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Each hydrogen molecule can neutralize two free radicals, dividing into two partially charged molecules that can neutralize the free radicals caused by everyday oxidative stress, and as a byproduct, hydrate the cells.
Hydrogen is selective and targets only the "bad" free radicals. While oxygen radicals can be extremely harmful, the body also produces "good" free radicals that serve useful purposes. Hydrogen is unique in that it targets only the detrimental radicals without affecting the beneficial ones, and unlike other antioxidants, does not become a free radical itself after neutralizing another.
But is drinking hydrogen water safe? The concept is that by adding hydrogen, the antioxidant content of water is increased, potentially reducing oxidative stress on the blood vessels which, if unaddressed, can lead to chronic inflammation and diseases over time.
One study showed that patients at risk for metabolic conditions who drank hydrogen-rich water for ten weeks experienced a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with an improvement in HDL cholesterol, suggesting potential benefits for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Conversely, a related study on healthy adults found no reduction in markers of oxidative stress after drinking hydrogen water daily for a month compared to a placebo group.
Much of the research, particularly intriguing studies regarding potential neurological benefits, has so far been conducted in vitro or on animals. This indicates that studies on hydrogen water in humans have yielded varied results, and more research is necessary to determine the benefits for different populations, including healthy adults and those at risk for chronic diseases.
Furthermore, while the addition of extra hydrogen molecules to water sounds promising, especially since the long-term effects of chronic inflammation are well-documented, there is no established regulation on how much hydrogen should be added to water or the appropriate amount to ingest for potential benefits.
So, does hydrogen water truly benefit our health? Everyone needs access to clean drinking water. While water naturally consists of hydrogen and oxygen, some researchers believe that hydrogen-rich water may offer various health advantages.
Several studies have highlighted the potential healing effects of hydrogen molecules and their role in maintaining a healthier body while combating various illnesses and health conditions. However, the scientific community has not yet reached a consensus on the efficacy of hydrogen water, and its purported benefits require further validation through rigorous research.
Optimal hydration is essential not only for remaining alert and energized but also for the overall functioning of our bodies. The general guideline is to drink between eight and ten cups of water daily, potentially more under certain conditions such as exposure to heat or high levels of physical activity.
If hydrogen water, or any other enhanced version of water, helps you achieve your hydration goals, it may be worth considering. However, for individuals in good health and not at high risk for chronic diseases, it is not a necessity, although they may choose to try it based on personal preference or interest in the potential benefits highlighted by some studies.