Why do scientists spend time looking for water on other planets? Why is water so important? It is because water is essential to life as we know it. Water is one of the more abundant molecules and the one most critical to life on Earth. Approximately 60–70 percent of the human body is made up of water. Without it, life as we know it simply would not exist.
The polarity of the water molecule and its resulting hydrogen bonding make water a unique substance with special properties that are intimately tied to the processes of life. Life originally evolved in a watery environment, and most of an organism’s cellular chemistry and metabolism occur inside the watery contents of the cell’s cytoplasm. Special properties of water are its high heat capacity and heat of vaporization, its ability to dissolve polar molecules, its cohesive and adhesive properties, and its dissociation into ions that leads to the generation of pH. Understanding these characteristics of water helps to elucidate its importance in maintaining life.
1. What is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is a type of water containing dissolved H2 gas, with no color, odor, or taste.
Hydrogen water, also known as hydrogen-infused water, is a type of water that contains dissolved H2 gas and possesses colorless, odorless, and tasteless properties. In terms of molecular structure, hydrogen water is enriched with additional hydrogen atoms, specifically H+ ions.
Simply put, this is purified water supplemented with hydrogen gas, but due to its higher-than-normal molecular content of H2, hydrogen water is recognized for providing various health benefits to consumers. It finds extensive applications in daily life and healthcare.
To measure the hydrogen content in water, experts use the unit ppb (parts per billion). According to specialists, the higher the ppb value, the better the quality of the water in terms of hydrogen concentration, contributing to its health-promoting properties.
pH Levels: Hydrogen water has a pH ranging from 7.0 to 11.5. Higher pH values indicate increased alkalinity in the water, helping neutralize acidity in the body. In contrast, normal water typically falls within a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5.
Dissolved Hydrogen Concentration: The average dissolved hydrogen concentration in Hydrogen water is between 400 – 600 ppb. Abundant Hydrogen water can have concentrations reaching 1300 – 1500 ppb, whereas regular water typically has almost zero hydrogen concentration.
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): Hydrogen water has a deeply negative ORP, averaging from -150mV to -600mV. This is in stark contrast to regular purified water, which has an ORP of 0 or a positive value.
The nutritional composition of Hydrogen water is similar to regular water:
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Additionally, depending on the source of Hydrogen water, the mineral and vitamin content may vary. This includes:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium sulfate
- Potassium
- Sodium sulfate
2. The health benefits of Hydrogen water
From a medical perspective, the utilization of hydrogen-rich water is regarded as an effective healthcare solution. The higher the hydrogen content in the water, the more beneficial it is considered. Ideally, for a positive impact on health, users should opt for hydrogen water with a dissolved hydrogen gas concentration of > 400 ppb.
In reality, many developed countries worldwide have begun acknowledging this type of water as a standard choice for direct consumption and widespread application. Meanwhile, in Japan, hydrogen water first emerged in 1931 and gained popularity in the 1950s. In the United States, their clean water standards have gradually shifted from excessively purified water to nutrient-rich and health-beneficial mineral waters – namely, Hydrogen water.
Hydrogen water brings numerous health benefits and is not only widely used in countries such as Japan and the United States but is also becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam.
And right below is the information explaining why hydrogen-rich water is highly regarded and widely used.
2.1. Provides antioxidant properties
Hydrogen water has a negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), averaging from -150mV to -600mV. Therefore, its antioxidant effects are attributed to its reducing capacity. Some potent oxidants interact with molecules in our bodies (such as proteins and nucleic acids), leading to oxidative stress. Hydrogen selectively binds with these harmful oxidants to prevent their accumulation, thus inhibiting the oxidation process.
A study conducted by Atsunori Nakao assessing the effectiveness of hydrogen-rich water on the antioxidant status of 20 subjects with potential metabolic syndrome revealed that consuming hydrogen-rich water for 8 weeks could enhance antioxidant activity and reduce oxidative stress in the participants.
2.2. Slows down the aging process
According to the Hydrogen research by Professor Dr. John G. Hwang (School of Medicine, Seoul National University), it has been demonstrated that H2 molecules can help neutralize excess acidity and slow down the aging process of cells.
In another 8-week study involving 49 liver cancer radiotherapy patients, the group consuming hydrogen-rich water daily was found to maintain higher antioxidant activity (1). This can be considered practical evidence acknowledging the significant benefits of this type of water in slowing down the aging process in humans.
Hydrogen water has been widely acknowledged in scientific research for its ability to prevent the aging process of the body.
2.3. Rapid mineral absorption, body hydration
In addition to H2 molecules, the water also contains abundant mineral content (Ca2+, K+, Na+, and Mg2+), providing beneficial nutrients for the body (2). Particularly, with ultra-small molecular sizes of only 0.5 nanometers, these components can easily permeate, allowing the body to receive an abundant source of mineral energy and enhance hydration efficiency. This is one of the main reasons why Hydrogen water has become a reliable companion for athletes.
Hydrogen water aids in the rapid absorption of minerals and effective hydration, making it highly beneficial for individuals engaging in physical activities.
2.4. Protects organs in the body
Free radicals in the body can promote reactions that damage cells. However, H2 molecules can neutralize them to prevent inflammation risks in organs throughout the body. This is evident in its ability to prevent cancer cell formation, protect the brain, safeguard the skin, and prevent complications like macular degeneration and retinal degeneration in the eyes.
H2 molecules can counteract free radicals, helping to prevent the invasion of diseases and inflammation to protect the internal organs of the body.
2.5. Supports treatment, reduces underlying symptoms
According to numerous medical reports, Hydrogen water is also effective in supporting treatment and reducing symptoms of various diseases. Examples include conditions related to pain, joint inflammation, Parkinson's syndrome, metabolic syndromes associated with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Positively supporting the treatment and alleviating symptoms and complications of underlying diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, etc., are significant benefits of Hydrogen water.
2.6. Other health benefits of Hydrogen water
Supports weight loss: Many scientists have demonstrated that, even without changing dietary habits, prolonged consumption of Hydrogen water has significant effects in aiding weight loss and controlling excess body fat.
Reducing side effects of radiation therapy: A study involving 49 individuals with liver cancer showed that drinking hydrogen-rich water for 6 weeks during radiation therapy could improve the quality of life during the treatment process.
Beauty benefits: Thanks to its rapid absorption through the skin, Hydrogen water helps slow down the aging process.
Food cleaning: Hydrogen water more effectively removes residual organic substances on the surface of food compared to tap water.
3. The drawbacks of Hydrogen water
In reality, current research reports acknowledge that Hydrogen-containing water has no harmful effects on the body. However, certain specific individuals, such as those with kidney disease, should avoid using Hydrogen water as it may create a precipitate environment, leading to the formation of kidney stones. Additionally, impaired kidney function can affect the body's ability to excrete water, diluting the sodium concentration in the blood and impacting health.
Conclusion:
From the analyses above, readers may have realized the practical benefits that Hydrogen water brings to health. Therefore, Mutosi encourages you to use Hydrogen water daily to enhance your health and physical well-being.