Hydrogen water is essentially normal water that has been infused with extra hydrogen gas. This gas, known as molecular hydrogen or H2, is naturally colorless, odorless, and tasteless. You might be wondering why add hydrogen to water in the first place.
Regular drinking water, as you probably know, is already composed of hydrogen and oxygen – two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom to be precise, hence its chemical formula H2O. The buzz around hydrogen water stems from the idea that adding more hydrogen could unlock additional health advantages beyond basic hydration. However, it’s important to note that the scientific exploration into these potential benefits is still in its early stages.
Hydrogen water is available commercially pre-bottled, ready to drink. Alternatively, for those wanting a continuous supply at home, there are devices available that can produce hydrogen water on demand, much like soda water makers carbonate regular water. You may also see hydrogen water referred to as hydrogen-rich water or hydrogenated water – they all mean the same thing.
Hydrogen Water Tablets
Another convenient method to create hydrogen water involves the use of hydrogen tablets. These tablets are designed to be dissolved in regular water, releasing hydrogen gas and transforming it into hydrogen water.
Hydrogen Water: Nutritional Profile
Nutritionally, hydrogen water mirrors regular water. It is a zero-calorie beverage, containing no carbohydrates, fats, or proteins.
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
The mineral and vitamin content can vary based on the water source and any potential additives from manufacturers. Some brands may add trace amounts of vitamins and minerals such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium sulfate
- Potassium
- Sodium sulfate
However, these are typically in very small quantities and are not the primary reason people consume hydrogen water.
Potential Health Benefits of Hydrogen Water
The scientific community is actively investigating the potential health benefits of drinking hydrogen water. While staying adequately hydrated with regular water is undeniably crucial for overall health, researchers are exploring whether the addition of molecular hydrogen offers supplementary advantages.
It’s widely acknowledged by medical professionals that more rigorous and extensive research is needed to conclusively confirm and understand the full spectrum of hydrogen water benefits. Nevertheless, preliminary studies suggest some promising possibilities:
May Help Reduce Radiation Therapy Side Effects
One study, involving 49 individuals undergoing radiation therapy for liver cancer, indicated that consuming hydrogen-rich water over a 6-week period during treatment might contribute to an improved quality of life.
Radiation therapy can often lead to a range of side effects, including:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Skin problems
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Soreness in the treated area
The study suggests hydrogen water may play a role in mitigating some of these discomforts, but further research is necessary to solidify these findings and understand the mechanisms involved.
