Hydrogen water is regular water infused with molecular hydrogen gas (H2), which is tasteless, colorless, and odorless. While regular water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O), adding extra hydrogen is believed to offer health benefits. Hydrogen water can be purchased pre-bottled or produced at home using specialised systems, similar to carbonation devices.
Why hydrogenated water?
Hydrogen water supports health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria called hydrophiles, which are essential for nutrient absorption and digestive health. It also enhances the absorption of nutrients and supplements by aiding enzymes in breaking down food more efficiently through the “lock and key” method.
Plain water already contains hydrogen, but proponents of hydrogen water claim that the additional molecular hydrogen (H2) offers extra health benefits. They argue that adding more H2 enhances water’s antioxidant properties, helping to fight inflammation and neutralize free radicals that damage cells. This is believed to contribute to the health and anti-aging benefits of hydrogen water.
Benefits of hydrogenated water
- Lowers your inflammation
Hydrogen water may reduce inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases. A 2020 study found that drinking 1.5 liters of hydrogen water daily for four weeks enhanced antioxidant levels and reduced inflammation compared to regular water. Another study showed that 24 weeks of hydrogen water improved inflammation markers in those with metabolic syndrome. - Reduce your oxidative stress
Hydrogen water reduces oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular hydrogen (H2) acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and inflammation, and potentially lowering the risk of chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress. - Improve your metabolic health
A 2020 study found that markers of metabolic health, such as glucose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and inflammation, improved after 24 weeks of high-concentration hydrogen water supplementation. The researchers suggested it could be a useful adjunct therapy but emphasised that it should not replace conventional treatments.
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References:
- Dhillon, G., Buddhavarapu, V., Grewal, H., Sharma, P., Verma, R. K., Munjal, R., Devadoss, R., & Kashyap, R. (2024, January 12). Hydrogen water: Extra healthy or a hoax?-a systematic review. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10816294/
- WebMD. (n.d.-a). Hydrogen water: Health benefits and side effects. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/hydrogen-water-health-benefits
- LDN, I. V. R. (2024, March 29). Is hydrogen water better for you than regular water?. Health. https://www.health.com/hydrogen-water-8606666
