Water with hydrogen gas, or simply "hydrogen water", is a beverage that's been receiving a lot of hype lately. Still, many people don't know what hydrogen water is, let alone its advantages. Some have limited knowledge about it, enough to strike their interest in the product, but want to find out more to decide whether to give it a try. If you're one of those people, you're in the right place!
First things first: What is hydrogen water?
Hydrogen water is as simple as it sounds; it's just plain water with additional hydrogen.
You may be wondering, "Why did this beverage come into existence in the first place? What's the point of adding extra hydrogen to water when it already contains it?"
The hyped-up claims
It's believed that the added hydrogen gives your body a boost, owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It doesn't change the water's pH or chemical structure; it exists freely in the water and (supposedly) turns your cells into an antioxidant factory when you ingest it.
One way to put it is: In regular water, the hydrogen molecule is chemically bonded to the oxygen, making it not so easily accessible to the body. Whereas in hydrogen water, the extra or loose hydrogen makes it easy for the cells to absorb it.
Benefits of hydrogen water
Knowing the benefits of hydrogen water can help you decide whether it's worth the try or not.
- Energy booster
It may work as an energy booster.
In studies performed on humans, participants experienced an enormous energy boost after drinking hydrogen water as energy-producing enzymes in their cells increased. This puts hydrogen water as a healthier, cheaper, and safer alternative to energy drinks. How cool is that?
- Antioxidant Effects
Oxidative stress is the cause of many minor and major diseases, ranging from premature aging to cancer. It's also a cause of inflammation that damages the cells, making the body susceptible to ailments such as diabetes, brain disorders, and heart diseases.
One of the most extraordinary claims about hydrogen water is that it has remarkable antioxidant properties. This means that it can protect the body from oxidative stress and indirectly shield ourselves from the diseases mentioned above.
- Improved Athletic Performance
Hydrogen water is often marketed with the claim that it enhances athletic performance. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can improve energy and reduce fatigue.
Many athletes resort to hydrogen water to increase their exercise recovery, power output, and overall performance.
Should you trust the hype?
Although some of the health claims related to hydrogen water are proven through studies, there is still no concrete scientific evidence to support them. Hydrogen water is generally safe to use and has no apparent side effects, but there are no standard dosage instructions to reap the potential benefits. Therefore, it's up to you to decide whether you want to trust the hype or wait for more research.
The bottom line
Viewing the potential benefits of hydrogen water, it appears that it may become a groundbreaking addition in the wellness industry.