What is Hydrogen Water?
Hydrogen water is simply regular water (H₂O) that has been infused with extra molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). The hydrogen gas is a selective antioxidant, meaning it is meant to help combat harmful free radicals in the body without harming beneficial molecules. The process of infusing water with hydrogen does not fundamentally change the water’s core chemical structure (H₂O), but rather adds a dissolved gas to it, similar to how carbonated water has carbon dioxide added. The beneficial effects, supported by a growing body of research, suggest it can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
How is Hydrogen Water Produced?
There are several methods for creating hydrogen water, each with its own benefits and costs. Home users can utilize a portable hydrogen generator, which performs electrolysis by passing an electric current through water to separate hydrogen and oxygen and infuse the hydrogen back into the water. Another popular method is using dissolvable tablets that contain magnesium and react with water to release molecular hydrogen. These methods are often favored for their convenience and ability to create a consistent concentration of molecular hydrogen. For pre-packaged options, companies infuse hydrogen gas directly into water and store it in sealed containers, typically aluminum, to prevent the gas from escaping.
What is Structured Water?
Structured water, also referred to as hexagonal water or Exclusion Zone (EZ) water, is proposed to have a unique, organized hexagonal molecular arrangement. Proponents of structured water suggest that it is a 'fourth phase' of water, with the chemical formula H₃O₂, and that it can be found in pristine, natural sources like mountain springs and within our body’s cells. This unique structure is theorized to enhance cellular hydration and improve overall energy, though scientific consensus is limited.
How is Structured Water Produced?
Producing structured water often involves methods intended to mimic natural processes. A popular technique is vortexing, which swirls water rapidly to replicate the movement found in natural rivers and streams. Other methods include:
- Exposure to natural light: Placing a glass container of water in sunlight or moonlight.
- Using minerals and crystals: Adding specific stones, like quartz or shungite, to the water.
- Magnetic forces: Passing water through a magnetic field, sometimes as part of a dedicated structuring device.
Unlike hydrogen water, the process for structuring water is not about adding a new element, but rather about reorganizing the water molecules themselves. The stability of this structure and its purported health benefits lack robust, third-party scientific evidence and remain a topic of alternative health discussions.
Hydrogen Water vs. Structured Water: A Comparison
To highlight the fundamental differences between these two trendy wellness waters, let's look at a side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | Hydrogen Water | Structured Water |
|---|---|---|
| Core Concept | Infused with molecular hydrogen gas (H₂) for antioxidant benefits. | Molecularly rearranged into a hexagonal structure (H₃O₂). |
| Molecular Formula | H₂O with dissolved H₂ gas. | Purported H₃O₂, also known as Exclusion Zone (EZ) water. |
| Scientific Backing | Supported by a growing body of animal and human studies regarding its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. | Largely theoretical; robust scientific evidence is lacking and claims are debated within the mainstream scientific community. |
| Mechanism of Action | Provides extra molecular hydrogen, a selective antioxidant, to neutralize harmful free radicals. | Claims to improve cellular hydration and energy transfer via its unique molecular arrangement. |
| Production Methods | Electrolysis (generators) or dissolving magnesium-based tablets. | Vortexing, exposure to light or magnets, or adding specific minerals. |
| Stability | Hydrogen gas dissipates over time, requiring consumption soon after preparation. | Claims a semi-stable state, but its longevity is debated and can be undone by filtration or external forces. |
Conclusion
While both hydrogen water and structured water exist within the wellness space, they are distinctly different products based on divergent scientific principles. Hydrogen water is infused with molecular hydrogen gas and is supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research for its potential antioxidant effects. Structured water, on the other hand, is a theoretical 'fourth phase' of water with an organized hexagonal structure, and its health benefits currently lack substantial scientific validation. For consumers seeking evidence-backed hydration enhancement, hydrogen water presents a clearer, more scientifically grounded option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on one's personal health goals and reliance on scientific evidence versus alternative health theories. While hydrogen water has shown promising results in initial studies, regular, clean water remains a perfectly effective way to stay hydrated.
For more in-depth scientific reviews on molecular hydrogen, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) research database to review peer-reviewed studies available.
