What is Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP)?
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), also known as Redox Potential, is a measurement of the electrical charge in a liquid, indicating its ability to oxidize or reduce another substance. This is measured in millivolts (mV) using an ORP meter. The underlying principle is the continuous exchange of electrons between substances. Substances that readily accept electrons are oxidizing agents and have a positive ORP value. Conversely, substances that donate electrons are reducing agents, or antioxidants, and have a negative ORP value.
For example, when you slice an apple, it turns brown due to oxidation, a process where it loses electrons to the oxygen in the air. In contrast, a substance with a negative ORP can help counteract this process by donating its electrons. In the context of the human body, oxidation creates free radicals that can damage cells, a process called oxidative stress. Antioxidants, with their negative ORP, neutralize these free radicals by supplying them with electrons, thereby stabilizing them.
How Kangen Water® Achieves a Negative ORP
Kangen water® is created using an in-home water ionizer machine through a process called electrolysis. The machine filters tap water and then passes it over platinum-coated titanium plates. An electrical current splits the water into two streams:
- Alkaline/Reduced Water: This water, which becomes Kangen water, is produced at the cathode (negatively charged electrode). It has a negative ORP and is rich in molecular hydrogen. The negative ORP means it is capable of donating electrons, giving it antioxidant properties.
- Acidic/Oxidized Water: This stream is produced at the anode (positively charged electrode) and has a positive ORP. This water is not for drinking but is marketed for other uses, such as cleaning.
The negative ORP reading of Kangen water is often highlighted by its producers and advocates as a key health benefit, with claims that it can be as low as -400 to -800 mV. It's important to note that this is not the same as bottled alkaline water, which achieves its alkalinity by adding minerals and does not necessarily have a negative ORP.
The Role of Molecular Hydrogen
While ORP is a key metric, the antioxidant effect of Kangen water is largely attributed to the presence of dissolved molecular hydrogen ($H_2$). During the electrolysis process, molecular hydrogen is produced at the cathode and infused into the alkaline water. Molecular hydrogen is a potent and selective antioxidant, capable of neutralizing the most harmful free radicals, specifically the hydroxyl radical ($OH·$). Because of its small size, it can diffuse quickly and effectively across cell membranes, delivering its antioxidant power directly where it's needed.
Comparison of Water Types and Their ORP
To better understand the significance of Kangen water's ORP, it's helpful to compare it to other common water types. Different waters have varying ORP levels, which directly affect their potential to act as oxidizing or reducing agents within the body.
| Water Type | Typical ORP Range (mV) | Redox Potential | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kangen Water® | -200 to -800 | Reducing/Antioxidant | Produced by electrolysis; rich in molecular hydrogen. |
| Tap Water | +200 to +400 | Oxidizing | Contains dissolved oxygen and other oxidizing agents. |
| Bottled Water | +200 to +400 | Oxidizing | Often has a positive ORP and can be acidic. |
| Sodas/Soft Drinks | >+400 | Strongly Oxidizing | Highly acidic and oxidizing, contributing to oxidative stress. |
| Green Tea | -100 to -200 | Reducing/Antioxidant | Contains natural antioxidants but less potent than Kangen water, according to some claims. |
Considerations and Scientific Perspective
While the negative ORP and potential antioxidant benefits of Kangen water are promoted by distributors, it's important to view these claims through a balanced scientific lens. A negative ORP in water does indicate a higher reducing potential, but the actual health effects within the human body are a subject of ongoing research. The Molecular Hydrogen Institute notes that the health benefits of electrolyzed reduced water are primarily due to the dissolved molecular hydrogen, which is the most active antioxidant component.
Critics of ionized water point out that factors such as water source, the lifespan of the negative ORP, and the concentration of molecular hydrogen can vary. The negative ORP is also a temporary property and diminishes over time as the dissolved hydrogen escapes the water, making it crucial to consume the water fresh from the ionizer. For individuals considering Kangen water for specific health reasons, such as neutralizing acid reflux, studies have indicated some positive effects, though more comprehensive, long-term studies are needed. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or hydration regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like kidney disease.
Conclusion
In summary, the ORP in Kangen water refers to its negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential, a metric that indicates its ability to act as a reducing agent or antioxidant. This negative charge is created through the electrolysis process, which also infuses the water with molecular hydrogen. The resulting water is promoted for its ability to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. While Kangen water enthusiasts tout significant health benefits, it's important to understand the science behind these claims and recognize that the negative ORP is a transient property. The conversation around Kangen water's ORP highlights the broader interest in water quality and its impact on overall wellness, encouraging consumers to be well-informed when considering new health trends.
Resources
Keypoints
- ORP Definition: Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) measures a liquid's tendency to oxidize (gain electrons, positive ORP) or reduce (donate electrons, negative ORP) other substances, measured in millivolts (mV).
- Negative ORP in Kangen Water: Kangen water has a negative ORP, meaning it possesses antioxidant properties and is a reducing agent.
- Electrolysis Process: Kangen water achieves its negative ORP through electrolysis, which uses an electric current to split water into alkaline (negative ORP) and acidic (positive ORP) components.
- Molecular Hydrogen: The antioxidant effect of negative ORP water is largely attributed to dissolved molecular hydrogen ($H_2$), which is a small and selective antioxidant.
- Health Claims: Proponents claim the negative ORP helps neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and offers other health benefits, though scientific consensus is still developing.
- ORP vs. Alkalinity: Kangen water's negative ORP is different from simple alkaline water, which is often created by adding minerals and does not necessarily have a negative ORP.
- ORP Instability: The negative ORP of Kangen water is a temporary property that diminishes as the dissolved molecular hydrogen escapes, so it should be consumed fresh.
- Informed Consideration: While the potential antioxidant properties are interesting, potential buyers should understand the science and consult healthcare professionals before committing to an expensive water ionizer.
FAQs
Question: What is a 'negative ORP' in water? Answer: A negative ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential) indicates that the water has a surplus of electrons and acts as a reducing, or anti-oxidizing, agent. This property is associated with neutralizing free radicals.
Question: How does a Kangen machine create a negative ORP? Answer: A Kangen machine uses electrolysis, an electrical process that splits water into two streams. The alkaline water with the negative ORP is collected at the cathode, while the acidic water is produced at the anode.
Question: Is negative ORP the same as alkalinity? Answer: No. While Kangen water is both alkaline and has a negative ORP, a negative ORP is an electrical property related to its antioxidant potential, whereas alkalinity is a measure of pH. Not all alkaline waters have a negative ORP.
Question: What is the typical ORP of Kangen water? Answer: Proponents claim Kangen water can have a significantly negative ORP, with values ranging from -400 to -800 mV when fresh. This varies based on the machine settings and the source water.
Question: Do the negative ORP and hydrogen content last forever? Answer: No, the negative ORP and the concentration of dissolved molecular hydrogen are temporary. The hydrogen gas can escape from the water over time, causing the ORP to diminish. For the best effect, it is recommended to drink the water fresh.
Question: What is the difference between Kangen water and regular tap water in terms of ORP? Answer: Regular tap water typically has a positive ORP (often +200 to +400 mV), indicating it is an oxidizing agent. Kangen water, by contrast, has a negative ORP, meaning it acts as a reducing agent.
Question: Are there any scientific studies on the benefits of drinking negative ORP water? Answer: Some studies have explored the effects of electrolyzed reduced water and molecular hydrogen, noting potential antioxidant effects. However, research is still ongoing, and more definitive studies are needed to confirm the long-term health benefits for humans.
Question: Can I get negative ORP water from bottled alkaline water? Answer: Most bottled alkaline waters achieve their high pH by adding minerals, not through electrolysis. They typically do not have a negative ORP and, in some cases, may even have a positive one.
