Learn about the potential benefits of drinking this antioxidant-rich H2O and if it lives up to the hype.
You already know that water is good for you — but is plain ol’ water cutting it? Some say that hydrogen water (also known as hydrogen-infused water or hydrogen-rich water) is a better idea if you’re looking to maximize your hydration, energy, and athletic performance, and reduce inflammation. Hydrogen Reformer
“Water already contains hydrogen, but hydrogen water is made by bubbling pure hydrogen gas into water,” says Gill Tietz, an adjunct chemistry professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. “It can also be made with electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.” Even with all that manipulation, the taste stays the same.
You don’t have to worry about doing that yourself, of course. Hydrogen water is readily available online or at the store, either as a packaged pouch or as tablets that you drop into water you already have.
You can also purchase your own hydrogen water bottle (such as the Echo Go+ Hydrogen Water Bottle, which adds hydrogen to regular water in 5 to 10 minutes) or, for a heftier price, a hydrogen water-making machine like the Echo Ultimate Hydrogen Water Machine.
The extra antioxidants can help you tap into a host of potential benefits.
The best hydrogen water bottle in terms of top Google searches seems to be the Echo Go+ Hydrogen Water Bottle. It costs $250, and because robust data doesn’t support whether there’s a benefit, experts say to hold off on the investment. “Because research is limited, I wouldn't be running out to purchase something like this,” Rissetto says.
If you do, however, keep in mind that it’s best not to leave the hydrogen water sitting out all day. “Hydrogen gas is a very small molecule, so it can easily escape through plastic or an open container,” Tietz says. “It's best to store it in a pouch and drink within 15 to 30 minutes of opening or making, if you're using an at-home machine.”
Hydrogen water isn’t the only amped-up water option out there. There’s also alkaline water, which has gotten a lot of buzz over the last few years. “Alkaline water supposedly has a higher pH than regular tap water and can neutralize acid in your bloodstream and prevent certain cancers and heart disease,” Rissetto says. “But, again, research is limited.” Ultimately, it’s similar to hydrogen water in that it won’t hurt you but may not help.
Bottom line: There’s no proof (yet) that hydrogen water lives up to the hype. “As a dietitian, I would recommend focusing on a balanced diet and adequate hydration with plain water,” Carli says. “While hydrogen water may offer some benefits, it's not essential for most people and may not be worth the cost compared to tap water.”
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