Oxidized Water, a relatively new entrant in the bottled water market, is created by infusing water with additional oxygen during the bottling or canning process. This product is marketed for its purported health benefits, including enhanced exercise recovery and improved metabolism of alcohol. However, scientific support for these claims remains limited. In this article, we will explore how oxygenated water is produced, its potential benefits and drawbacks, and its comparison with other types of water.
How to oxygenate drinking water?
The production of oxygenated water involves a process where oxygen is added to purified water, increasing its dissolved oxygen levels.
– Steps in the Production Process
1.Purification: Most oxygenated water begins with purified water, free from impurities such as chlorine, heavy metals, and nitrates.
2.Oxygen Infusion: During bottling, oxygen is introduced into the water. This can be done by increasing atmospheric pressure or through electrolysis.
3.Additional Ingredients: Some brands enhance their products by adding ingredients like caffeine, electrolytes, or hemp extract to appeal to consumers seeking performance benefits.
Potential Benefits of extra oxygen water
While research on extra oxygen water is still developing, several potential benefits have been suggested.
1. Promotes Hydration
One of the primary advantages of oxygenated water is its ability to encourage hydration. Many people may find themselves more inclined to drink water they believe is healthier than regular tap water. Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining body temperature, energy levels, and organ function.
2. Contains Additional Nutrients
Due to limited evidence supporting the health benefits of oxygenated water, many manufacturers add other beneficial ingredients. Common additions include caffeine and electrolytes, which are known to improve exercise performance, and hemp extract, which may help with anxiety and chronic pain.
3. Accelerates Alcohol Metabolism
Another proposed benefit is the potential for oxygenated water to enhance the metabolism of alcohol. A 2012 study found that oxygenated water may help reduce blood alcohol levels more quickly in individuals who consumed alcohol. This could be beneficial for those looking to recover from drinking episodes.
4. Enhances Lactate Clearance
Some proponents claim that oxygenated water can help clear lactate—a byproduct of high-intensity exercise—more efficiently from the body. A 2017 study indicated that consuming oxygenated water during training improved lactate clearance in athletes. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Drawbacks of Oxygenated Water
Despite the potential benefits, there are several notable setbacks associated with oxygenated water.
1. Limited Scientific Evidence
The most significant drawback is the lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the health claims made about oxygenated water. Many assertions are based on isolated studies, necessitating more comprehensive research to establish consistent results.
2. Quick Consumption Required
Once a bottle or can of oxygenated water is opened, the dissolved oxygen begins to escape rapidly. For optimal benefits, manufacturers often recommend consuming the water within 30 minutes of opening. This can be impractical for some consumers.
Comparing Oxygenated Water with Other Water Types
High oxygen water is generally cleaner than standard tap water due to the purification process it undergoes. However, it often tastes flatter than bottled spring or mineral waters because it lacks the gases that contribute to those flavors.
– Types of Bottled Water
– Tap Water: Generally less expensive but may contain impurities.
– Spring Water: Naturally sourced and often contains minerals.
– Mineral Water: Contains various minerals and has a distinct taste.
– Oxygenated Water: Purified water with added oxygen, often sold at a premium price with limited scientific backing.
Is Oxygenated Water Worth the Investment?
Given its higher cost and the limited evidence supporting its health benefits, oxygenated water may not be worth switching to exclusively. However, it could be beneficial to consume it before or during intense workouts if you believe it helps enhance performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxygenated Water
– Is Oxygenated Water Just a Gimmick?
While the health benefits of oxygenated water are not well-supported by science, it is not necessarily a gimmick. More research is needed to determine its efficacy compared to regular water.
– Does Oxygenated Water Taste Different from Regular Water?
Some brands claim that oxygenated water has a more pleasant taste due to higher oxygen levels. However, in reality, it may taste flatter than regular tap water because many dissolved gases have been removed during purification.
– What’s the Difference Between Alkaline and Oxygenated Water?
Alkaline water is treated to increase its pH level, while oxygenated water is simply purified water with added oxygen. The two types cannot be combined, as oxygenated alkaline water does not exist.
Scientific Insights on Oxygenated Water
Research indicates that while oxygenated water may sound beneficial, humans cannot absorb significant amounts of oxygen through the digestive system. Most studies show that the oxygen content in a bottle of oxygenated water is less than what can be obtained from a single breath of air.
– Key Research Findings
1.Limited Absorption: A 2017 report concluded that no studies have proven that oxygen in water can be absorbed effectively into the bloodstream via the gastrointestinal tract.
2.Comparative Studies: Research comparing oxygenated water to regular tap water found no significant differences in performance or oxygen intake among athletes.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Oxygenated Water
While oxidized water can help with hydration and may offer some benefits during exercise, the scientific evidence supporting its health claims is still lacking. Drinking water, in general, is essential for maintaining health and hydration. For those who enjoy oxygenated water, it can be a refreshing option, but it should not replace regular water consumption.
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Reference
1.7 Ways Water Benefits the Body
https://www.medicinenet.com/nutritional_health_water_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
2.What Is Oxygenated Water? Benefits, Uses, and Precautions
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/oxygenated-water#benefits
