As someone who’s researched water purification methods for years, I’ve seen countless trends come and go. Two options that consistently stand out are hydrogen water and reverse osmosis water.
Let’s explore these two water types in depth to help you make an informed decision about which might be best for you.
Understanding the Basics
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that removes contaminants from water by forcing it through a semipermeable membrane. This method effectively eliminates a wide range of impurities, including dissolved solids, bacteria, and even some viruses.
The RO process works by applying pressure to push water through the membrane, leaving contaminants behind. This results in highly purified water on one side and concentrated waste water on the other.
Hydrogen Water
Hydrogen water is regular water that’s been infused with extra hydrogen molecules. This process typically involves electrolysis or dissolving hydrogen gas in water.
The result is water with a higher concentration of molecular hydrogen than you’d find in regular tap water.
Proponents of hydrogen water claim it offers various health benefits because of it’s antioxidant properties. However, research in this area is still ongoing.
The Purification Importance of Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis has been a staple in water purification since the 1950s. It was initially developed for desalinating seawater but has since found widespread use in homes and industries worldwide.
Effectiveness Against Contaminants
RO systems excel at removing a large array of contaminants from water. These include:
- Dissolved salts and minerals
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic)
- Bacteria and viruses
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Pharmaceutical residues
For areas with known water quality issues, an RO system can provide peace of mind and significantly improve water safety.
The Mineral Dilemma
While RO’s ability to remove contaminants is impressive, it also removes useful minerals like calcium and magnesium. This mineral stripping is one of the main criticisms of RO water.
Some experts argue that drinking demineralized water long-term could potentially lead to mineral deficiencies. However, this topic stays debated in the scientific community.
Many people get enough minerals from their diet, making the loss of minerals in water less significant.
Water Efficiency Concerns
A significant drawback of RO systems is their water efficiency – or lack thereof. A typical RO system can waste 3-4 gallons of water for every gallon of purified water produced. In regions facing water scarcity, this waste can be a major concern.
Some newer RO systems have improved efficiency, but they still tend to use more water than other filtration methods.
The concept of using hydrogen-rich water for therapeutic purposes was first proposed in 2007 by Dr. Shigeo Ohta and his research team in Japan.
Potential Health Benefits
The purported benefits of hydrogen water primarily stem from it’s antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest it may:
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Improve athletic performance
- Slow down the aging process
- Support cardiovascular health
- Aid in managing certain metabolic conditions
A 2018 study published in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology found that drinking hydrogen-rich water for four weeks reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels in participants with metabolic syndrome.
The State of Research
While the potential benefits of hydrogen water are intriguing, it’s crucial to approach the claims with a critical eye. Much of the existing research has been conducted on a small scale or in animal studies.
More extensive, long-term human studies are needed to fully understand the effects and optimal dosage of hydrogen-rich water.
Production Methods
Hydrogen water can be produced in several ways:
- Electrolysis machines: These devices use electricity to split water molecules, creating hydrogen gas that’s then infused back into the water.
- Magnesium tablets: When dropped into water, these tablets react to release hydrogen gas.
- Hydrogen gas infusion: Some companies bubble hydrogen gas directly into water.
Each method has it’s pros and cons in terms of effectiveness, convenience, and cost.
Taste and Drinking Experience
The taste of water can significantly impact your drinking habits and overall hydration. Both RO and hydrogen water offer unique drinking experiences.
Reverse Osmosis Water
RO water, having been stripped of minerals, often has a flat or slightly acidic taste that some find unpleasant. This is because many of the naturally occurring minerals that give water it’s taste have been removed.
To address this issue, many RO systems include a remineralization stage. This process adds back some minerals, improving taste and potentially providing health benefits.
Hydrogen Water
Many users describe hydrogen water as having a lighter, more refreshing taste than regular water. Some report feeling more hydrated after drinking it, though this could be a placebo effect.
The taste of hydrogen water can vary depending on the production method and the quality of the original water source. Water produced by electrolysis tends to have a cleaner taste compared to tablet-produced hydrogen water.
Environmental Considerations
As our awareness of environmental issues grows, it’s important to consider the ecological impact of our water choices.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
RO systems have several environmental considerations:
- Water waste: As mentioned earlier, traditional RO systems can waste significant amounts of water.
- Energy use: RO systems need energy to operate, though the amount is generally small for home systems.
- Filter and membrane replacement: Regular maintenance generates plastic waste from used filters and membranes.
- Brine discharge: The concentrated waste water from RO systems can be problematic if not properly managed, especially in large-scale operations.
Hydrogen Water
The environmental impact of hydrogen water depends largely on how it’s produced:
- Electrolysis machines: These devices consume electricity, contributing to energy use.
- Bottled hydrogen water: If purchased pre-made, this option generates plastic waste and has a larger carbon footprint because of transportation.
- Hydrogen tablets: While convenient, these create packaging waste.
Home hydrogen water generators represent a more sustainable option compared to bottled hydrogen water, but they still consume energy and need occasional maintenance.
Cost Analysis
The financial aspect of choosing between RO and hydrogen water is an important consideration for many consumers.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
RO systems typically involve a higher upfront cost for installation but can provide a continuous supply of purified water at home. Costs to consider include:
- Initial system purchase and installation: $200 – $2000+
- Regular filter replacements: $50 – $200 annually
- Membrane replacement (every 2-5 years): $100 – $300
- Increased water bill because of waste water
Despite these costs, RO systems can be economical in the long run, especially if you now buy bottled water.
Hydrogen Water
The cost of hydrogen water can vary widely:
- Bottled hydrogen water: $2 – $5 per liter, making it significantly more expensive than regular bottled water.
- Home hydrogen water generators: $300 – $2000+ for the initial purchase, with minimal ongoing costs.
- Hydrogen tablets: $20 – $50 for a month’s supply, depending on usage.
While hydrogen water can be more expensive on a per-glass basis, home generators can make it more affordable in the long term.
Making the Choice: Factors to Consider
Choosing between reverse osmosis and hydrogen water depends on various factors:
- Water quality concerns: If your primary concern is removing contaminants, RO is likely the better choice.
- Health goals: If you’re intrigued by the potential antioxidant benefits of hydrogen water, it might be worth exploring.
- Taste preferences: Consider which type of water you’re more likely to enjoy drinking.
- Budget: Factor in both upfront and long-term costs.
- Environmental impact: Consider water waste, energy use, and plastic consumption.
- Space constraints: RO systems need more space than hydrogen water solutions.
- Mineral intake: If you’re concerned about mineral loss from RO water, consider your overall diet or look into remineralization options.
Combining Forces: A Hybrid Approach
An interesting option to consider is combining both methods. Some people use RO systems for thorough purification and then use hydrogen water generators to infuse the purified water with hydrogen.
This approach offers several advantages:
- Highly purified water free from contaminants
- Potential antioxidant benefits of hydrogen
- Control over mineral content through remineralization
- Improved taste compared to standard RO water
While this setup needs a larger initial investment, it provides a comprehensive water solution that addresses many concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hydrogen water differ from regular water?
Hydrogen water is regular water that has been infused with extra hydrogen molecules. This is typically done through electrolysis or by dissolving hydrogen gas in water.
The resulting water has a higher concentration of molecular hydrogen than regular tap water.
What are the potential benefits of drinking hydrogen water?
Some studies suggest that hydrogen water may have antioxidant properties that could reduce oxidative stress, improve athletic performance, support cardiovascular health, and help with managing certain metabolic conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits.
Is hydrogen water more hydrating than regular water?
While some users report feeling more hydrated after drinking hydrogen water, there’s now no scientific consensus that it’s more hydrating than regular water. The feeling of increased hydration could be because of other factors or a placebo effect.
Can I make hydrogen water at home?
Yes, you can make hydrogen water at home using various methods. These include using electrolysis machines, dropping magnesium tablets into water, or using hydrogen gas infusion devices.
Home hydrogen water generators typically cost between $300 and $2000.
What is reverse osmosis water?
Reverse osmosis water is water that has been purified through a process called reverse osmosis. This method uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane, removing a wide range of contaminants including dissolved solids, bacteria, and some viruses.
Is reverse osmosis water safe to drink long-term?
Reverse osmosis water is generally safe to drink long-term. However, because it removes minerals along with contaminants, some experts recommend remineralizing the water or ensuring adequate mineral intake through diet.
Does reverse osmosis remove useful minerals from water?
Yes, reverse osmosis does remove useful minerals from water along with contaminants. This is one of the main criticisms of RO water.
Some systems include a remineralization stage to address this issue.
How much does a reverse osmosis system cost?
The cost of a reverse osmosis system can vary widely, typically ranging from $200 to $2000 or more for initial purchase and installation. Ongoing costs include filter replacements and potentially higher water bills because of water waste during the filtration process.
Key Takeaways
- Reverse osmosis excels at removing contaminants and strips useful minerals.
- Hydrogen water offers potential antioxidant benefits, though more research is needed to fully understand it’s effects.
- Consider taste preferences, environmental impact, and cost when making your choice.
- Remineralization is important if you opt for reverse osmosis water.
- Combining RO and hydrogen infusion could provide a comprehensive water solution.