In a world where water quality is increasingly scrutinized for its impacts on health and well-being, a concept emerges: energized water.
This notion, sometimes shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding, evokes both curiosity and scepticism. What is energized water? How can it be differentiated from structured or magnetized water? And what are the realities and myths surrounding it?
Through this article, we will delve into the heart of water energization, exploring its methods, potential benefits, and the scientific debates that accompany it.
What is energized water?
First of all, it should be noted that you will find in many publications a very broad definition of energized water. Indeed, any intervention on water quality (filtration, purification, disinfection, etc.) can be considered a process of energizing water.
But here, we will focus on a definition whereby energized water refers to water that has undergone a specific treatment: the passage of water through a vortex, thus creating a whirlpool intended to replicate the natural movements of water (in rivers, streams, waterfalls, etc.). This phenomenon would (the conditional is important here) have the effect of reoxygenating the water or changing its molecular configuration, thereby attributing distinct and unique characteristics to the ‘vortexed’ water.
Energized water: a restructured water?
Energization would modify the distribution of water molecules, resulting in a more ordered structure. This modification, called “restructuring”, is supposed to confer different properties to the water.
Scientific studies have shown that the energization of water can create smaller or larger water clusters. However, the exact nature of this modification is not yet well understood.
The effects of this modification of the molecular structure on the properties of water are also not well understood. Some studies have shown that the energization of water can improve hydration, digestion, and energy, but other studies have found no beneficial effect.
In conclusion, energization of water likely modifies the molecular structure of water, but the exact nature of this modification and its effects on the properties of water are not yet well understood.
Energized water, a reoxygenated water?
One of the properties of the water energization process is an increase in dissolved oxygen content. This increase in oxygen content can have health benefits, such as better hydration and increased energy.
Thus, the energization of water would allow for reoxygenation by circulating the water at high speed, which allows oxygen to dissolve more easily in it.
However, it is important to note that the energization of water cannot add oxygen to water that does not already contain it. If the water is already saturated with oxygen, energization will have no effect on the oxygen content. In this regard, it is important to understand that tap water is injected into networks saturated with oxygen, and thus cannot be “enhanced” in its dissolved oxygen level.
Here are some studies that have shown that the energization of water can reoxygenate it:
- A study published in 2017 in the journal “Water” showed that the energization of water could increase the dissolved oxygen content by 10%. (+ link)
- Another study, published in 2018 in the journal “Food Science and Nutrition”, showed that the energization of water could increase the dissolved oxygen content by 15%. (+ link)
If these studies show that the energization of water would be an effective method for reoxygenating water, they still require further studies to confirm these results.
Methods of energizing water: Vortexers and other energizers
The energization of your tap water or bottled water can be done through various means. Among the most popular and widely used are vortexers and energizers.
The Vortexers
Vortexers are devices designed to create whirling movement in water, thus simulating the natural movements of water in rivers or waterfalls. This vortex process, in theory, restructures the molecular distribution of water, thus conferring new properties to it. Vortexers vary in design, ranging from simple models for home use to more complex systems for larger-scale use.
Other water energizers
In addition to vortexers, there are other energizers that use various techniques claiming to modify the structure of water. While the purpose of this article is to focus on ‘mechanical’ methods such as the vortexer described above, be aware that other devices employ magnetic fields or sound frequencies.
Others rely on more esoteric methods, such as the incorporation of crystals or specific geometric shapes. These methods, although less conventional, attract an audience seeking alternative means to improve their water quality.
Effectiveness and controversy
It is important to emphasize that, despite the growing popularity of these devices, the actual effectiveness of water energization by these means remains a subject of debate. The scientific evidence supporting claims of beneficial changes in the structure of water is limited.
The effects of energized water on health: a mixed assessment
Scientific studies have been conducted to assess the effects of energized water on human health. The results of these studies are mixed.
Some studies have shown that energized water can have beneficial effects on health, such as better hydration, improved digestion, and increased energy.
For example, a study published in 2017 in the journal “Journal of Functional Foods” showed that energized water was absorbed more quickly by the body than ordinary water. This study also showed that energized water could improve digestion by increasing the production of digestive juices.
Another study, published in 2018 in the journal “Frontiers in Nutrition”, showed that energized water could increase energy by increasing ATP production, the body’s main energy source.
However, other studies found no beneficial effect of energized water.
For instance, a study published in 2019 in the journal “Phytotherapy Research” found no difference between energized water and ordinary water in terms of hydration, digestion, or energy.
In general, science has not yet concluded whether energized water is beneficial for health. Studies that have shown beneficial effects need to be confirmed.
In summary, individuals who wish to try energized water can do so, but it is important not to expect miraculous results for your well-being. Energized water is a safe drink, but there is no conclusive scientific evidence that it is more beneficial for health than ordinary water.
Be cautious nonetheless: if you “energize” filtered or osmosis water, the absence of chlorine makes it susceptible to any bacteria that may be present in the air (energization involves stirring ambient air into the water). In this case, you risk contamination by a microorganism introduced by this “enhancement” step. It is up to you to weigh the benefit/risk ratio.
Beyond energized water: magnetized water, informed water, or structured water!
In the vast universe of purification and water enhancement, energized water is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several other concepts, often surrounded by debates and scepticism, that deserve exploration.
Magnetized water
Magnetized water is water that has been exposed to magnetic fields. This exposure is said to reorganize the water molecules, thus promoting better absorption of minerals and increased hydration. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited, and many experts consider the benefits of magnetized water to be more anecdotal than established science.
Informed water
An even more abstract concept is that of informed water. According to its proponents, water can be “informed” or “programmed” with certain frequencies or energies, which are supposed to transfer specific benefits to those who consume it. However, this concept is based on principles that diverge significantly from current scientific knowledge and is often regarded as falling within the realm of pseudoscience.
Structured Water
Structured water is another popular idea, suggesting that water can be restructured to enhance its harmony and “biocompatibility.” It can sometimes be confused with or associated with energized water.
Methods for structuring water vary, ranging from the use of special devices that claim to rearrange water molecules through physical or magnetic forces, to more mystical processes involving crystals or specific energies. Proponents of this idea assert that through this restructuring, hydration and overall health would be improved. However, just like the other concepts mentioned, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is rare and often subject to controversy.
In conclusion, while these concepts are intriguing and may offer some experimental or anecdotal value, it is important to approach these ideas with a critical mind. Current science does not provide solid evidence supporting the extraordinary claims made about magnetized, informed, or structured water. For those interested in these types of water, it is advisable to consider them with caution and not to expect miraculous results for health and well-being.
In conclusion…
As research continues to explore these areas, it is essential for consumers to approach these solutions (such as vortexers and other energizers) with a critical and informed mind, recognizing both the possibilities they offer and the limits of our current understanding.
It is also important to understand that water is a food, undoubtedly the most important for our body. Thus, just as with food in general, one should avoid consuming “ultra-processed water” (e.g., sediment filter + carbon filter + reverse osmosis + energizing + remineralization + UVC). Just like with ultra-processed food, ultra-processed water should be reserved for situations that necessitate it: travel, temporary pollution of tap water, etc…
Ultimately, whether one chooses to experiment with energized water or stick to traditional water, it is crucial to remain attentive to future scientific developments and to maintain a balanced approach, combining open-mindedness and healthy skepticism, in our ongoing quest for better health and well-being.
Also read: The most common water filtration methods: advantages and disadvantages
