Ionized Water and ORP
What is Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP)?
Oxidation is what turns an apple brown after it is cut, or causes metal to rust. Rust weakens metal and oxidation signifies the deterioration of the apple. The process of oxidation “steals” electrons from the surface being oxidized, it is quite simply what we commonly recognise as burning, albeit happening much more slowly.
A “reducing” agent is simply something that inhibits or slows the process of oxidation. The reducing agent does this by “donating” an electron. When we measure something’s oxidation reduction potential, it is expressed in terms of –ORP and measures the concentration of OH- ions (or reducing agents). In its most basic form a reducing agent is an “antioxidant” i.e it reduces oxidation. Conversely. when we measure a something’s oxidizing potential, it is expressed in +ORP and measures the concentration of H+ ions or oxidizing agents.
The ORP of most tap water in the UK is between +200 to +600mv and so it is an oxidizing agent! High pH ionized water demonstrates a –ORP and so is a reducing agent or “antioxidant”. Most bottled waters are somewhat acidic (low pH) and also have higher ORPs (over +400mv). Again to put this in simple terms, anything which has a net oxidising effect causes us to 'burn up' or age, whilst anything we eat which has a net reducing effect causes an inhibition of this aging effect. To see an example of this just look at me - 5 years of drinking ionised water and taking care of my body and I look at least 5-8 years younger than my 'age'!
ORP is thus a “potential” energy that is stored and ready to be put to work. It’s not working just yet, but we know that the energy is there and we can measure it. Another way to look at this potential might be to look at pressure. If you blow up a balloon, and there is air pressure inside. As long as the balloon is closed, the pressure remains and can be measured. When released, this potential energy becomes kinetic energy.
In electrical terms, potential energy can also be measured. When we use the term “potential” in describing ORP, we are actually talking about electrical potential as expressed in millivolts. This potential is measured in water with an ORP meter. What you measure is the very slight voltage in water. We are actually measuring the presence of oxidizing or reducing agents by their specific electrical charge, thus Oxidation Reduction “Potential”. High pH water has more “reducing” agents (-ORP) and low pH water has more oxidizing agents (+ORP).
Actually, we can usefully consider the human body in terms of it's storage potential of electrical energy - we quite literally are a biological alkaline battery (just like a Duracell). So, it is no wonder that we feel 'flat' or 'run down' if we become too acidic - we no longer can hold a charge!
Aging or premature aging is a process of oxidation within the body. In other words the body rusts and is damaged by oxidation. As in the cute diagram above, the antioxidant molecule has an extra electron which it donates to the free radical, effectively neutralizing it. This is what is so important to our health and longevity. This antioxidant effect is known as Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP).
To recap, air, food and water all have an Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) value which can be measured by an ORP meter which is a millivolt measurement of either negative and positive electrical values. The higher the negative ORP value, the healthier something is for us and the more powerfully it can neutralize free radicals.
What does ORP in Water do for us?
Through having a negative ORP and through producing hydroxyl ions, Ionized water helps with oxygen production, neutralises harmful free radicals, increases your energy level, corrects your body’s acid/alkaline balance, hydrates cells and in general reduces many of the symptoms of aging.
Many millions of pounds are spent on the antioxidants vitamins A, C and E, yet many billions again are spent on buying bottled water that is over 100 times more acidic than regular water, and which is unable to be ionized because all the essential alkalising minerals have been taken out.
What vitamins A, C and E have in common with ionized water is they are capable of carrying oxygen with an extra electron attached. In the Ionized Water the hydroxyl ions seek out and neutralise free radicals. This is very important since free radicals are what cause damage to our cells and bring about disease and (premature) aging. When the antioxidant hydroxyl ions have neutralised the free radicals, the result is a body rich in oxygen and energy, this is because a by product of this chemical process is actually the release of oxygen - yet another way in which the miraculous effects of ionised water assist our body to stay healthy.
In our modern world oxygen levels are depleted due to stress, environmental pollution, diet and lack of exercise. Oxygen helps to destroys cancer cells, removes waste, carries nutrients and also helps in resisting bacteria and viruses that invade your body. A glass of ionized water first thing in the morning is a wonderful way to greet every day.
A high positive ORP (such as found in most bottled and tap water) creates oxidation and accelerates the aging process. In comparison, when you drink clean, ionized water you are drinking a powerful and natural antioxidant that renews us at the cellular level. How amazing it is that so much is spent on doctors, pills and cosmetics which dehydrate and acidify our body.
If you make fresh organic juice you will have in your glass an antioxidant with a -250 ORP. Yet ionized water from a Jupiter water ionizer will give a greater -ORP and you will be able to drink and enjoy as much as you need throughout the day without any negative side effects. If you slow the water flow down you will notice that your glass will have hundreds of very small bubbles floating in it. These bubbles are the hydroxyl ions and why your water now carries a negative ORP. When water is stored for over a day it 'relaxes' and loses some of this property, so by drinking your oxygen-rich, antioxidant ionized water straight from your alkaline ioniser you gain the most benefit.
Research states that the ideal level for drinking alkaline water is between pH8.5 – pH9.5 with an ORP of at least -250mv. It is relatively un-important if an ionizer creates big -ORP numbers at really high levels of pH, as for most people, water over a pH10 begins to acquire an unpleasant taste due to the heavy concentration of minerals. What is important is drinking water at the mildly alkaline levels of pH8.5 – pH9.5 with good -ORP. Of course, Jupiter Ionizers will create the big –ORP numbers at the higher pH ranges, but they are primarily designed to give you the best ORP at the lower levels of pH.