Kangen Water vs Hydrogen Water: What’s the Real Difference
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
|Did you know that water makes up approximately 70% of your body weight and 80% of the brain tissue? That means water isn't just important—it's essential fuel for your body and mind. It can do wonders for your health.
But what if the water you drink could offer even more? Maybe it’s time to upgrade from regular water to something that supports your body on a deeper level.
With rising concerns about impurities in regular tap water, people are now embracing a new wave of healthier hydration options. In recent years, there’s been a surge in the popularity of specialty waters like alkaline water (including Kangen Water) and hydrogen water, both praised for their potential health benefits. But the question arises: What is the real difference between kangen water and hydrogen water?
In this article, we will explore Kangen Water vs. Hydrogen Water, their benefits, which one is more beneficial for your health, and how it can be a game-changer for your wellbeing.
What is Kangen Water?
The term "kangen" is a Japanese word (還元) that means "return to origin," which reflects water's role in health and wellbeing. Kangen water is a type of alkaline water produced by a Japanese company called Enagic and a machine called Electrolysis. It separates regular tap water into alkaline and acidic components.
What are the Properties of Kangen Water?
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Hydrogen Rich: Kangen water contains a high concentration of active hydrogen, considered an efficient antioxidant that diffuses rapidly across cell membranes, neutralizes harmful free radicals, and suppresses oxidative stress.
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Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP): Kangen water exhibits a negative ORP. When a substance shows a high ORP value (in positive numbers), it has a higher oxidizing potential and works better for external use. On the other hand, a low ORP value (in negative numbers) indicates a higher anti-oxidizing potential, making it more suitable for oral consumption.
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pH: Your body needs to maintain a pH balance. In simple words, if the pH is more than 7, it is considered alkaline, and below 7, it is considered acidic. The pH level of Kangen water typically ranges between 8.0 and 9.5, which is less acidic than regular water.
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Tiny water molecules: Kangen water has smaller water clusters, called hexagonal water, that help with deeper hydration at the cellular level, faster absorption of nutrients, and removal of toxins from the body.
What is Hydrogen Water?
As the name suggests, hydrogen water is regular water enriched with additional molecular hydrogen. Molecular hydrogen is the smallest and lightest molecule, making it easy for the body to absorb. It is renowned for its antioxidant properties, which may help neutralize harmful free radicals. This type of water, also known as hydrogen-rich water, is gaining popularity for its potential to support energy levels, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery after exercise.
What are the Properties of Hydrogen Water?
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Antioxidant effects: Hydrogen water is considered to be one of the best antioxidants. A pilot study involving 20 participants showed that hydrogen water helps increase antioxidant activity in the body, which means it helps fight harmful free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. It is beneficial for those with early signs of metabolic health issues.
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Anti-inflammatory effects: Hydrogen water contains anti-inflammatory properties. A clinical trial involving 20 healthy adults showed that it reduces inflammation in the body and protects blood cells from dying.
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Anti-apoptotic effects: Did you know that radiation often causes harmful side effects to your body, including cell death (apoptosis) and increased oxidative stress? In a clinical trial with 49 liver cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, some patients drank hydrogen-rich water. The patients who consumed the hydrogen water had less damage to their healthy cells and better tolerance to radiation.
Kangen Water vs Hydrogen Water
|
Feature |
Kangen water |
Hydrogen water |
|
pH |
More than regular tap water (between 8.0 - 9.5) |
Neutral (7 pH) |
|
Molecule ions |
Kangen water forms larger clusters that enhance surface-level hydration. |
Hydrogen water uses tiny molecules that penetrate cells for deep antioxidant support. |
|
Primary components |
Alkaline minerals and molecular hydrogen |
Molecular hydrogen without significant changes to other mineral contents |
|
ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) |
Lower (Negative) |
Lower (Negative) |
|
Antioxidant effects |
Efficient antioxidant properties |
More powerful antioxidant effects |
|
Production |
Enagic's electrolysis device produces Kangen water by filtering tap water to remove impurities, then passing it through an electrolysis chamber with platinum-coated titanium electrodes. The electric current splits the water into two streams: alkaline water (Kangen water) with high hydroxide ions (OH-) and hydrogen gas (H2), and acidic water with high hydrogen ions (H+). |
There are two main ways to make hydrogen water: Bubbling hydrogen gas: Pure hydrogen gas is bubbled into water, dissolving without changing its taste or appearance. Electrolysis: Electricity splits water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen, capturing the hydrogen and dissolving it back into the water. |
|
Health benefits |
Helps reduce free radicals, suppress oxidative stress, promotes hydration, and overall health. |
Helps reduce harmful free radicals, enhances cognitive health, boosts gut health, improves physical performance, and supports various health benefits. |
|
Safety |
Not recommended for everyone; especially those having kidney related issues |
Considered safe for everyone and even for those having kidney related problems |
Let’s explore in detail the health benefits of both kangen water and hydrogen water one by one
What are the Benefits of Kangen Water?
- Detoxification: The pH level of Kangen water typically ranges between 8.0 and 9.5, which means it is alkaline, helps neutralize acidity, and supports toxin elimination.
- Antioxidant properties: Helps neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.
- Deeper Hydration: Kangen water has smaller water clusters, called hexagonal water, that help with deeper hydration at the cellular level, faster absorption of nutrients, and removal of toxins from the body.
What are the Benefits of Hydrogen Water?
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Boost your gut health naturally:
A healthy gut doesn't just help digestion—it strengthens your immune system and uplifts your mood!
A review article titled "Hydrogen-rich water as a modulator of gut microbiota" summarizes research showing that drinking hydrogen-rich water may help shift gut microbiota toward a healthier balance. It highlights that HRW consumption in adults can increase beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful strains, contributing to improved digestive health and reduced oxidative stress.
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Improves muscle recovery:
Muscle soreness after workouts isn’t just from overdoing it—it’s oxidative stress at play. However, drinking hydrogen-rich water before or during exercise may help reduce fatigue and also enhance energy production in the cells.
A narrative review highlights that hydrogen-rich water helps reduce fatigue, improve endurance, lower muscle damage and inflammation after intense workouts.
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Supports blood sugar:
Unstable blood sugar isn’t just a diabetes issue—it affects energy, focus, and weight.
Clinical trials have shown that daily consumption of hydrogen water helps regulate blood sugar and improves lipid metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
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Protects skin cells and damage:
Skin dehydration causes more than dryness—it leads to cellular damage.
The researchers conducted an experimental study using human skin cells called keratinocytes in a lab setting. They exposed the cells to dehydration and observed signs of oxidative stress and cell damage. However, when they treated the cells with hydrogen-rich water, they successfully reduced the oxidative stress and prevented cell death.
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Reduces anxiety and enhances mood:
Your gut and brain talk all day long—stress affects both!
The study involved 26 healthy adults and showed that those who consumed hydrogen water experienced lower levels of anxiety and better mood compared to the placebo group. Additionally, their autonomic nerve function improved, indicating a better ability to manage stress in daily life.
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Enhanced Cognitive Function:
Hydration impacts focus—but Hydrogen water may do more than that.
Preliminary research indicates that hydrogen-rich water might have neuroprotective properties. A study published in Medical Gas Research in 2017 found that Parkinson's disease patients who drank hydrogen-rich water for 48 weeks showed improvements in their symptoms compared to those who drank placebo water.
So, now the question arises: which one is better for you? Let's find out!
Kangen Water vs Hydrogen Water: Which one you should choose
- Both types of water offer unique advantages; However, hydrogen water stands out for its scientifically supported antioxidant and cellular benefits.
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Multiple peer-reviewed studies support the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic benefits of hydrogen water.
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Kangen water may help with hydration, acid balance, and toxins removal, but the clinical evidence is still emerging and less robust.
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Hydrogen water goes beyond just balancing pH—it helps reduce oxidative stress, improves recovery, supports gut and skin health, and may even enhance mood and cognitive function.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between hydrogen water and Kangen water can help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, the best choice depends on which one best supports your body’s health and wellness needs.
Kangen water is an alkaline water that can help with better hydration, balance acid in the body, and flush out toxins. It's a good option, especially if you have issues like acid reflux or want to reduce acidity in your body.
But if you're looking for more than just hydration, hydrogen water might be the better choice. It's packed with tiny hydrogen molecules that act like powerful antioxidants. It helps boost your energy, reduce tiredness, support healthy skin and digestion, lift your mood, and sharpen your mind. Some studies even say it might help with blood sugar and kidney health. So, why stick to plain water when your water can do more? Stay hydrated in a smart way with hydrogen water and feel the difference with every sip.
