Is the “Japanese original hydrogen cup” priced at thousands of yuan just a waste of money?

Rumor: "Hydrogen cups can produce hydrogen water, which can prevent cancer if you drink it"

Recently, the "hydrogen cup" has become very popular. Merchants claim that using this cup can separate hydrogen atoms in water to generate hydrogen gas, which is then dissolved in water to become "hydrogen water". This hydrogen-rich water can not only promote weight loss and regulate blood sugar, but also relieve inflammation and prevent cancer. Many people spend a lot of money to buy it for its health benefits.

Myth Analysis: Not true. This statement completely misrepresents current scientific research.

Although some studies have mentioned that hydrogen is effective in the medical treatment of certain diseases, hydrogen water is just a daily drink and its effectiveness and safety have not been confirmed.

Firstly, these studies are still controversial. Secondly, using "hydrogen" as a treatment option and drinking "hydrogen water" as a daily beverage are two completely different things.

If you search for "hydrogen cup" on shopping platforms, you will find that a cup is actually sold for thousands of yuan. Merchants claim that the hydrogen-rich water produced by using this cup can not only promote weight loss and regulate blood sugar, but also relieve inflammation and prevent cancer. Is it really so magical?

What is the principle of the hydrogen cup?

The principle of the hydrogen cup is to reduce the hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in the water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. The latter is directly discharged, and the former is dissolved in the remaining water in the bottle, that is, hydrogen water. This statement may seem complicated, but the corresponding chemical principle is actually very simple. When electricity is turned on, water will be decomposed, oxygen will be produced at the positive electrode of the battery, and hydrogen will be produced at the negative electrode. The chemical equation is:

2H₂O2H₂↑+O₂↑

Is hydrogen water useful?

The secret of the "health preservation" of the hydrogen cup (hydrogen-rich water cup) lies in the word "hydrogen" in the name. Some past studies have mentioned that hydrogen atoms can play a certain role in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, fatty liver, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.

In 2007, a Japanese research group first reported the therapeutic effect of hydrogen on central nervous system diseases. The report pointed out that hydrogen, as an antioxidant, can selectively neutralize hydroxyl free radicals and reduce central nervous system damage. However, the specific mechanism of this treatment method based on the "antioxidant" property of hydrogen has not yet been clarified.

In addition, the above data are limited to medical research on "hydrogen" and "hydrogen atoms". As for whether hydrogen water can have the same effect, there is no research to prove it. After all, the professional methods used by medical institutions to treat patients are completely different from ordinary people buying a glass of hydrogen water in a convenience store and drinking it.

As early as 2016, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency punished three companies in Tokyo and Osaka that sold hydrogen water products, believing that they were unable to provide evidence to prove that their products met their advertised effects of "weight loss", "inhibiting inflammation" and "relieving muscle pain".

In the same year, Japan's National Institute of Health and Nutrition issued a statement on its official website, saying that "no data on the effectiveness and safety of hydrogen water has been obtained." In 2020, a study released by the School of Public Health of Peking University also pointed out that "research on the health effects of hydrogen-rich water has not yet been proven by high-quality evidence."

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In fact, hydrogen has a very low density and solubility. Under normal circumstances, it is difficult to dissolve in water. Even if it dissolves in water, its properties are unstable and it is easy to escape.

Secondly, the intestinal bacteria of the human body can produce hydrogen molecules. A study shows that human colon gas is mainly composed of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, etc., among which the hydrogen content can reach 74% of the total gas produced by the coliform group. In addition, the total amount of hydrogen produced will vary according to the intake of dietary fiber.

Although hydrogen water bottles are marketed as having a variety of health benefits, current scientific research does not provide sufficient evidence to support the so-called efficacy of hydrogen water bottles. Therefore, when choosing such products, people should remain rational and not believe in exaggerated propaganda and promises.

Looking in the mirror of rumors

The reason why the hydrogen cup has become popular is that it captures the psychology of many people who want to "scientifically maintain health". Using scientific terms to exaggerate a certain effect may even imply commercial interests. When faced with such rumors, all we can do is to learn more about basic science and medical knowledge to avoid being confused by professional terms. Be wary of propaganda that exaggerates the effect, especially content that involves "curing all diseases". Be sure to keep a close eye on it.

References

[1] Yang Yue, Fan Daping. Advances in the application of hydrogen molecules in the treatment of respiratory diseases[J]. International Journal of Respiratory Diseases, 2021, 41(18): 1420-1423. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn131368-20210219-00118

Author: Li Mi Popular Science Author

Reviewer: Gu Miaofei, Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Editor and Deputy Editor of Science Pictorial

Ruan Guangfeng, Deputy Director of Kexin Food and Health Information Exchange Center