The Unique Properties of Water and Its Vital Role in Sustaining Life
When I was young, I loved everything about water, especially its abundance. I lived near the ocean and loved going to the beach. I had a pool and swam in it every day. Lastly, drinking water was abundant and cheap. I laughed when I began to see bottled water; I thought, "Why would anyone purchase water when it is practically free everywhere?" Much to my surprise, it is here to stay.
A few years ago, I came across the concept of structured water, which claimed to be much healthier for us than regular water. Though it sounded plausible, I never really researched it since I felt perfectly fine most of the time. However, recently, I watched a video by Dr. Gerald Cowan discussing the heart's function and structured water, which piqued my interest. After some investigation, I was surprised to find very little scientific evidence supporting the idea of structured water. In this post, I'll be discussing the properties of plain old water and its miraculous benefits. I'll also be comparing it to structured water and the claims that it's better for our health.
Water is essential for all life on Earth, as it is a crucial component of living organisms. It is often referred to as the "universal solvent" due to its unique properties, which are a result of its molecular structure and energies. Without water, life as we know it would not exist.
The Molecular Structure of Water
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, forming a molecule with the chemical formula H₂O. The arrangement of these atoms gives rise to water's unique properties.
Polarity Water molecules possess a unique property called polarity. This means they have a positive and negative end, similar to tiny magnets. The reason for this polarity is the uneven sharing of electrons between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, resulting in a partial positive charge on hydrogen atoms and a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom. This characteristic gives water its exceptional ability to dissolve various substances. Water can interact with other polar or charged molecules through hydrogen bonding.
Hydrogen bonding: is a weak electrostatic attraction that occurs between the positively charged hydrogen atoms of one water molecule and the negatively charged oxygen atoms of neighboring water molecules. These bonds are not strong and they keep forming and breaking constantly, creating a dynamic network of interactions within liquid water. Hydrogen bonding is responsible for several unique properties of water, which I will explain in detail next.
Water's Unique Properties
High Specific Heat Capacity: Water has a unique ability to absorb and retain heat energy without undergoing a substantial temperature change, thanks to its high specific heat capacity. This characteristic plays a vital role in regulating Earth's temperature, as oceans and other sizable water bodies act as heat sinks, thereby aiding in stabilizing the climate.
High Heat of Vaporization: The heat of vaporization of water is also remarkably high, meaning it requires a substantial amount of energy to change water from a liquid to a vapor state. This property is crucial for cooling living organisms through processes like sweating in humans.
Density Anomaly: Water is unique in that its density decreases when it freezes, making ice less dense than liquid water. This phenomenon is why ice floats on water, creating a protective layer that insulates the underlying liquid and provides a stable environment for aquatic life during cold periods.
Surface Tension: Surface tension arises from the cohesive forces between water molecules at the surface of a liquid. This force enables small organisms, such as water striders, to walk on the surface of water without sinking.
Capillary Action: Water exhibits capillary action, which is the ability to flow against gravity in narrow spaces due to its adhesive and cohesive properties. This phenomenon is essential for the transportation of water and nutrients in plants as well as small blood vessels in animals.
Water as a Universal Solvent
Water's polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds make it an outstanding solvent that can dissolve a vast array of molecules. This property is vital for life as it enables the transportation of nutrients, ions, and gases in biological systems. In living organisms, water plays a crucial role in facilitating various biochemical reactions, allowing the dissolution and diffusion of reactants and products within cells and tissues.
Biological Significance of Water's Properties
Hydrogen Bonding in Biomolecules: Hydrogen bonding in water plays a crucial role in the structure and function of biological molecules. Hydrogen bonds contribute to stabilizing the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins and the double helix of DNA.
Temperature Regulation: Water's high specific heat capacity allows it to absorb and release heat slowly, helping organisms maintain stable internal temperatures. This is particularly important for homeothermic animals, like mammals and birds, which can regulate their body temperature.
Cellular Processes: Water is involved in various cellular processes, such as osmosis, which regulates the movement of water and solutes across cell membranes. It also participates in enzymatic reactions as a reactant or a medium for chemical reactions.
Habitability of Earth: The exceptional characteristics of water have significant consequences for Earth's ability to sustain life. The existence of liquid water is a fundamental necessity for life as we understand it. Moreover, the interaction between water and the geology, atmosphere, and climate of our planet has played a crucial role in creating the conditions that are favorable for life to thrive.1
Structured Water and Scientific Claims
While water's properties are indeed remarkable and vital for life, the concept of "structured water" has gained attention in alternative health and wellness circles, making claims that are often not supported by scientific evidence. Its biggest proponent is Gerald H. Pollack, who has written and lectured extensively on its existence and calls it the fourth phase of water. He claims it is chemically H3O2, with a floating H+ ion.
He suggests that by altering the structure of water molecules, it can become healthier and more hydrating. Proponents claim that certain devices, magnets, or vortex generators can restructure water to enhance its properties. However, the scientific consensus is that these claims lack empirical support and are not consistent with our understanding of the molecular structure of water.
The molecular structure of water, as governed by its chemical composition and physical properties, is primarily determined by the arrangement of its hydrogen and oxygen atoms. While hydrogen bonding between water molecules results in a dynamic network of interactions, it does not imply a change in the fundamental structure of H₂O molecules.
Proponents of structured water often cite anecdotal evidence and testimonials as proof of its efficacy. However, scientific studies evaluating structured water products have consistently found no significant differences in the physical or chemical properties of water compared to regular water. Claims of enhanced hydration, detoxification, or health benefits still need to be substantiated. This paper is the most comprehensive one I could find on the subject.
In conclusion, water's unique properties, rooted in its molecular structure and energies, are essential for all life on Earth. These properties enable water to function as a universal solvent, facilitate biological processes, and play a fundamental role in temperature regulation and habitability. While the concept of structured water has gained popularity in alternative health circles, scientific evidence does not support the claims associated with it. If you found the information presented in this post interesting, you may like my previous post on deuterium, which is another form of water found naturally that has health implications.