Water

WATER TOUCHES EVERYTHING

LEARNING ABOUT WATER

At KIVEN, we investigate water from a scientific and practical perspective. Here you will find clear articles on water quality, molecular hydrogen, and its real impact on the body.

What is hydrogenated water?

Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest molecule in existence. When dissolved directly in water, it produces what is known as hydrogen-rich water. Ordinary water is H₂O, where hydrogen is bonded to oxygen. Hydrogen-rich water also contains free molecular hydrogen (H₂) dissolved in the water, which does not alter its composition or taste. This difference is important because the hydrogen in H₂O is chemically bonded to oxygen, while free molecular hydrogen is the one that has been studied for its potential selective antioxidant effect. Hydrogen-rich water is obtained through controlled water electrolysis processes, which allow for the generation and dissolution of molecular hydrogen at the time of consumption.

What is oxidative stress?

A healthy cell is stable because its electrons are in balance. When a free radical appears, it seeks a missing electron and "steals" it from a healthy cell. By losing this electron, the cell becomes unstable and can be damaged. An antioxidant works by donating an electron to the free radical, neutralizing it without harming the healthy cell. In normal amounts, free radicals perform useful functions, such as helping the immune system destroy viruses and eliminating damaged or abnormal cells. The problem arises when there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to balance them. When free radicals exceed the body's antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress is generated, a process that can trigger a chain reaction of cellular damage. Factors such as diet, pollution, water, and stress influence this imbalance, which is why the body needs antioxidants to maintain equilibrium.

Molecular hydrogen

THE NEXT GENERATION ANTIOXIDANT

Today we constantly hear about antioxidants, present in foods like green tea, matcha, and berries, and associated with protection against oxidative stress and cellular damage. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that are naturally generated in the body by factors such as stress, pollution, and the passage of time. However, not all antioxidants work the same way. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) represents a new generation that is being extensively studied for its unique behavior. As the smallest antioxidant molecule, it can diffuse rapidly and easily cross cell membranes, which promotes rapid action at the cellular level without requiring complex digestive processes. Furthermore, hydrogen acts selectively: it helps neutralize the most reactive free radicals without interfering with the cellular signals necessary for the body's balance. It does not accumulate in the body and is naturally eliminated after fulfilling its function. Because of these characteristics, hydrogen-rich water has become a practical way to provide molecular hydrogen daily, complementing other antioxidants and supporting natural mechanisms against oxidative stress.

PEM technology explained simply

Water electrolysis is the process by which water molecules are separated to generate hydrogen. However, not all electrolysis technologies are the same. PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) technology uses a special membrane that allows the selective passage of protons, separating the gases generated during the process in a controlled manner. This prevents unwanted byproducts or material particles from coming into contact with the water. In advanced systems, the PEM membrane is protected and combined with noble materials such as platinum, which improves process stability, reduces internal wear, and prevents the release of unwanted compounds during electrolysis. The result is cleaner, more stable, and longer-lasting hydrogen generation, maintaining the quality of the hydrogenated water cycle after cycle. Therefore, in PEM-based technologies, the quality of the materials is not a minor detail: it is what defines the safety, efficiency, and lifespan of the system.