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What is ORP?
About Water Ionizers, Free Radicals and Antioxidant Water
ORP means Oxidation-Reduction Potential, also known as Redox Potential. It refers to two opposite, yet complimentary, electron exchange processes that are constantly occurring between substances in and around us.
Matter can be changed, its structures altered or converted to energy. Electrons are exchanged between atoms. Think of atoms like people and their relationships. An atom that loses an electron (partner) is said to be ‘oxidized’ (single); an atom that gains an electron (partner) is said to be ‘reduced’ (married). By picking up an extra electron, the ‘reduced’ atom loses the electrical energy that makes it ‘hungry’ for more electrons (like a person who gives up dating after finding a partner).
Oxidation
The term ‘oxidation’ originally meant “to combine with oxygen”. Familiar examples of slow oxidation are rusting iron and apples turning brown. Fire is an example of rapid oxidation in which oxygen captures the electrons of the stuff being burned and releases energy in the form of heat. Similarly, energy is released for your body to use when oxygen captures electrons from the food you digest.
As the wood burns, CO2 is formed and ash is left behind. In your body, CO2 is exhaled and electron ‘hungry’ free radicals are formed. Free radicals move through the body attempting to replace their missing electrons by taking electrons from vital tissues, a process which interferes with the body’s ability to reproduce healthy cells.
Antioxidants block oxidation
Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals because they have an excess of electrons to supply. They are ‘reducing agents’.
Sterilizing power of acid ionized water
Water ionizers produce both acid and alkaline water. The acid water is an oxidant, or ‘oxidizing agent’. Like chlorine, ozone and other disinfectants, it can kill bacteria by taking their electrons. Unlike chlorine, acid ionized water won’t harm the skin. It is used for cleaning hands, food, kitchen surfaces and minor wounds.
Antioxidant power of alkaline ionized water
Alkaline ionized water is an antioxidant or ‘reducing agent’. That means that, if taken internally, it can supply electrons to free radicals, blocking their damaging interaction with normal tissue. Some believe that the antioxidant power of alkaline ionized water is more effective and bio-available than antioxidants found in food and vitamin supplements.
Measuring ORP
You can measure oxidation reduction potential in a liquid by using an ORP meter. The measurement is in millivolts. Oxidized substances produce a reading that is + above zero. Antioxidants are either a low + or a negative reading. Lower numbers indicate more available electrons.
An ORP reading will vary as pH fluctuates. As pH goes up, the ORP reading will go down.
© watermatters 2009
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for information purposes only. It is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this website. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The statements made here have not been evaluated by Health Canada. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.
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