Oxidation Reduction Potential
Another important function of ionization is the creation of hydroxyl ions through the reduction of tap water.
When filtered water passes into the ionization chamber, oxidation-reduction occurs. Oxidation-reduction is a chemical reaction where electrons are transferred from one molecule to another. The oxidized cell loses electrons and the reduced cell gains electrons; and as in all chemical reactions, the process also causes energy transfer.
Cations, positive ions, gather at the negative electrodes to create cathodic water (reduced water); Anions, negatively charged ions, gather at the positive electrode to make anodic water (oxidized water).
Water either has a "positive" or "negative" Oxidation Reduction Potential, measured in millivolts mV. Negative ORP is beneficial to the cells in the human body in that it reduces oxidation caused by “free radicals”. Negative ORP is found in ionized water. Positive ORP increases oxidation (aging) and is found in tap water, bottled waters, distilled and reverse osmosis waters.
When iron oxidizes it causes rust, when human cells oxidize it causes aging. The antioxidant molecule (in reduced water) has an extra ion and donates it to the free radical effectively neutralizing it, which is very important to our health and longevity.
Alkaline ionized water is a powerful anti-oxidant (free radical scavenger) that protects cells from damage and promotes health. Ionized water concentrates health giving alkaline minerals like magnesium and calcium in the water through the electrolysis process, after removing harmful contaminants, and is the best source of these minerals because they are more easily absorbed. Alkaline ionized water is the most effective and economical source of anti-oxidant protection that can be found today.