Are the Benefits of "Gel Water" Genuine?
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
Key Takeaways
Fourth phase of water discovered: exclusion zone or gel water.
Gel water may help solve health issues like headaches and fatigue.
Gel water hydrates cells better than regular water.
Proper hydration boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.
Plant foods are rich sources of gel water for hydration.
Cucumber, romaine lettuce, and chia seeds are high in gel water.
Infuse water with fruits and veggies for gel water benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Fourth phase of water discovered: exclusion zone or gel water.
Gel water may help solve health issues like headaches and fatigue.
Gel water hydrates cells better than regular water.
Proper hydration boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.
Plant foods are rich sources of gel water for hydration.
Cucumber, romaine lettuce, and chia seeds are high in gel water.
Infuse water with fruits and veggies for gel water benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
We previously believed that there were only three states of water: solid, liquid, and vapor. However, a scientist at the University of Washington has identified a remarkable fourth state of water.
If his research is accurate, this novel form of water may offer solutions to various health issues such as headaches, low energy, brain fog, and fatigue. It could even aid in weight loss efforts.
This unusual discovery triggered skepticism, prompting a closer examination.
The scientist behind this finding is Jerry Pollack, Ph.D., who heads the Pollack Laboratory within the Bioengineering Department at the University of Washington. Pollack has named the fourth phase of water "exclusion zone" or EZ water.1
This type of water is also known as "structured water" and "gel water." It bears a resemblance to gel-like egg whites and contains an additional hydrogen and oxygen atom, making it H3O2 instead of the typical H2O, according to Pollack.
Although I lack the expertise to assess these assertions, Dr. Pollack, holding a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from a prestigious institution, appears to possess strong credentials.
An intriguing aspect of gel water is that it mirrors the water present in the cells of the human body.
Most of your body consists of water. Thus, maintaining proper hydration by consuming sufficient water is crucial for overall well-being. Shockingly, an estimated 75% of Americans suffer from chronic, mild dehydration.
When you experience dehydration, your bodily functions are impaired. Research indicates that even minimal dehydration, such as a 2% reduction in body water, adversely affects cognitive performance.2 Dehydration can lead to fatigue, reduced energy levels, hindered weight loss, and a slowed metabolism.
Conversely, adequate hydration can boost metabolism. In a German study, participants' metabolic rates increased by 30% within 40 minutes of consuming approximately 16 ounces of water.3
Despite meeting the recommended daily water intake of eight glasses, enhancing hydration beyond this level may be beneficial. Ordinary water may not provide optimal cellular hydration, unlike gel water, which can be twice as effective. Gel water enables better absorption and retention by cells.
Dana Cohen, M.D., a New York City-based integrative physician and co-author of the book Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration, suggests that gel water facilitates weight loss. Dr. Cohen explains that proper hydration improves hormone signaling, reducing the presence of fat-storing hormones.
Adequate hydration can yield numerous benefits, including increased energy levels, mental clarity, enhanced concentration, and improved skin radiance.
Here's some exciting news!
The primary source of gel water is plant-based foods, which naturally contain this type of water. By consuming more fruits and vegetables, you can absorb the gel water present in plants, along with essential vitamins and nutrients.
Specific fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in gel water:
Chia seeds are also abundant in gel water, which becomes visible when soaked in water for a few minutes.
You can transform your daily eight glasses of water into gel water by infusing the liquid with ingredients like berries, citrus slices, or cucumber. Prepare this infused water in advance to enjoy throughout the day.
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