Structured Water: Is It Worth the Hype?

Structured water, sometimes called magnetized or hexagonal water, refers to water with a structure that’s been altered to form a hexagonal cluster. This cluster of water molecules is believed to share similarities with water that hasn’t been polluted or contaminated by human processes.

The theory behind structured water suggests these qualities make it healthier than tap or filtered water.

According to structured water proponents, this type of water exists naturally in mountain springs, glacier melt, and other untouched sources.

Others believe you can turn regular water into structured water by:

magnetizing it through a process called vortexing
exposing it to ultraviolet or infrared light
exposing it to natural heat and energy, such as sunlight
storing it in gemstone water bottles

It has a range of purported health benefits
Supporters of structured water believe that it offers many health benefits, claiming that it:

increases energy
improves concentration and memory
promotes weight loss and weight maintenance
promotes better sleep
supports a healthy immune system
helps detoxify the body
promotes good digestion and reduces constipation
promotes longer life
improves skin complexion and circulation
helps stabilize blood sugar

According to the theory behind structured water, vortexing water charges it, allowing it to hold energy. This energy then may allegedly recharge the body and hydrate it more thoroughly than ordinary drinking water.

Regular drinking water was still plenty of benefits
Medical research has long supported the health benefits of water. And it doesn’t have to be structured to support good health.

You’ve probably heard the recommendation to drink eight glasses of water per day, but this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.

For example, you may need to drink more water if you:

are very active
are pregnant or breastfeeding
live in a hot or humid climate
have an illness, including a viral or bacterial infection
But generally, you’re most likely getting enough water if you:

drink water throughout the day or whenever you feel thirsty
eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which naturally contain water
aren’t thirsty often
usually have pale or clear urine
Staying hydrated is important, but it’s possible to drink too much water. Overhydration — the opposite of dehydration — tends to affect athletes, especially those training in warm weather.

To avoid overhydration, limit yourself to two or three cups of water right before exercising, after exercising, and each hour you spend exercising. This will help to keep your body hydrated without overdoing it.

The bottom line
Companies selling structured water make some compelling claims about its benefits. However, there’s not much evidence behind them. Regular drinking water, both filtered and tap, offers many of the same benefits at a fraction of the price.