- The 5 most important functions of hydrogen
- 4- Contributes to the balance of the body's pH
- 5- Anti-aging properties
- References
The importance of hydrogen in living beings is such that without this element life would not be possible in the world as it is known. 90% of the existing atoms are composed of this element; for this reason it is considered the most abundant in the universe.
Hydrogen is part of all living matter. It is considered the first and simplest element and it occurs regularly in a gaseous state. It is characterized by being very light, tasteless, colorless, odorless and highly flammable.
Hydrogen is found in the Earth's atmosphere freely, in small concentrations and in abundance, combined with other elements.
The 5 most important functions of hydrogen
In general, hydrogen plays a substantial role in the formation of all the matter that makes up the world. Its most important functions are the following:
1- It is essential for environmental stability
Hydrogen forms 0.15% of the earth's crust, in addition to being the main element in the conformation of the water molecule (H2O).
It constitutes 14% of the weight of biomass, which implies that it is essential for the environmental stability necessary for life on the planet.
2- It is the fuel of life
According to the biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine (1937), hydrogen is the fuel of life.
Hydrogen that is consumed in food enters the bloodstream and is burned by oxygen, releasing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
This element is present in the 3 groups of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) and in greater amounts in acidic foods (citrus).
Likewise, the Sun uses this element to produce energy reactions; This energy is taken by plants for their development and growth.
3- Moisturizes the body
Human beings have 60% water in their chemical composition. Due to the presence of hydrogen in the body, both cells and joints remain hydrated.
4- Contributes to the balance of the body's pH
As with electrolyte balance, a balanced pH is beneficial for cell function.
Thus, hydrogen helps nutrients to be properly transported in the body, waste eliminated and the immune system activated against infections by viruses and bacteria.
5- Anti-aging properties
Szent-Györgyi's research also showed that the human body stores hydrogen in many of its organs, primarily in the liver.
Today the theory is being studied that hydrogen is an important anti-aging agent.
The basis of this thesis is that hydrogen tends to accumulate in the form of deposits in cells, preventing free radicals from damaging them.
As the body ages, the deposits of the element dry up. Cells are exposed and visible signs of aging are generated.
Currently the effect of hydrogen in the protection and repair of radiation damage is also being studied. Similarly, its incidence as an antioxidant in protecting the brain against cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) is in the testing phase.
Hydrogen is considered an essential element for the existence and subsistence of living beings as it is part of the composition of all organisms, the substances that derive from them and most of the energy resources that exist.
References
- LeBaron, T. (March 4, 2013). The actions of molecular hydrogen in the body. In: Yourphlife.com
- Hydrogen. (sf). Retrieved on October 13, 2017 from: Scienceclarified.com
- Pangman, M. (nd). Retrieved on October 13, 2017 from: Dancingwithwater.com
- Ramírez E. (May 19, 2017). Functions of Hydrogen in the Human Body. In: lifepersona.com
- Sherwood C. (June 13, 2017). How is hydrogen used in the body? In: livestrong.com