ROUNDING UP THE NOT USUAL WATER SUSPECTS

In 1935, Klaus Hansen was a pharmacologist at Oslo University. That year, he became the first human to drink something called "heavy" water.

Heavy water was discovered in 1931 in the United States by Harold Urey. What is heavy about this water? Ordinary water, the kind that pours from our faucets, is H20. Heavy water, also known as deuterium oxide, is D2O. Thus, in heavy water, deuterium, a heavy isotope
of hydrogen, replaces the hydrogen of ordinary water. Heavy water is about 10% heavier than ordinary water and has higher freezing and boiling levels.

Apparently, ice cubes made from heavy water will sink to the bottom of your gin and tonic. However, it is not recommended for that purpose. Instead, heavy water commonly is used as a moderator of neutrons produced in nuclear fission reactions in nuclear reactors. As one might guess, there also is something called "semi-heavy" water, where deuterium replaces only one of the hydrogen atoms of ordinary water, thus DHO.

So, what happened to Prof. Hansen after he drank the heavy stuff? Apparently, nothing. He lived past age 75.

Well if ordinary water is not to your taste, and heavy water not your cup of tea, are there other water alternatives? Why not consider "drinking" fruits and vegetables?

For example, there is the obvious choice--watermelon. Typically, watermelon is 92% water. Of course, watermelons tend to weigh a lot, so this could be said to be a form of heavy water. Watermelons are said to contain beneficial nutrients, as well. In fact, watermelons have their own website: watermelon.org. There also has been some suggestion that ingredients in watermelons may have male enhancement benefits. (sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630165707.htm) There is no indication whether seeded or seedless melon is to be preferred. Of course, eating watermelon heartily could leave one bladder-challenged.

There are other choices for water, as well. Cucumbers and iceberg lettuce comprise 96% water. Tomatoes, zucchini, radishes and celery are 95% water. Eggplant, cabbage, cauliflower, sweet peppers, spinach and strawberries are 92% water. Grapefruit and broccoli are 91% water.

Because of the high water content of such fruits and vegetables, they are said to be good conductors of electricity. I find this information of little use, unless one wishes to wire a house with cucumbers and zucchini.

So, when it is all said and done, the best and most convenient water source probably is the usual suspect--the faucet.