We don’t know what Vanadium is either, but Asahi put it in a drink for you anyway
On November 18, Asahi released its new Fuji-san Vanadium Natural Water Hot, apparently banking on the idea that regular convenience store-going human beings would both a) know what Vanadium is, and b) actually want to consume just plain hot water out of a bottle.
Personally speaking, if someone were to present a drink to us and say, “Here, try it. It’s got Vanadium,” we’d either run out the door or prepare ourselves for a hallucinogenic thrill ride after consuming the mystery beverage.
After a little research, though, it turns out Vanadium is a mineral commonly present in very low quantities in many foods and drinks.
If you’re curious about what a drink spiked with Vanadium tastes like, or curious what kind of looks you’ll get drinking hot water out of a little plastic bottle in public, you can find this drink at convenience stores across Japan (except Okinawa) for 105 yen (US$0.89).
We have no idea how Japanese drink giant Asahi or the public at large got the idea that, apparently through sheer virtue of being a mineral, that Vanadium is good for you, but be warned that, across the pond, The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that Vanadium may be carcinogenic in high quantities . And, the Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that long-term exposure to Vanadium may have negative health effects.
Cheers!
Source: Asahi Shimbun
Photo: Asahi Beverages
