Negative ions are created in nature with air molecules broken apart from sunlight, radiation and moving air or water. It is odorless, tasteless molecules that are breathed into our respiratory systems. " The action of the pounding surf creates negative air ions, we also see it immediately after spring thunderstorms, when people report lightened moods", says ion researcher Michael Terman, PhD of Columbia University in New York.

High concentrations of negative ions can be found in nature, mountains, forests, waterfalls and beaches, where people feel energized and invigorated, which helps relieve stress, alleviate depression and boosts energy.

"Negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreases drowsiness and more mental energy", says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: everyday applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for the Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C..

You might feel instantly refreshed and invigorated the moment you open a window and breath in fresh air.

They also may protect against germs in the air, resulting in decreased irritation due to inhaling various particles that make you sneeze, cough, or have a throat irritation.

In a study conducted by Columbia University, 25 people with SAD (Seasonal Affective Depression) sat in front of a negative ion air purifier for a half hour every morning for a month. Half the subjects were given a low level of negative ions and the other half a high level. The higher level of negative ion treatment proved to be most effective as antidepressants against SAD like "Prozac" and "Zolof" without the side effects of these drugs.