This might sound crazy, but somewhere between 4.7 and 5.5 liters of one of the most expensive liquids in the world is flowing through your body as we speak. Trying to sell it, though, would lead to immediate death. Rarity, usefulness, and difficulty in manufacturing are the main traits that determine a liquid’s price.
So, what is the expensive liquid that you currently have in big supply? It just so happens to be the blood that runs inside your veins. Now you know why you can’t necessarily run to the local pawn shop and cash in. Â
The most expensive liquid on this list comes in at an astronomical $39,000,000 per gallon. To find out what it is and to find out some of the other more expensive liquids out there, you can read the story below.
You might not think that such a common item would be so expensive, but it is. Fortunately, nail polish is typically sold in smaller units, which makes it much more cost-friendly for the average consumer.
Typically made of nitrocellulose dissolved in a solvent, nail polish can also be made of water-based alternatives. Does knowing the price per gallon make you look at that small little bottle of nail varnish differently?
The average human body contains anywhere between 4.7 to 5.5 liters of blood, which equates to 1.3 to 1.5 gallons, respectively. That means the blood in your body could be worth anywhere between $1,950 and $2,250.
It’s understandable why blood is such a valued liquid, however, as it is an essential and potentially life-saving substance. Speaking of which, have you ever donated your blood? Because you probably should.
Ever heard of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) before? Yeah, neither did we until we compiled this unusual list. Like blood, GHB is located within our bodies.
GHB is a naturally occurring substance; it’s produced in our central nervous system. Doctors use GHB to treat insomnia, depression, and narcolepsy.
Perhaps the most used substance in every office around the world, black printer ink is expensive. Most offices might want to consider being a little more conservative with their ink after reading this.
Here’s an idea: pitch a paperless option to your boss at the next budget meeting, as the money you save on printer ink can be used to host awesome office parties. And as an added bonus, no printer ink at work means your hands will stay clean.
Nope, we are not talking about the planet Mercury; we are talking about the liquid metal variety. As a liquid, mercury was mostly used in medicine and in the production of thermometers.
Keyword: ‘was.’ Due to mercury’s toxic effects, it is no longer commonly used. Cool mercury fact: it is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
What’s that? Another expensive liquid that is produced within our own bodies? Insulin, like GHB and blood, is a liquid that our bodies naturally produce, and it is very expensive.
That said, the kind of insulin that you can buy and sell is of the biosynthetic variety––it’s produced in a lab. Why is insulin so important? It’s used to treat diabetes by regulating the body’s blood sugar levels.
Looking beautiful isn’t cheap, and, as it turns out, smelling beautiful isn’t so cheap, either! Perhaps the world’s best-known perfume, Chanel No. 5, first went on sale in 1922.
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel enlisted the help of Ernest Beaux to chemically manufacture the perfume. Beaux created a variety of samples for Coco to choose from, and she chose No. 5, hence the name.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has an interesting history. First becoming popular in the 1960s amongst counter-culture types, rock stars, and hippies, LSD was made famous for its ability to create hallucinations.
Steve Jobs often said that taking LSD was one of the more profound moments of his life. That said, we recommend you stay away from this dangerous drug.
The more deadly the liquid, the more expensive it seems to be. If a king cobra bites you, its venom will quickly flow through your bloodstream, causing vertigo, paralysis, and eventually putting you into a coma.
If doctors don’t come to your aid quickly, you will die. Strangely enough, king cobra venom was once used as an aphrodisiac.
You read that correctly; a gallon of scorpion venom would net a solid $39 million. Like we said with king cobra venom, the more deadly, the more expensive.
Although, what makes scorpion venom so valuable is its medicinal capabilities. The protein found within scorpion venom can be used for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Our bodies are complex and intricate systems that rely on a variety of liquids to function properly. They work together to maintain balance and harmony within our bodies, ensuring that our organs and systems function optimally. While we may not often think about these fluids, they play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
Blood is not only the most crucial bodily fluid, but it is also a complex and dynamic substance that plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health and functioning of the body. Composed of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, blood performs a multitude of essential functions that are necessary for the survival of every cell and organ in the body.
One of the primary functions of blood is to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues throughout the body. Red blood cells, which constitute the biggest part of blood cells, contain a protein called hemoglobin that can merge with oxygen in the lungs and carry it to all the cells in the body. This oxygen is crucial for cellular respiration, the process by which cells produce energy.
In addition to delivering oxygen, blood also plays a crucial role in removing waste products from cells. As cells carry out their metabolic activities, they produce carbon dioxide and other waste products that need to be eliminated. Blood transports these waste products, including carbon dioxide, to the lungs and kidneys, where they are excreted from the body.
Furthermore, blood acts as a transportation system for various vital substances. It carries nutrients, such as glucose, from the digestive system to cells, providing them with the energy they need to function. Hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily processes, are also transported through the bloodstream to their target organs or tissues.
Another critical function of blood is its ability to defend the body against infections and diseases. White blood cells, a crucial component of the immune system, are carried by the blood to different parts of the body to identify and destroy pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These cells play a crucial role in protecting the body from infections and maintaining overall health.
Water is not only essential for the survival of all living beings, but it also plays a vital role in maintaining their overall health and well-being. From the tiniest microorganisms to the largest mammals, water is a fundamental requirement for various biological processes.
One of the primary functions of water is to regulate body temperature. Through the process of sweating, water helps to cool down the body and prevent overheating. This is particularly crucial for humans, as our bodies are composed of around 60% water, and even slightly decreased levels of hydration can lead to dehydration and subsequent health issues.
Furthermore, water is involved in the transportation of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. It acts as a medium for the circulation of blood, allowing essential substances to reach every cell and organ. Without an adequate supply of water, these vital nutrients would not be able to reach their intended destinations, leading to impaired bodily functions.
Water also plays a crucial role in digestion and the removal of waste products from the body. It aids in the breakdown of food, allowing for the absorption of nutrients in the digestive system. Additionally, water helps to flush out toxins and waste materials through urine and sweat, ensuring the proper functioning of the excretory system.
Apart from its significance in supporting life, water is also a scarce resource on our planet. Approximately 97.5% of the Earth's water is saltwater, leaving only a meager 2.5% as freshwater. A considerable part of this freshwater is locked in glaciers and ice caps, making it unavailable for immediate use. This limited availability of freshwater makes it a valuable and precious liquid that needs to be conserved and managed efficiently.
Salivary glands play a vital role in the overall functioning of the oral cavity. These glands, located in and around the mouth, are responsible for producing saliva, a clear and watery fluid that serves multiple purposes in the digestive process.
On average, an adult produces approximately one liter of saliva each day, although this amount can vary depending on factors such as age, hydration levels, and overall health. Interestingly, the secretion of saliva is highest during meals, as the body prepares to break down and digest food.
Saliva is composed of various components, including antibacterial enzymes, antibodies, and mucus. These elements work together to provide a protective and cleansing effect within the mouth. The antibacterial enzymes help to combat harmful bacteria that may be present, reducing the risk of oral infections and maintaining oral health. The antibodies present in saliva also contribute to the immune defense system, helping to neutralize pathogens and prevent the spread of infections.
One of the primary functions of saliva is to moisten food, making it easier to chew and swallow. This moisture is crucial for the initial breakdown of food particles, allowing them to be properly mixed with saliva and broken down by the teeth. Without sufficient saliva, the process of chewing and swallowing can become difficult and uncomfortable.
Furthermore, saliva plays a significant role in enhancing the sense of taste. It acts as a medium through which the chemicals in food can interact with taste receptors on the tongue. This interaction allows for the detection of various flavors and enhances the overall sensory experience of eating. Without saliva, the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy the taste of food would be greatly diminished.
Tears have three main functions: lubricating the eye, removing irritants like smoke and onion chemicals, and expressing emotions like sadness and happiness. One of the primary functions of tears is to provide lubrication to the surface of the eye. The eye is constantly exposed to the external environment, and tears help to keep the eye moist and prevent it from drying out. This lubrication is essential for maintaining clear vision and preventing discomfort or damage to the delicate tissues of the eye.
Tears also serve as a protective mechanism by helping to flush out irritants that may come into contact with the eye. When we encounter substances like smoke, dust, or onion chemicals, tears are produced in greater quantities to wash away these irritants and prevent them from causing further damage or discomfort. This cleansing action helps to maintain the clarity of vision and protect the eye from potential harm.
Furthermore, tears have been found to contain substances that have antimicrobial properties. These substances help to fight off infections and keep the eye free from harmful bacteria and viruses. Tears contain enzymes, antibodies, and other immune system components that work together to protect the eye from potential pathogens, reducing the risk of eye infections.
Beyond their physical functions, tears also serve as a means of emotional expression. When we experience intense emotions such as sadness, happiness, or even laughter, tears are produced as a physiological response. This emotional shedding of tears allows us to release and express our feelings, providing a cathartic effect and potentially helping to alleviate emotional distress.
An average healthy adult generates around 1.5 liters of urine every day. The kidneys produce, and the bladder stores urine, which contains various substances that need to be eliminated from the body to stay healthy. These substances include the byproducts of protein metabolism, which would be harmful if they built up in the blood. Urine also helps in getting rid of excess salt and water from the body.
The kidneys, through a complex process called filtration, reabsorption, and secretion, filter out waste products and excess substances from the blood. This filtration process occurs in tiny units within the kidneys called nephrons. Each kidney contains millions of nephrons, which work together to ensure that the body's waste products are efficiently removed.
Urine plays a vital role in maintaining the body's overall health. It helps to regulate the balance of water and electrolytes, ensuring that the body stays properly hydrated. Excess salt and water are eliminated through urine, preventing the buildup of these substances, which can lead to conditions such as edema or high blood pressure.
Sweat is a clear and odorless fluid primarily composed of water, similar to saliva. However, what sets sweat apart is the presence of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which give it a distinct salty taste. These minerals are essential for maintaining the body's electrolyte balance.
The primary function of sweat is to regulate body temperature. When the body becomes overheated, whether due to physical exertion or external factors like hot weather, the brain initiates a process to cool it down. The brain sends signals through the nervous system to stimulate the sweat glands, which are distributed all over the body, to produce sweat. As sweat evaporates from the skin's surface, it takes away excess heat, thus helping to lower the body temperature.
Interestingly, sweating is not solely triggered by heat; emotions can also influence it. When a person experiences intense emotions like fear, anxiety, or stress, the brain can activate the sweat glands, leading to emotional sweating. However, unlike heat-induced sweating, emotional sweating tends to occur in specific areas of the body, namely the palms, soles of the feet, and armpits. This phenomenon is due to the higher concentration of sweat glands in these regions.
Emotional sweating can vary in intensity from person to person. Some individuals may experience excessive sweating in response to emotional stimuli, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. This condition can be distressing and may require medical intervention.
In addition to regulating body temperature and responding to emotions, sweat also plays a role in eliminating waste products from the body. Small amounts of urea, ammonia, and other metabolic byproducts are excreted through sweat, contributing to the body's detoxification process.
Menstrual blood holds a profound psychological and cultural significance in various societies around the world. It is often considered a symbol of womanhood and marks the transition from childhood to adulthood for young girls. The onset of menstruation is seen as a significant milestone, representing the beginning of a woman's reproductive capabilities and her potential to bear children.
In many cultures, the regular occurrence of menstrual cycles reassures women that they are not pregnant. This confirmation is crucial for family planning, as it allows women to understand their reproductive health and make informed decisions about their lives. Menstruation serves as a natural indicator of fertility, providing women with a sense of control over their bodies and reproductive choices.
However, despite the cultural and psychological significance attached to menstrual fluid, some societies and religious beliefs have historically isolated menstruating women. This isolation can stem from misconceptions and taboos surrounding menstruation, considering it unclean or impure. Such practices often restrict women's participation in social and religious activities during their menstrual cycles, reinforcing gender inequalities and stigmatizing a natural bodily process.
It is important to recognize that menstrual fluid is not inherently more biologically dangerous than blood. Menstruation is a normal physiological process that occurs as a result of the shedding of the uterine lining. The composition of menstrual fluid is similar to that of blood, consisting of blood cells, tissue debris, and mucus. It does not pose any additional health risks compared to regular blood. Education and open dialogue about menstrual blood can help break down barriers, reduce stigma, and empower women to embrace their bodies and menstrual cycles without shame or discrimination.
