Have you heard of the viral 'magic water' in Binondo?

Binondo is home to several authentic Chinese restaurants. 

People head down to the oldest Chinatown in the world for a satisfying food trip in established spots, whether it be for a full lauriat, casual stacks of yummy dimsum, or just easy snacks like hopia and siomai. 

In an episode of "Dapat Alam Mo," we also learn of the now-famous "magic water" of Binondo.

Since 1980, Aling Bebe has been selling her unique product in a Binondo corner that she's become quite a fixture in the neighborhood's daily life. Pedestrians and residents can always expect Aling Bebe in the same spot, selling the same old magic water, so much so that she's become something of a viral sensation as well. People troop down to her corner, shell out P5 or P10, and quench their thirst to a satisfying ahhhhh.

But what is Aling Bebe's magic water really? "Dapat Alam Mo" uncovered it is essentially just ice-cold mineral water aided by clear gelatin aka gulaman.

"Nakaka-refresh po kasi siya. Ang sarap po niya," one customer said.

It begs the question: Why are ice-cold flavored drinks like soda and Aling Bebe's magic water more satisfying than just regular water?

According to a report on Scientific American, it may have something to do with our brain's pleasure centers.

"Unlike water, nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract do stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers," it said. 

It also points to neuroscientist Ivan De Araujo, who said "water in the gut does not influence behaviors in the same way nutrients do."

As as WebMD.com says, gelatin contains protein and even antioxidants.

Meanwhile, a study from St. Andrews University from 2014 looked at hydration of different beverages and concluded that drinks with some sugar, fat, or protein can help us stay hydrated for longer than simple water. 

It said, "Ingested drinks with a high energy content, whether in the form of carbohydrate, fat, protein, or alcohol, will empty from the stomach more slowly than energy-free drinks and will thus potentially reduce or delay the diuresis that follows in comparison with the ingestion of a bolus of still water."

Interesting and more importantly, super helpful in this searing summer's intense heat. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA News