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Liquid pyramid Reviewed 05 Jan 2009

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PH levels in water Posted by: Shane Bennett 05 Oct 2011 5:47pm

Hi Libby,

Have consumer ever tested the quality of various water products ie pump, waiwera, etc and found which has the highest PH levels and which tests as just tap water in a bottle? That would be really interesting as Ive just been learning about acidic and alkaline water which is where the PH comes in - it is very interesting...

Thanks

SHane

Shane

Unconvinced Posted by: Andrew Kenworthy 08 Feb 2010 10:04pm

The pyramid seems to suggest I should drink alcohol (if 'appropriate', which is unclear) more often than cordial, and coffee more often than fruit juice. I am not sure that is a recipe for a healthy lifestyle...

Reply 1: Posted by: Consumer Staff 10 Feb 2010 11:42am

Hi Andrew
Both cordial and alcohol sit at the top of the pyramid so for good health, neither should be consumed in copious amounts.

Cordial sits at the very top of the pyramid as an "occasional treat" because it's little more than sugar and water with no benefits. Alcohol is in the next tier down (“drink sparingly”) as it contains antioxidants. Studies have shown the antioxidants in alcohol may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.

When you roll the mouse over the second tier you'll see that "if appropriate" is explained by the statement that alcohol is "not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children".

Tea and coffee are low energy (if not sweetened) and also contain antioxidants so fit into the "drink moderately" tier.

Although fruit juice provides vitamins and minerals and some fibre, it should be limited to one serving a day because its high in sugar and very acidic so has the same potential for weight gain and tooth decay as soft drink. You're better off getting the vitamins and minerals you need by eating whole fruit and vegetables.

Have a look at the information on the "drinks compared" section of the report. It contains useful information of the pros and cons of different drinks and is helpful for better understanding the liquid pyramid.

Cheers,
Libby Manley
Technical Writer