Impact of aerated drinks and packed fruit juices on the metabolic activities of man

The pH is studied to determine whether the body is maintaining a normal acid-base balance for the functioning of enzymes and other biochemical systems. Our body fluids are normally alkaline, the pH being between 7.35 and 7.45. A pH above 7.8 or below 6.8 is generally fatal. Digestion is the process of breaking down the food we eat into components that are small enough for our body to absorb. The process starts with our teeth and saliva and then digestion and absorption of nutrients continue in the intestine, using enzymes made in the liver, gall bladder and pancreas. Different enzymes are found to be effective at different pH levels. If the pH levels are too high or too low for a particular enzyme, it might get denatured and will no longer perform its function. Pepsin enzyme in the stomach work best at pH around 2 while peptidases and maltase works best at pH around 7.5. The human body works best when it remains close to neutral 7. Soft drink can cause people to gain weight, weakening of teeth, and high number of cavities, malnutrition and insomnia. The present study investigates the pH of soft drink before and after mixing with chapati extract. An Increase in pH values was observed which suggest that soft drink increases acidity.