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Admit it. Every time you buy bottled water or yogurt at your local store, the last thing you notice on the bottle or plastic cup are the markings on the bottom.
But experts warn that such behavior can cost you your health.
Bottled water
You can easily protect your health by checking the bottom of every bottle and plastic cup you buy before you start eating or drinking. Before you even purchase the product.
Companies are required to state on the label what their products are made of, including the packaging materials.
Plastic bottles and cups have markings such as PP (polypropylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or HDP.
Packages with these markings are considered safe because they do not release toxic substances. Other abbreviations indicate other types of chemicals from which bottles and cups are made.
And this is exactly the information you should look for on purchased bottled water. In this article we will give you a few good tips on how to make the right decision.
PETE or PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
These plastics release chemicals and heavy metals into the water that affect hormone production in the body. This mainly happens when they are heated.
Therefore, avoid bottles and other packaging materials made from these chemicals.
HDPE or HDP (high-density polyethylene)
These letters mean that packaging made from them is basically “safe”.
You can confidently buy such water because these containers are the healthiest of all. Bottles with such abbreviations do not release chemicals or toxins into the water.
PVC or 3 V (polyvinyl chloride)
These letters represent two toxic substances that affect the hormonal balance in your body. Never use water from such bottles.
LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
This plastic does not contain or release any chemicals.
Nevertheless, it is not very suitable for making plastic bottles, where it is often added.
PP (polypropylene)
It is a partially transparent or white material that is added to plastic yogurt cups and syrup containers.
It usually has a high degree of heat resistance and does not leach chemicals into food. It can therefore be considered a safe material.
PS (polystyrene)
You can see these letters on fast food packaging and coffee cups.
Polystyrene typically releases carcinogenic substances into its contents. You should not have unfinished food packed in polystyrene, nor pour any drinks into it.
Unlabeled plastic or PC
It is the most dangerous plastic.
Although it releases BPA, some manufacturers use it to make food packaging and sports bottles with water.
Even though you’ve learned which materials bottled waters can be made from, never forget to check the bottom of the bottle.
It can save your health. And that’s not something to play around with.
