Fruits that contain alkaline are rich in minerals, and antioxidants which fight the free radicals in your body and thereby help prevent diseases. Did you know that more than 700 types of diseases are a result of free radicals? That’s not all-recent statistics show that about 75% people who die from cancer actually die because of the results caused by free radicals. There is a direct correlation between fruits and vegetables with alkaline and those with acid.
Alkalizing Fruits You Can Add to Your Diet
Alkalizing fruits can help you balance your body. Find out more about alkalizing fruit here!
An acidic body environment can greatly upset our internal systems. Alkaline foods with a pH level of 8.0 or more help to remove unwanted acid and neutralize our body fluids. Here are nine alkalizing fruits to add to your recommended daily servings of fruit.
1. Watermelon
Watermelons are cooling, hydrating summer treats. Their high lycopene content keeps your heart in shape. For those who are looking to slim down, consume these low-fat yet filling alkaline fruits along with your other healthy snacks low in calorie.
2. Cantaloupe
Essential vitamins in cantaloupes help improve eyesight, strengthen immunity, and aid cerebral development. Eating cantaloupes regularly will also lower high blood sugar and blood pressure.
3. Mango
One of the most tasty tropical fruits, mangoes hold over 20 vitamins and minerals to give us radiant skin, shiny hair, and more. Eat them in-season for that delectable candy-like sweetness.
4. Papaya
If you are seeking convenient snacks for weight management, count papayas in. These low-fat and filling fruits will help you control cravings, keep off excess body fat, and leave you feeling light and refreshed.
5. Kiwi
Kiwis are packed with 85% Vitamin C which is conducive to physical wellness. Their exotic colors make them a vibrant complement for salads and smoothies.
6. Grapes
Grapes contain essential nutrients like Vitamin K, B2, and copper to protect heart, brain, and muscles. Frozen grape-sicles and raisins make convenient snacks for weight management as well!
7. Pears
Phytonutrients in pears help relieve type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Eat them cooked, baked, or raw – best with the skin where rich nutrition lives.
8. Tangerines
Cuties, tangelos, mandarins, or tangerines – these citrus fruits have high levels of flavonoids, vitamins, folate, and potassium and make excellent healthy snacks low in calorie. Their easy peel-and-eat characteristic makes them convenient mess-free fruits on-the-go.
9. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants to promote cardiovascular health and prevent cancer. They’re delicious baked into pies, made into jams, and packed into our raw, 2-ingredients That’s it. bars.
Alkaline Foods You Should Include In Your Daily Diet
Alkaline foods help in countering the risks of acidity and acid refluxes, bringing some sort of relief. Most traditional Indian meals contain alkaline food items to create a balanced diet.
Highlights
- Alkaline diet is based on the idea of cutting down on acid forming foods
- Alkaline diet is cooling for tummy
- It is also associated with many health benefits
If you have paid close attention to your chemistry lessons during school, you will be familiar with the concept of acid and alkali. If not, then here’s a quick brush up: Acids are basically aqueous solutions that have a pH level of less than 7.0 whereas alkalis have a pH level of more than 7.0, water being the neutral component with a pH of 7.0. In simpler terms, acids are sour in taste and corrosive in nature, whereas alkalis are elements that neutralise acids.
During the process of digestion, our stomach secretes gastric acids, which help in breaking down food. The stomach has a pH balance which ranges from 2.0 to 3.5, which is highly acidic but necessary for the process of digestion. However, sometimes, due to unhealthy lifestyle and food habits, the acidic level in the body goes haywire, leading to acidity, acid refluxes and other gastric ailments. If you review the daily diet of most urban dwellers, it contains large amounts of acidic foods such as burger, samosa, pizza, rolls, cheese sandwiches, sausages, bacon, kebabs, colas, doughnuts, pastries, etc – which in the long run can hamper the acidic balance in the stomach. These foods when broken down leaves behind residues that are referred to as acid ash, the main cause of your tummy troubles.
Ingredients that are acidic in nature when digested by the body are meats, dairy products, eggs, certain whole grains, refined sugars and processed food items. It is important to note that an ingredient’s acid or alkaline forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. Citrus fruits are acidic in nature, but citric acid actually has an alkalising effect in our body.
Alkaline foods are important so as to bring about a balance. Like all experts and doctors have been saying for years, we should have a balanced meal with a good mix of everything, rather than restraining ourselves to have only a certain category of food items. Alkaline foods therefore help in countering the risks of acidity and acid refluxes, bringing some sort of relief. Most traditional Indian meals contain alkaline food items to create a balanced diet. If you have ever tried a typical Assamese lunch, it always starts with a dish called Khar. Khar also refers to the main ingredient in the dish, which is an alkali extracted from the peels of a banana varietal known as Bhim Kol. The peels are dry roasted and preserved, and before preparing the dish, are soaked in warm water to obtain a brownish filtrate which is then used in cooking. The dish can be made with different ingredients, but the one made with raw papaya is most cherished, known as Amitar Khar. If raw papaya isn’t available then cabbage or squash is used as well. Sometimes, a fried fish head is scrambled into the dish during the later stages of the cooking process. Khar is believed to be good for the stomach, easing digestion.
Alkaline Foods for Your Daily Diet
If you have been indulging in excessive red meat, processed and junk food, it’s about time you included some alkaline food in your diet. Here’s a list to get you started –
1. Green Leafy Vegetables
Most green leafy vegetables are said to have an alkaline effect in our system. It is not without reason that our elders and health experts always advise us to include greens in our daily diet. They contain essential minerals which are necessary for the body to carry out various functions. Try including spinach, lettuce, kale, celery, parsley, argula and mustard greens in your meals.
Spinach is one of the healthiest leafy greens for overall nourishmnet
2. Cauliflower and Broccoli
If you love sautéed broccoli in Asian spices or gobi matar, they are both good for you. They contain several phytochemicals that are essential for your body. Toss it up with other veggies like capsicum, beans and green peas and you have your health dose right there.
Broccoli is in low calories and high in fibre
3. Citrus Fruits
Contrary to the belief that citrus fruits are highly acidic and would have an acidic effect on the body, they are the best source of alkaline foods. Lemon, lime and oranges are loaded with Vitamin C and are known to help in detoxifying the system, including providing relief from acidity and heart burn.
Vitamin C present in citrus fruits helps in absorbing iron from the diet consumed
4. Seaweed and Sea Salt
Did you know that seaweed or sea vegetables have 10-12 times more mineral content than those grown on land? They are also considered to be highly alkaline food sources and are known to bring about various benefits to the body system. You can tip in nori or kelp into your bowl of soup or stir-fries or make sushi at home. Or just sprinkle some sea salt into your salads, soups, omelette, etc.
Seaweed or sea vegetables have 10-12 times more mineral content than those grown on land
5. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like sweet potato, taro root, lotus root, beets and carrots are great sources of alkali. They taste best when roasted with a little sprinkling of spices and other seasonings. Most often, they are overcooked which makes them lose out all their goodness. Pay attention while cooking and you will fall in love with root veggies as you learn to include them in soups, stir-fries, salads and more.
Sweet potatoes are a source of healthy carbs
6. Seasonal Fruits
Every nutritionist and health expert will tell you that adding seasonal fruits in your daily diet can prove to be beneficial to your health. They come packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that take care of various functions in the body. They are good alkaline food sources too, especially kiwi, pineapple, persimmon, nectarine, watermelon, grapefruit, apricots and apples.
What are Alkaline Fruits? – 10 Best Alkaline Fruits
In simplest terms, alkaline fruits are those fruits that have lesser acidic ingredients. That said, they have a higher pH level. They are further divided into three categories according to their alkaline level. We can categorize them as:
- Low alkaline
- Medium alkaline
- High alkaline
This division is based on the pH value. To better understand what is meant by alkaline, let’s have a brief overview of alkaline.
What is alkaline?
Simply put, anything which has a pH value of 8 or above is alkaline. Anything below 7 is acidic, and if the pH level is 7, that thing is categorized as neutral. But, when we talk about food, things change a lot. Foods with a pH scale above 2.0 are generally categorized as alkaline (low alkaline to high alkaline), and those foods with pH below 2.0 are acidic.
Now, as the value starts decreasing on the pH scale, the acidity level increases. Alkaline fruits fall under the same classification. As the pH level increases, the alkalinity of fruits will increase. As mentioned above, alkaline fruits are further classified into three categories according to the alkalinity level. Let’s talk about some low to high alkaline fruits.
Coconut
According to the pH Level, coconut is a medium to high alkaline fruit with a pH value of 5.5 to 7.8. Coconut is consumed in different forms such as coconut oil, coconut milk, and processed coconut. However, another worth mentioning is that the coconut has different effects on your body if you use it in different forms.
If you use fresh coconut, it will be alkaline, and if you use dried coconut, it will be acidic. Similarly, coconut water is also alkaline. It reduces the acidity level in your body, and it is a “magical” drink if you have lost body fluids after vomiting or diarrhea.
Grapes
According to classification, grapes are low to medium alkaline fruit. Its PH level ranges between 3.5 to 4.5. Now, as we know, as the value increases on the pH scale, the acidity level decreases, and the commodity becomes more and more alkaline. Moreover, the alkaline level of grapes also depends on the place where they are grown. For instance, grapes grown in colder climates are more acidic (less alkaline) as compared to those which are grown in warmer temperatures.
Apples
The pH level of apples is approximately 4, which is why they are low to moderately alkaline fruits. Red apples are sweeter in taste, and they are more alkaline as compared to green apples. Moreover, apples are rich in alkalizing magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Magnesium is an essential ingredient used in making acid reflux drugs. Apart from that, apples contain fiber, which helps in absorbing stomach acid. Due to these cohesive traits, it is safe to say that apples are alkaline fruit.
Banana
With a pH level of 5.6 to 6.5, bananas are also categorized as mild to high alkaline fruit. Ripe bananas have a pH of 6.5, while unripe bananas have a pH of 5.6.
Bananas are a rich source of potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They are well known for reducing the stomach’s acidity, and mashed bananas are also used in several low-acid baking recipes. Bananas can control acid reflux as they can coat an irritated esophageal lining.
Avocados
Avocados are also one of the mild to high alkaline fruits. They have a ph value of 6.5, and they are fiber-rich fruit. Avocados are multi-nutrient fruit as they are rich in different vitamins, including Vitamin c, Vitamin B5, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6.
Apart from that, Avocados contain manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and other minerals. Avocados are a great source to reduce acidity in the stomach. It is very useful and reduces the effects of normal American diets, which contain high quantities of artificial sweeteners, sugar, and omega-6 fatty acids.
Lemons
When it comes to lemons, there is a fairy tale between the alkaline and acidic nature of lemons. In its natural or raw form, lemon is highly acidic with a pH of 2.0. But, when we consume lemon juice, it becomes fairly alkaline once it metabolizes in our body. In fact, after metabolism, the pH scale of lemon reaches to approximately 7.
Not to mention, we all know how good lemons to our health care. They are very helpful in the digestion process, prevention of kidney stones, reduce the chances of cancer, and improve heart health.
Alkalizing Foods to Help Heal
Most alkaline-forming foods can be considered superfoods, not just for their ability to help our body maintain a healthy pH balance, but also due to their nutrient density. By eating alkaline-promoting foods we can effectively battle the acid we consume in things like caffeine, alcohol and some processed food. The most alkaline-forming foods are often plant-based and have been shown to have a multitude of healing properties.
Here is a list of some of our favorite alkalizing foods, all of which are delicious and versatile or try our Greens Blend Alkalize & Detox that is thoughtfully crafted with 7 alkalizing farm fresh organic super greens, 1 serving of wholesome fruits and veggies, plus over 12 cleansing ingredients for the healthy elimination of toxins for pH balance and detox!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are most alkaline when they are uncooked, but contain many nutrients, both raw and uncooked. They are a great source of vitamin C, digestive enzymes, and a good source of vitamin B6, which is often difficult to find! Eat sliced tomatoes as a snack with a bit of pink sea salt or mix into your favorite salad or omelet.
Almonds
Almonds make a fantastic alkaline-forming snack or addition to any recipe. They are high in healthy fats, which also makes them both filling and nutritious. The high magnesium content of almonds is what makes them alkaline-forming.
Spinach
Most leafy green vegetables are alkaline-forming in the body, but spinach is one of our favorites because it’s so versatile. Even those who don’t love greens will often enjoy spinach because of its mild flavor. Spinach is rich in chlorophyll, vitamin K, vitamin A and so many more… it would take us all day to list them all! Try spinach in your morning green smoothie or in an omelet or salad.
Parsley
Parsley is a highly alkalizing food that’s also excellent at cleansing the kidneys and assisting with digestion. Consume parsley in juice or as a nutrient-dense ingredient in many different dishes from soups to chilis to salads!
Lemon
Lemons are definitely known to be one of the most alkalizing foods out there. They are excellent for healthy detox, assisting with digestion, and support the liver in eliminating toxins from the body. Enjoying a glass of lemon water every morning is a fantastic habit to work into your routine that will help you feel great throughout the day.
Jalapeño
Not only are jalapeños alkaline-forming, but most peppers, mild to spicy help our bodies maintain a healthy pH level. For those who enjoy a punch, jalapeños are a fantastic addition to an alkaline diet, can help support the endocrine system and prevent free radicals in the body.
Garlic
Garlic is an anti-inflammatory superfood that rates very high on the alkaline scale. Garlic has been shown to prevent disease, increase immunity and acts as a powerful anti-bacterial in the body. [5]
Avocado
Avocado is a powerhouse of both nutrients and deliciousness. Avocado contains a ton of healthy fats in addition to being alkalizing, anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy.
Basil
Heading into summer, basil is definitely one of our favorite alkalizing ingredients. High in vitamin A, K & calcium, basil has also been shown to be high in flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects.
Red Onion
Lightly cooking onions in a bit of healthy fat might increase the level of alkalinity of onion, but consuming them raw is also a fantastic choice as onions have a variety of nutritional benefits in addition to being alkaline-forming. Onions are high in vitamin C and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects