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What Are the Different Types of Alkaline Diet Foods?
Alkaline diet foods include several different kinds of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. There are also herbs, spices, and other kinds of seasonings that have low acidity. These foods can be supplemented with high alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Many of the most potent alkaline diet foods are dark green vegetables. These include kale, broccoli, and cucumber. Barley, wheat, and alfalfa grasses also have a low ph.
Avocado is one of the highest alkaline diet foods among fruits. Other fairly high alkaline fruits include bananas, figs, lemons, and limes. Melons such as honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon also have a low ph.
Root vegetables are one of the most common alkaline diet foods. Beets and radishes have the lowest ph levels. Turnips, rutabagas, and white radishes are also fairly high alkaline foods. The same is true of potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams.
Tofu is one of the most high protein alkaline diet foods. Fermented tempeh and whey protein powder can also provide similar benefits. Almonds, chestnuts, and millet are other low ph sources of protein.
Food seasonings with a high alkaline content include cinnamon, mustard, curry, and chili pepper. All herbs have a low ph, as does sea salt. Tamari, miso, and ginger also have a high alkaline content. Stevia is commonly used as a low-acid sweetener.
Many kinds of seeds and oils also have a high alkaline content. Oils include olive, sesame, and coconut. Seeds with high alkaline include sesame, fennel, and caraway.
Beverages with a high alkaline content include green, veggie, and fresh fruit juice. Mineral or alkaline antioxidant water have a low ph as well. Some people also drink small amounts of apple cider vinegar in order to lower body acidity.
The purpose of the alkaline diet is to lower the body’s ph level. It is based on the belief that primarily consuming highly acidic foods such as meat, dairy, and grains can deplete the body of minerals that are essential for good health. Consuming a high alkaline diet is thought by some to help fight conditions such as anxiety, low energy, and headaches. Historically there have not been large, effective trials to prove these claims.
Consuming large amounts of alkaline diet foods can be dangerous for people who have chronic or have experienced acute kidney failure. As high alkaline foods often greatly increase levels of potassium, the diet can also be problematic for those taking medications that affect the level of that mineral. It is advisable to consult a doctor before beginning the diet.
Discussion Comments
An alkaline diet does not mean eating only alkaline foods. For a healthy balance, we need to consume some acidic foods as well. The alkaline foods need to make up the majority of the diet however.
I have a very simple and easy to follow rule for an alkaline diet. For every acidic food I eat, I try to eat two alkaline foods. I have lists of all acidic and alkaline foods so I know what is what. For example, eggs are acidic. So if I'm having an omelet for breakfast, I make sure to add spinach and tomatoes in it to balance it out since these are alkaline. Similarly, if I'm having chicken for lunch, I make sure to have some salad or greens with it.
@serenesurface-- Raisins are also great. As far as I know, raisins are the most alkaline food and they're cheap and healthy as well. You must include raisins in your alkaline diet.
I'm so happy that there are so many good tasting foods that are alkaline diet foods. I'm on an alkaline diet and I've been eating lots of fruits and vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, spinach, green beans, zucchini and hazelnuts. I have reduced my dairy and meat intake as well. I'm already feeling the difference on this diet. I'm more energetic than usual.
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