Although you may not be aware of it, all of the foods you eat have a pH value, which may influence bacterial growth and how your body processes the food, according to Oklahoma State University. The university explains that acidic foods are those with pH levels below seven, while basic, or alkaline, foods are those with pH levels above seven. Maintaining a balance between acid and alkaline foods can be important for overall health. When dieting, you may consume many fruits and vegetables, which are acidic, so you may want to balance these choices with basic, or alkaline, diet foods.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers have a pH value of 31.5, according to the health website Energise For Life. This makes cucumbers highly alkaline. Cucumbers may help you diet because they are low in calories. In addition, online nutrition information resource World's Healthiest Foods, cucumbers contain nutrients such as amino acids and fiber, which may help you feel full. World's Healthiest Foods also notes that the potassium, magnesium and fiber in cucumbers may help lower your blood pressure.
Tomato
According to the health and nutrition website Snyder Health, tomatoes have a pH value of 13.6. Tomatoes are low in calories and can be used to balance out salads that contain foods such as lettuce, cabbage, onions and olive oil dressing--none of which are highly alkaline, according to Snyder Health.
Celery
Celery is another low-calorie vegetable that has a basic pH, according to Energise For Life. The website explains that celery has a relative alkalinity of 13.3. Celery is very low in fat and calories but contains fiber, which can keep your cravings to a minimum.
Broccoli
According to the health information website The Best of Raw Food, broccoli is a vegetable that is alkaline, or basic. Broccoli is relatively low in calories and contains little fat but some fiber. You can use broccoli alone or in conjunction with other high pH vegetables as a side dish to balance out meat and seafood, which The Best of Raw Food explains are acidic.
Avocado
Avocados are high in fat, but most of it is unsaturated, or healthy, fat. According to Snyder Health, avocados also have a pH value of 15.6, which makes them basic. While avocados can be high in calories depending upon the portion size, it's important to obtain essential fats for optimal health. In addition, Energise For Life notes that many other fat sources, such as peanuts, corn oil and cashews, are highly acidic.
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