The body maintains a strict pH balance to promote proper function and overall health. When acid accumulates in the body, it may result in chronic fatigue, weight gain, illness and poor health. An acid imbalance can be caused by stress, alcohol consumption, disease, smoking and dietary habits. Consuming foods rich in alkaline can help restore the pH balance in the body and improve your health.
Fruits
One of the strongest alkaline food groups is fruit. Not only is fruit alkaline-forming within the body, it provides the body with a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals, antioxidants and water. Excellent fruit examples include melons such as cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew; citrus fruits like limes, lemons, grapefruit and oranges; tropical fruits such as pineapple, papaya and mango; grapes; bananas; peaches; and apples.
Vegetables
Vegetables are also excellent alkaline-forming foods, especially the following: celery, watercress, asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, peas, lettuce, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, beets, pepper, garlic, watercress, seaweed and collard greens. Eating salads is an excellent way to alkalinize the diet. Many different kinds of alkaline-forming vegetables can be incorporated into a salad. When cooking vegetables, it is important to not overcook them. The website Acid Alkaline Diet reports that overcooking reduces the nutrient content of vegetables and may actually convert the product into an acid-forming food.
Herbs and Spices
Many herbs and spices are also considered alkaline, or non-acidic. These include parsley, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, sea salt, curry, fennel, basil, cilantro and cayenne. In addition, some sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup and molasses are alkaline-forming foods. Therefore, these are the best choices for seasoning foods when cooking or baking.
Protein
Meat, poultry, fish and dairy are highly acidic foods. Other protein sources that are more basic, or alkaline, include nuts such as almonds, Brazil nuts and chestnuts; seeds like pumpkin, flax and sunflower; various grains and legumes, including millet, buckwheat, tempeh, tofu, lentils, lima beans and miso; human breast milk; and whey protein powder. These foods are both alkalinizing and high in protein.
Beverages
Certain beverages are more basic than others. Alkaline-forming beverages include tea, green tea and cocoa; fruit and vegetable juices; mineral, alkaline and filtered water; and some wines.
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