One of the more trendy diets these days is the alkaline diet. However, some people might find it challenging to distinguish between foods that are alkaline and those that are not. So we made this handy alkaline diet foods list to make it easier!
Alkaline Diet Foods List and Benefits
The theory behind the alkaline diet is that, compared to acidic foods, foods that are alkaline are healthier for you.
A type of food is considered alkaline if it has a pH level of 7 or higher. Foods that have a lower pH level are considered acidic.
Here is a handy alkaline diet foods list and benefits of these types of foods:
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are at the top of the list when it comes to alkaline diet foods. Most green leafy vegetables have a pH level at least 7 or higher, thus they are not acidic.
Aside from this, they also contain a lot of fiber, as well as essential vitamins and minerals that our body needs. Ideally, the majority of your diet should be composed of green leafy vegetables, regardless of whether you are on an alkaline diet or not.
Ginger
Ginger provides a lot of health advantages in addition to being a part of the alkaline diet. IIt has been proven to lower blood sugar levels, relieve period cramps and nausea, and protect against infection.
In general, adding ginger to your diet should help improve your overall health, whether you add it to your food, drink it as a tea, or simply eat it raw!
Soy-based products and tofu
In general, soy-based products are a good inclusion to an alkaline diet. This is because soy products frequently have a pH of 7 or above, indicating that they are not acidic. Soybeans and tofu for example, are chock-full of protein, fiber, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Another benefit to soy-based products is that they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help lower blood pressure, and can help lower the risk of heart problems in general.
Beets and carrots
Beets and carrots are also a great inclusion to an alkaline diet. Beets, in particular, have a high amount of fiber, folate, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
Carrots, on the other hand, are high in beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Adding these root crops to your diet can help boost your daily intake of important vitamins and minerals.
Cucumber
Cucumbers, aside from having a pH that’s 7 or above, contain a lot of essential nutrients. This includes fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
It’s also low in calories, and very filling because of its water and fiber content. Because of this, eating cucumbers is great for people who are trying to lose weight.
Squash and pumpkin
Squash and pumpkin are high in fiber, protein, vitamin K, vitamin C, beta carotene, and potassium.
In particular, these vegetables have high amounts of beta carotene, which aside from being converted by the body into vitamin A, is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help kill any free radicals or atoms that can damage cells. This means that adding squash and pumpkin to your diet can help your body get rid of these toxins.
Coconut
Coconuts are a great source of manganese and copper. These are essential minerals that help in regulating your body function.
However, try to avoid eating too many coconuts, as it is high in saturated fat. Incidentally, coconuts are also a great source of an energy boost if you’re exercising because your body can use the fat in coconuts and convert it into energy.
Avocado
Lastly, avocados are a great addition to an alkaline diet. Despite being a high-fat food, most of the fats it contains are healthy fats, which your body needs.
It’s also high in vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and potassium. In fact, avocados contain more potassium than bananas!
However, avocados are still high in fat, so it would be best to eat them in moderation.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to alkaline diet foods, it is important to consider the other benefits that the food has, not just the pH level. By eating a balanced diet, you can help ensure that your body will be strong and healthy, and you can lower your risk of disease.
[embed-health-tool-bmr]
