It is important to maintain a proper pH balance. All foods in nature contain both acid and alkaline-forming elements and according to the Conscious Living Center, balance can be either achieved or prevented as a direct result from the food that we are eating. When we eat too many acidic foods it can lead to major health complications, such as “acidosis” this is a common diagnosis in people with diabetes. When nutrients required to maintain this slightly alkaline state cannot be obtained from the foods that we are eating, the body will then draw from its own stores, from the bones or other vital tissues, this damages the body’s ability to repair itself and detoxify heavy metals.
Again, the ultimate goal is balance. Although it is important to maintain this slightly alkaline state, eating too many or primarily alkaline foods only can have its own set of complications; although the risk of this happening is a lot less likely than the risk of the body becoming too acidic. Here are the top 6 alkaline foods to incorporate into your diet daily.
1. Lemons!
Most people assume that lemons are an acidic fruit, maybe it is because of the sour taste, or the citric acid, but in actuality lemons are very alkaline. Lemons have a pH level of 9.0, they actually produce an alkaline ash after digestion. Lemons are also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and electrolytes. They couldn’t be easier to add to your daily intake, try squeezing a lemon into your water throughout the day or spritzing the juice over your salad at lunch.
2. Apples
Apples have a pH level of 8.0 and contain a variety of minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, which help to keep the body and immune system working optimally. Apples also contain enzymes, which assist in maintaining the body’s natural hormonal balance. I think you know how to eat an apple, but if you don’t they can be eaten raw, or even in a pie or a crumble!
3. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables have an extremely high mineral content; you actually can’t get enough of them. Beets, carrots, turnips, parsnips, there are many different root vegetables. You can steam them, roast them, or even eat them raw, grated in salads.
4. Alfalfa Sprouts
Sprouts are amazing little nutrient packed nutrient powerhouses that are highly alkaline and contain a lot of essential vitamins and minerals. The best thing about sprouts is that you can easily and economically sprout your own seeds and have them on hand all throughout the year. Click for more information and how to grow your own sprouts here.
5. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens include vegetables such as kale, swiss chard, collard greens and spinach, which is probably the best pick. Spinach has an extremely high content of vitamin K and folate, and other vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants and fiber. You can easily add spinach to your morning smoothie, or in a soup or stew, or just as is in a salad. You can even lightly steam it with two other alkaline foods: garlic and lemon.
6. Watermelon
Not only is watermelon a high alkalizing food, with a pH of 9.0 it is extremely tasty as well. It is also an excellent source of fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C and lycopene. Watermelon consists of 92% water, and is extremely thirst quenching. It also has a variety of other amazing health benefits
