The human body is designed to be alkaline and it functions properly in this state. The optimum pH for our blood and body tissues is about 7.35 to 7.45. This is slightly above the neutral pH level– between a pH of 0, which is completely acidic, and a pH of 14, which is completely alkaline.
However, the foods that most of us eat cause our bodies to be in a constant state of acidity. You can put the blame on highly acidic foods like processed food, sodas, junk food, meat, eggs and dairy products that most of us consume in huge amounts.
A constant state of acidity can lead to heart disease, a stroke, cancer, skin disorders, auto-immune conditions, allergies and the list goes on.
The solution to this problem is an alkaline diet, which will help balance the pH level of the fluids in the body, including blood and urine.
Several foods are alkaline in nature and can help properly balance our pH levels to reduce daily ailments and the possibility of certain long-term health risks.
Here are the top 10 alkaline foods you should eat to improve your health.
1. Lemons
Even though you may not believe that lemons are a must on the high-alkaline list, it is true.
Lemons are extremely high in alkaline minerals, such as potassium, and magnesium that have alkalizing effects on the body. The citric acid in them is highly acidic in a natural state, but once consumed, the citric acid gets metabolized and has a wonderful alkaline effect on the body.
Lemons are a good source of calcium, iron and vitamins A, C and B-complex, as well as pectin fiber, and carbohydrates. They also contain potent antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting powers.
Apart from having a cleansing and detoxifying effect on the body, lemons help improve digestion, aid weight loss, support skin health, boost immunity, fight cancer, control high blood pressure, prevent infections and lots more.
To reap the alkalizing benefit of lemons, just squeeze the juice from ½ of a lemon into a glass of purified, lukewarm water. Drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and wait 30 minutes before eating your breakfast.
2. Spinach
Spinach, one of the healthiest leafy greens, is highly alkaline in nature. It is very rich in chlorophyll, which acts as an alkalizing agent and brings your body back to the optimal 7.4 range.
Spinach is a good source of vitamins A, B2, C, E and K.
It is also loaded with minerals that provide the body with amazing alkaline effects, such as manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and folate. Plus, it is loaded with dietary fiber, flavonoids and carotenoids.
By eating spinach, you can boost muscle strength, fight anemia, improve heart health, prevent premature aging, reduce your risk of cancer and enjoy healthy skin.
Aim for at least 1 cup of spinach daily. You can add it to your salads, smoothies, juice, sandwiches, stir-fries and main dishes.
3. Avocados
Avocados are one of the foods you should eat every day. They help flush out acidic waste and promote a more alkaline environment in the body.
This creamy, green fruit is packed full of nutrients. Avocados contain dietary fiber, folate, potassium, selenium, and a good amount of healthy fat, along with vitamins K, C, B5 and A. They also contain powerful antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and more.
Adding avocados to your diet will help aid weight loss, fight inflammation, improve your heart health, boost cardiovascular health, fight cancer and provide blood sugar benefits.
You should try to eat at least ½ of an avocado daily. Opt for organic avocados, whenever possible.
You can include it in a salad, smoothie or soup. Another option is to make tasty guacamole, a popular Mexican dish.
4. Kale
Kale is another alkaline food that you should definitely include in your diet. Kale can balance the acid and alkalize the body.
This leafy green vegetable is packed with rich vitamins, such as vitamins A, C and K. It also has nutrients like magnesium, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus and protein. Plus, it offers antioxidant benefits.
The fiber and sulfur in kale support the body’s natural detoxification process, so that your body can get rid of harmful toxins. It can even lower bad cholesterol, reduce your risk of cancer, improve heart health, aid weight loss, boost immunity and lots more.
Set a goal to eat this green vegetable about four times per week. You can make kale chips, or use the leaves in tasty smoothies, soups or salads. The suggested serving size is from 1½ to 2 cups.
5. Celery
Celery is another very alkaline food you should eat!
It can neutralize acids and balance the pH level of your body. It is also a great diuretic, meaning it helps get rid of excess fluid in the body. Plus, being very high in water content, it helps hydrate and nourish the cells in your body.
Celery also contains vitamins A, C, K and some B vitamins, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, potassium and fiber. Plus, it is low in calories, carbohydrates, fat and cholesterol.
This simple green stalk helps lower cholesterol, inhibits several cancers, supports the immune system, fights inflammation, supports cardiovascular health, aids weight loss and lots more.
Just 2 to 3 celery stalks per day is enough to keep your body alkaline. You can also add it to salads, soups or smoothies.
6. Wheatgrass
Another highly alkaline food that people are not aware of is wheatgrass.
It’s a very strong source of alkalinity as well as several nutrients for the body. It is a rich source of chlorophyll, amino acids and vitamins, such as A, B-complex, C, D and E. It also contains magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, thiamine and natural enzymes.
Wheatgrass helps in the process of detoxification. It also revitalizes your liver and protects it from environmental pollutants. In addition, it boosts energy levels, improves immunity, aids weight loss, regulates blood sugar levels, improves heart health and fights cancer, to name a few.
You can make fresh juice out of the raw wheatgrass plant and drink 1 to 2 ounces of it daily. You can drink plain wheatgrass juice in concentrate form or dilute it with some fruit or vegetable juice.
Wheatgrass powder is also available in the market. Add 1 teaspoon of the powder to a glass of water, stir well and drink it.
7. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are another healthy addition to an alkaline diet. They can quickly neutralize acids and aid digestion.
The nutritional profile of cucumbers is very impressive. They are an excellent source of vitamins K, C and different B vitamins. You also get a good amount of copper, amino acids, carbohydrates, soluble and insoluble fiber, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, biotin and silica.
Plus, cucumbers are low in calories. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Including cucumbers in your diet can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, improve digestion, lower blood sugar levels and fight different types of cancer including breast, uterine, ovarian and prostate cancers. Being high in water content, they also keep the body hydrated.
Cucumbers can be eaten as a healthy snack or add them to your salads. You can use cucumbers as a base for practically every alkaline soup, smoothie and juice.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the top alkaline cruciferous vegetables that you should include in your diet. The phytochemicals in broccoli help alkalize the body, increase estrogen metabolism and reduce the symptoms of estrogen dominance.
This tasty vegetable is also packed with a variety of vitamins, such as C, K and A. It also has fiber, manganese, potassium, iron, folate and protein. Moreover, it has amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Apart from alkalizing and detoxifying the body, broccoli helps fight cancer, improves digestion, boosts the cardiovascular system, improves immunity, supports skin health, boosts metabolism and lots more.
Try to eat broccoli at least four times a week. You can enjoy it in steamed or roasted form. You can also put it in salads, juices, smoothies and soups.
9. Garlic
A true miracle food, garlic is another alkaline food that encourages overall good health.
The main compound in garlic is allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. Also, garlic has nutrients including vitamins B1, B6 and C, as well as manganese, calcium, copper, selenium and many others.
Garlic aids detoxification by increasing production of glutathione that helps filter toxins from the digestive system.
This alkaline-forming food offers many other health benefits, too. It promotes cardiovascular health, boosts immune health, lowers blood pressure, supports liver functioning, cleanses the liver, reduces inflammation and fights off cancer, to name a few.
To enjoy the alkaline benefit of garlic, it must be crushed or chopped in order to release the beneficial sulfur compounds. Consume two to four fresh garlic cloves every day to help keep your body’s pH at an optimal level.
You can even stir-fry alkaline vegetables with a couple of cloves of garlic and enjoy!
10. Bell Peppers
Be it red, green or yellow, bell peppers are highly alkaline in nature. They help transform acidic foods, raising the body’s overall alkaline level.
Bell peppers also contain vitamins C, A, B6, E and K, along with potassium, manganese, copper, dietary fiber, folate, iron and several flavonoids that provide powerful antioxidant properties.
When eaten regularly, bell peppers help reduce anxiety, boost immunity, lower hypertension, support eyesight, fight stress and increase the body’s metabolic rate. They also help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, inflammation and more.
Try to eat 3 to 4 servings of bell peppers per week. One serving is equal to 1 cup of chopped, raw peppers or 2 small peppers. You can include bell peppers in your diet in raw, baked, roasted, grilled, cooked or stuffed form.
Additional Tips:
Some other alkalizing foods and beverages you can incorporate into your diet include mustard greens, figs, ginseng, apple cider vinegar, almonds, pumpkin seeds, carrots, beets, turnips, horseradish, capsicum, ripe bananas, watermelon, legumes and beans.
extremely useful information