While
controversial, the “alkaline diet,” or eating alkaline foods for maximum
health, remains popular in celebrity circles, with proponents claiming that it
can reduce your risk of cancer and other health problems by lowering the
acidity in your blood.
While there
isn't much scientific proof to back up the alkaline diet's promises (more on
that later), integrating these fresh, healthy, alkaline foods into your regular diet won't hurt either.
We've listed
the top 10 alkaline foods to eat every day, as well as the benefits and
drawbacks of an alkaline diet, so you can determine if it's appropriate for
you.
Broccoli
Broccoli is
a nutritious and delicious supplement to any healthy diet. It aids in the rise
of alkaline levels in the body. Just keep in mind that cooking broccoli reduces
the health advantages and nutritional worth significantly.
Asparagus
Asparagus is
a low-calorie, low-sodium vegetable that goes well with any meal or snack.
Although not everyone enjoys asparagus, there are numerous health benefits to
include in your diet.
Carrots
Carrots are
high in Vitamin A as well as dietary fiber. Carrots can be eaten in a variety
of ways, and they make a delightful snack.
Bananas
Bananas are
a favorite of many people. These yellow fan favorites are high in vitamin B and
nutritional fiber and make a fantastic on-the-go snack.
Potatoes
Potatoes are
a staple diet for many people since they are low in acid and high in vitamins
and minerals.
Apricots
Apricots are
a tasty fruit that goes well with an alkaline diet. They're high in fiber, which
is beneficial no matter what kind of diet you're on.
Spinach
Spinach is
high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, as well as a variety of other vitamins
and minerals. Cooked spinach is delicious in a mixed salad, a smoothie, or a
sandwich.
Raisins
Raisins are
high in antioxidants and can help you curb your sugar cravings. Raisins may
even help decrease blood pressure, according to a study published by the
American College of Cardiology.
Cherries
Cherries are
a tasty and addictive fruit that are high in antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin C,
and other nutrients, making them ideal for an alkaline diet.
Watermelon
Look no
farther than watermelon for a fruit that is strong in Vitamin C. It works well
with an alkaline diet and can help you stay hydrated throughout the hot summer
months.
Diets High in Alkaline: The Question
The alkaline
diet, which is popular among celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Jennifer
Aniston, argues that ailments are caused by acidity in the blood and that
balancing our pH levels is the key to good health. Of course, this sparked a
flurry of high-alkaline diets and cleanses based on the principle of
eliminating acidic foods and replacing them with alkaline ones.
The goal of
an alkaline diet is to raise the amount of alkaline in your blood while
lowering your acid levels. The typical pH range for your blood is 7.35 to 7.45,
and alkaline diets try to raise that level above that. The problem is that your
body has natural processes for maintaining a constant pH, so even if you manage
to raise it, the effect will only be temporary. Your body, in general, has a
pretty clear idea of what it needs to do to keep you healthy, and any attempts
to break that balance will be met with resistance.
Unfortunately,
the notion underlying his now-famous diet is based on very little scientific
proof. While different meals have different pH values, consuming them (or avoiding
particular types) has no impact on body chemistry.
“We have
extraordinarily complex machinery to keep the pH levels where they should be
throughout the body, and there isn't much you can do, eat, or drink to keep
changing that,” Evan Dellon, MD, a gastroenterologist and adjunct professor of
medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine told Health.
Fresh fruit,
vegetables, nuts, and seeds are among the diet's suggested foods, as they are
proven health foods that are high in fiber and nutrition. The diet also
recommends avoiding “high-acid” items such as meat, dairy, refined sugar, and
anything processed, otherwise known as junk food.
While the
alkaline diet's idea concerning pH levels and health is untrue, cutting out
sugar and processed foods while increasing your intake of fresh fruits and
vegetables would undoubtedly improve your health.
What's the bottom line? It's all
about finding the right balance.
An alkaline diet aims to eliminate items with high acid content. While there may be
advantages to doing so, you should be aware of the risks associated with
eliminating entire food groups. If you don't take care to receive all of the
vitamins and minerals you need, you could be missing out on many of the
nutrients your body need, which are found in meals with greater acid content.
Fats and
oils, dairy, and beans and legumes are just a few of the items you'll be
avoiding on an alkaline diet. You'll need to make sure you're receiving enough
vitamin D, calcium, fiber, protein, and phytonutrients if you follow an
alkaline diet. It is possible to obtain those nutrients while adhering to an
alkaline diet; however, it will necessitate additional effort on your part.
Finally, it
is up to you to conduct a study and make healthy, well-informed diet and body
decisions. Every diet has opposing viewpoints, and only you can choose the one
that is best for you.
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