Pros and Cons of Alkaline Diets

Acid alkaline diet and the alkaline ash diet exist after the foods are digested. Said diet leaves an ash that can be acidic, alkaline or neutral depending on the mineral content. Overconsumption of meat and dairy products promote an acidic pH balance in the body that can lead to serious degenerative conditions, like cancer and heart disease. On the other hand, alkaline ash is present by eating mostly plant foods like healthy food of minerals essential for a healthy body and sustenance against diseases. Ideal ratio between the food groups is 80 percent alkaline to 20 percent acidic, proponents of the alkaline diet say. rnFruits have natural acids. Many of fruits contain high amounts of citric acid, which is a considered a strong acid however there are fruits that are not as acidic as others. There are fruits that have alkaline content like melons, pears, pineapple, orange, peach, cranberries, banana, raisins, dried figs, dates, coconut, cherries, avocado, apples and naturally dried sweet apricots just like healthy meals. rnVegetables with high in alkaline are the following; wheat grass, tomato, peas, sweet potato, lettuce, pumpkins, spinach, peppers, onions, green beans, mushrooms, green peas, Brussels sprouts, garlic, eggplant, escarole, chicory, lettuce, cabbage, dandelions, mache, squash, asparagus, edible gourds, zucchini, cucumber, alfalfa, broccoli, carrot, celery stalks, fennel, beet greens, black olives, corn, buckwheat, chili pepper, ginger, tamari and cinnamon just like any healthy food recipes. Fresh dairy products are alkaline by nature. It includes; raw whole milk, fresh butter, well-drained soft unripe cheeses, acidophilus milk, fresh whey, banana smoothie, fresh buttermilk and egg yolk. Take note that unpasteurized milk and ripe soft cheeses are very acidic. rnListed below are alkalizing foods; • Raw cane sugar, sea salt, non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, non-hydrogenated margarine, and virgin cold pressed sunflower, olive and safflower oils, green juices from grasses and fresh vegetable juice are also rich in alkaline. • Sweeteners such as maple, rice syrups, stevia, whey protein, millet, chestnuts, almonds and fermented tofu. Mineral water and pure water with a pH 7 to pH 10, almond milk, non-sweetened soymilk, vegetable broth, fresh vegetable juice, herbal tea and lemon water are alkalizing beverages. Lemons, which are widely considered acidic foods, actually are acidic in their natural form. Alkalizing foods may be acidic in their natural form but produce alkalinity when digested. There are some alkaline foods that become acidic when digested. This is also known as the potential renal acidic load, or PRAL.