Most of us don’t know the importance of alkaline foods. These foods are well known and recognizable to all of us. Foods like fruits, grains, vegetables, legumes (members of the bean family), seeds and nuts that we eat on a regular basis. However, although commonly known, we have no idea of the value these foods provide to our bodies.
BY: GUY JABBAR
According to past studies, medical professionals found that increasing alkalinity in your body is said to boost your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic disease.
More research reveals, by eating more plant-based alkaline foods, an alkaline diet, you receive several health benefits. Some of the benefits include:
- Weight loss: The alkaline diet may help promote weight loss.
- Energy boost: By consuming alkaline foods, you may experience an increase in energy levels.
- Promotes kidney health: Alkaline foods can help improve kidney functions and health.
- Toxin elimination: An alkaline diet may help eliminate toxins from the body.
- Rejuvenation of damaged cell tissue: Alkaline foods can aid in the renewal of damaged cell tissue.
- Blood nourishment: Consuming alkaline foods can help nurture and cleanse the blood.
Scientific studies discovered, an alkaline diet is based on the idea that certain foods can affect the acidity or alkalinity of our bodies.
Although the human body has a complex system to regulate pH levels, some proponents of the alkaline diet believe that consuming more alkaline foods can help maintain a healthy pH balance.
Here are some examples of alkaline foods that you can incorporate into your diet:
- Fruits: Fruits such as bananas, watermelon, and avocados are considered alkaline healthy foods.
- Vegetables: Non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cabbage, and carrots are also enriched with alkaline.
- Grains: Whole grains like wild rice, oats, and buckwheat are alkaline.
- Legumes: Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas are alkaline.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are examples of alkaline nuts and seeds.
5 ALKALINE FOODS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS
- LEAFY GREENS (SPINACH, KALE, SWISS CHARD): Leafy greens are high in alkaline minerals like magnesium and potassium.
It’s also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Together, they support cardiovascular health, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
- CUCUMBERS: This creepy vine plant contains a good amount of alkaline minerals and is high in water content.
Cucumbers are low in calories, but high in nutrients like vitamin K. They are hydrating and may help with weight loss. In addition, they also have antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Cucumbers are actually nutritious fruits. Rich in electrolytes, cucumbers help to prevent dehydration. Its other health benefits include weight loss, balanced hydration, digestive regularity, lower blood sugar levels and helps to prevent some complications of diabetes.
- AVOCADOES: This tropical fruit is high in alkaline minerals. It’s packed with healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is healthy for your cardiovascular system.
Avocados contain fiber and essential nutrients like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. They are also known to support healthy cholesterol levels.
NOTE: Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.
- ALMONDS AND ALMOND MILK: Among the healthier nuts, almonds are more alkaline forming. Almonds are high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also rich in vitamin E and magnesium.
In addition, this alkaline rich nut can help lower bad cholesterol levels and offer a good source of sustained energy.
- QUINOA: Although most grains are acidic, quinoa is an exception–along with other grains like–wild rice, a good source of plant–based protein, which is rich in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, and various antioxidants.
Additionally, this acidic grain is also known to have a low glycemic index, which is beneficial for those of us who battle high blood sugar.
Here are other benefits why you should consider alkaline healthy foods into your diet, according to Common Grains.
- Promotes better health: A diet rich in alkaline fruits and veggies provides your body with all the necessary nutrients it needs to not just survive, but thrive.
- Encourages a balanced body: Eating more alkaline foods means you’ll be less likely to develop conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
- Immune system booster: Eating more alkaline foods will boost your immune system, making it easier to fight off colds and other illnesses.
- Cancer protector: According to research, people who eat more alkaline foods have lower rates of cancer than those who don’t eat these superfoods.
- Mood enhancer: Eating more alkalizing foods can improve your mood, energy level, and overall sense of well-being.
- Promotes intelligence: According to research, eating more alkaline foods may increase your sharpness and quick-wittedness.
Bottom Line
It’s important to note, alkaline foods provide us with so many potential health benefits. It’s important to also keep in mind that while these foods are considered alkaline, they should be part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients.
If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
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