Alkaline Foods: The Ten Best Alkaline Foods

The acid-base balance regulates the vital equilibrium of all metabolic processes in our body and in every single cell. If it gets out of balance, our metabolism no longer runs as smoothly as usual.

Acidic or alkaline: Why the pH value is so important

Acids enter our body through our diet. But stress, lack of exercise, or intense physical activity also contribute to acidification. However, our metabolism only functions optimally when the pH value of our body and blood is in the slightly alkaline range of 7.3 to 7.4. An unhealthy diet, especially one high in animal products, overburdens our body's own buffering systems.

• Basic range: pH value 7 to 14

• Sour range: pH value 0 to 7

Around 80 percent of our consumed foods should ideally be alkaline. In this list, you will find foods that are particularly suitable for an alkaline diet.

The top 10 alkaline foods

1. Spinach

Green leafy vegetables are at the top of many tables of alkaline foods. Rightly so! Spinach contains very high levels of the alkaline minerals potassium and magnesium. Acid-forming amino acids, on the other hand, are not present at all - so the perfect composition to actively support our. Acid-base balance Spinach is not only a delicious side dish. Young leaves also taste great in salads or in a fresh smoothie.

Our tip: Spinach can contain nitrate, which can transform into toxic nitrite especially when kept warm for a long time. Buy it. The best option is organic produce or spinach from local open-field cultivation. These contain significantly less nitrate than fast-bred spinach.

By the way, other green vegetables also count as alkaline-forming foods. Feel free to eat spinach alternately, for example with Kale, Savoy cabbage or leafy salads. The green leaves of kohlrabi and carrots also have an alkaline effect. You can find out which vegetable leaves are edible here.

2. Dandelion

Dandelion is known primarily for its healthy bitter substances. In naturopathy, it is also considered liver-strengthening and detoxifying, as the liver is one of our most important detoxification organs. The detoxifying effect also applies to the acids produced in our body: waste products of our metabolism, including acids, are neutralized in the liver as needed and then excreted through the kidneys.

Our tip: In spring, you can pick and eat the unopened buds, and from spring to autumn the leaves. They taste good in salads and are reminiscent of arugula.

Other wild herbs such as nettles are also considered alkaline foods. Therefore, try to incorporate them into your diet as often as possible.

3. Fruit

Fruits are, along with vegetables, the basis for an alkaline diet. Apples, berries, apricots, currants, grapes, and pears. are particularly recommended. They contain high amounts of the alkaline minerals magnesium and potassium.

Our tip: All types of fruit are recommended for an alkaline diet. However, please note: This only applies to fully ripe fruit! Not fully ripened fruit - as is sometimes the case with cheap imported goods - has an acidic effect on our body and should be avoided.

4. Potatoes

Vegetables and fruits are at the top of our menu when we want to do something for our acid-base balance. Are you missing a filling side dish on your plate? Potatoes are the best choice! They are rich in vitamins and minerals and also contain valuable plant-based protein. This also applies to the potato-like knobby tuber of Jerusalem artichoke.

5. Cucumbers

Despite their high water content, cucumbers provide plenty of vitamins and alkaline minerals. However, these minerals are mainly found in and under the skin. To fully benefit from their alkaline effect, it is best to eat cucumbers with the skin on. Eat unpeeled and pay attention to organic quality.

6. Parsley

Fresh herbs are considered alkaline foods. Especially in the good old parsley, there is more potential than one might think. It is an exceptionally good herb. Potassium supplier and contains large amounts of secondary plant substances and the plant pigment chlorophyll.

If you want to effectively use parsley against acidification, you should feel free to use it more often! You can also simply chew on parsley in between or add the leaves to your salad.

7. Raisins

We mainly associate alkaline food with vegetables and fresh fruits. It is surprising that sweet raisins are also at the top of the list of alkaline foods. Why is that? Raisins are one of the best sources of potassium. Potassium is one of the alkaline minerals and can quickly neutralize acids in our body.

Our tip: A healthy diet should always be as balanced as possible. Free from additives Therefore, it is best to choose raisins that have not been treated with sulfur. Look for the label "unsulfured" on the packaging.

8. Apple cider vinegar

Even what tastes sour can have an alkalizing effect in the body. In our metabolism, no acidic products are produced from apple cider vinegar, and therefore no acids either. What remains after energy production are mainly alkaline minerals. The same thing happens with acidic fruits like limes, lemons, or oranges, by the way.

Our tip: Use unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, which unlike heated products still contains many natural enzymes.

9. Nuts

Not all nuts are considered alkaline foods. But when it comes to Almonds, walnuts, and chestnuts You are welcome to access it. The same goes for. Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Try it once. Ground almond flakes. The healthy tiger nut is a very good source of minerals and ideal for alkaline muesli.

10. Plant Oils

If you want to eat alkaline, you should use plant oils. Coconut oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil are considered alkaline.

Do you want to know more about an alkaline diet? Here is the link to the comprehensive acid-base table.