The implementation of a strict alkaline diet will mean that 80% of your meals should be made up of alkaline foods. The remaining 20% may consist of acidic foods. With this ratio, you will have the ability to keep the body in an alkaline state.
In order to keep your body naturally balanced and alkaline, it is recommended to choose food whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and natural grains.
What is alkaline diet?
The whole concept behind the alkaline diet is to replace all acid-forming items with alkaline foods in order to establish balance of our pH levels. There are certain elements in our usual diet that cause acidity, including sulfur, phosphate, and protein.
On the other hand, alkaline components in food include calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Food items that cause acidity in the body are eggs, dairy, poultry, meat, fish, and alcohol. Food items that cause an alkaline environment are nuts, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. There are also food items that are considered neutral such as natural sugars, starches, and natural fats.
The implementation of an alkaline diet is known to improve health as it prevents the development of chronic and debilitating conditions such as cancer. The alkaline diet inspires the intake of natural, unprocessed plant-based food items such as fruits and vegetables.
Here are ten examples of alkaline foods:
According to a study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture, herbs are the most alkaline of foods that you can include in your diet. For instance, parsley is teeming with alkaline compounds. Other herbs that contain high amounts of alkaline components are basil, dried dill weed, and oregano just to name a few.
- Almonds and Almond Milk
One of the healthiest food items that you can munch on is considered alkaline in nature. Almonds have the highest nutrients linked to muscle gain, decreased bad cholesterol levels, and weight loss. They are a great option between meals as a few pieces will fill you up real quick.
- Dried Fruits
Fresh fruits and juices are known to feature healthy alkaline numbers but dried fruits are known to be the most alkaline in nature. The dehydration process increases the positive charged ions.
Artichokes raises alkalinity which in turn increases the body’s pH levels. They are teeming with antioxidants that cleanse the livers and inspires faster metabolism.
- Swiss Chard
Swiss chard features nutrients that contribute to healthy pH levels. In addition, this green leafy vegetables boasts anti-viral and antibacterial properties that help rid the body of toxins and free radicals.
Asparagus is not only delicious but highly nutritious too. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and a wide array of cleansing components. Recent studies suggest that consumption of asparagus has anti-aging qualities too. It is one of the food items considered to have the biggest alkaline effect on the body.
We all use herbs in preparation and cooking of meals. But did you know that there are good and bad spices and herbs. Basil is identified as a good herb due to its high nutritional content. One remarkable compound that you can find in basil are flavonoids that help the body during healing process.
Broccoli has always been regarded healthy not only because of its nutritional value, but for its potential of raising the body’s alkaline state. It’s also easy to prepare broccoli, so you really don’t have a valid excuse of not including it as part of your meals.
Buckwheat does not contain any form of wheat, and features the same wheat texture in noodle form. This is the best solution for those who are allergic to gluten or are trying to avoid gluten altogether. It is an alkaline food, so you don’t even have to worry if you eat acid-forming food items on the side.
Cauliflower belongs to same family as Brussels sprouts and broccoli. It shares the same characteristics and is alkaline forming too. It has high concentrations of fiber and is one of the best non-fruit sources of Vitamin C.