High-Energy Alkaline Foods
High-energy foods contain protein, vitamins and minerals that fuel the body, providing energy for athletic performance, work, mental clarity and overall health. Most fruits and green vegetables are alkaline forming as are some legumes, spices, herbs, seeds and nuts. A food's effect on the body--and not the pH of the food itself--is what makes it alkalinizing or acidifying. A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and rest are all crucial for maintaining proper pH levels in the body.
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Considerations
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Human blood should be slightly alkaline, with a pH level of 7.35 to 7.45. If the pH level drops below the neutral level of 7.0, the body becomes acidic and will use alkaline minerals to compensate. Increased consumption of alkaline forming foods may be necessary to restore pH levels. Nutritionists recommend a diet of 60 percent alkaline forming foods and 40 percent acid forming foods to maintain correct pH balance. If the body has become too acidic, changing the balance to 80 percent alkaline and 20 percent acidic will help restore balance.
Vegetables
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Green leafy vegetables are rich in trace minerals and vitamins that provide energy. Greens, including beet greens, chard, spinach, collards and kale, are alkaline forming. Wheat grass, barley grass, kelp and other forms of seaweed and sea vegetables are also alkaline forming. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beets and carrots provide essential nutrients and are alkaline forming. Herbs are generally alkaline forming. Green juices and vegetables are likewise alkaline forming.
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Fruits, Nuts and Other Foods
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Avocados are high in protein, potassium and iron. Bananas also provide energy, with protein, potassium and other minerals. Other high-energy, alkaline forming fruits include apples, apricots, dried figs, raisins, dates and pineapple. Fresh fruit juices are also alkaline forming. Blackstrap molasses is a natural sweetener with an alkalinizing effect, high in iron, calcium, copper and other minerals. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, chiles and curry spices have a warming effect on the body and are alkaline forming. Different types of nuts can create an alkalinizing or acidifying effect so should be tested for each person.
Foods to Avoid
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Meat is high in protein and iron; however, meat is acid forming. Even though meat is alkaline before consumption, it leaves acid residue in the body after digestion. Everyone reacts differently to different types of food, so it may be necessary to test your pH level frequently. Testing should be done before eating or at least one hour after a meal. High-energy foods that are sometimes rated as alkalinizing and sometimes as acidifying include chicken, nuts, eggs, honey, maple syrup, milk and soy products. Coffee, sugar, alcohol and most oils are acid forming.
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References
Resources
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