First Things First, What Is Alkalinity?
Alkalinity measures the ability of an aqueous solution to neutralize, or "buffer," an acid. It's part of the pH scale, a system that calculates how acidic or basic a substance is. On the pH scale of 0-14, 7 is referred to as "neutral" pH. Low pH (below 7) is considered acidic, while high pH (above 7) is alkaline.
Alkaline vs Acidic
The body tends to function best when its pH is slightly alkaline. Eating alkalizing foods - including lots of fresh green vegetables - helps to balance and maintain the body's pH, which may lead to increased health and wellness.
Foods that rank high on the pH scale may promote increased weight regulation, digestion, immune function, inflammatory balance and longevity.
Sliding down the scale, if the body becomes too acidic there's an increased risk of weight and skin issues, as well as numerous inflammation-related illnesses.
Alkalizing Superfoods
In no particular order, here's a list of fresh alkalizing superfoods to try!
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Kale
- Lentils
- Onions
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Chlorella
A Few of Our Favorites
Beets
This ruby-hued root contains fiber and potassium, as well as copious amounts of folate - 1/2 cup of cooked beets offers 17% of the recommended daily intake! The deep red pigment in beets, betacyanin, may also play a part in reducing inflammation and free radical activity.
Broccoli
These "little trees" are rich in fiber and an assortment of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C (approx. 50mg per serving), vitamin A (1,200 international units per serving), calcium (31mg per serving) and potassium (229mg per 1/2 cup). Broccoli also contains phytochemicals that support them immune system.
Cauliflower
This snow-white cruciferous contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, which may help fight off free radical scavengers. Particularly high in potassium (one cup of chopped raw cauliflower contains 320mg) and vitamin C (one raw cup contains 52mg), cauliflower also contains sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates, which work to activate the body's detoxification system.
Chlorella
This microscopic single-celled freshwater algae is exceptionally high in protein (about 45% of its total makeup when dried). Great for vegan and vegetarian diets, it's also a great source of B vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium, and is used extensively as a detoxifier.
Sources
mindbodygreen.com "15 Most Alkalizing Superfoods" found here.
mindbodygreen.com "How to Balance pH to Heal Your Body" found here.
WebMD "There's No Beating the Beet" found here.
Livestrong.com "The Health Benefits of Cauliflower" found here.
healthyeating.sfgate.com "What are the Benefits of Eating Broccoli Every Day?" found here.
wikipedia.com "Chlorella" found here.
