List of Alkaline Foods

Picture this: a platter of spaghetti, a casserole of macaroni, oatmeal cookies, corn, beans, and a bowl of freshly picked cranberries. Mouthwatering? Yes. A list of alkaline foods? Unfortunately not. This sumptuous buffet is admittedly gastronomically tempting, and not many have the willpower to just stare at them and stop themselves from digging in. Yum!

But did you know that chowing down these heavy tummy-fillers, especially on a regular basis and making it your one-stop no-fail diet, can affect your health negatively? You see, the foods mentioned above are examples of acidic foods-and eating too much of them can cause ailments and diseases such as obesity, osteoporosis, flu, skin disorders, and even cancer. Plus, high acidity causes joint and muscle pains, cramps, spasms, headache, and chronic fatigue.

But I eat all these things, you may say. True, but you don't have to stop eating these foods altogether. In fact, you still need to eat some acidic foods to keep your body healthy. The key to a healthy, balanced diet is moderation. According to Robert Young, an American author who promotes alternative medicine and alkaline diet, the balance of acidity and alkalinity in our body defines our health and wellbeing. And so, eating a few things from a list of alkaline foods may help you achieve equilibrium in your food choices, and help you maintain a diet that's equally healthy and delicious.

Alkaline foods refer to those that leave an alkaline effect on the body after being consumed. They are rich in iron, calcium, cesium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. It's not too hard to figure out, as most items in the list of alkaline foods are already familiar to us: fresh vegetables and fruits, low-sugar foods, and all others that oppose the characteristics of acidic foods, which are, to name some, sweet, alcoholic, caffeinated, and rich in saturated fats.

Eating alkaline foods can result in increased strength and stamina, a stronger immune system, mental clarity, better digestion, and even weight loss. Being on an alkaline diet even brings back the vitality of an active and energized child. You can run as fast and exercise as much as you used to when you're younger, even if you're already in your late 30s.

But then, as we speak of balance, one must take note of a diet that's ideal. Such diet should adhere to 70-80% intake of alkaline foods and a maximum of 20-30% acidic foods.

Here's a short list of alkaline foods that can help you achieve a healthier body:

Vegetables

Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Eggplant
Garlic
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Peas
Peppers
Pumpkin
Radishes
Green Spinach
Sprouts
Sweet Potatoes
Wheat Grass

Fruits

Tomatoes
Avocado
Lemon
Lime
Grapefruit

Others

Almonds
Chestnuts
Chili Pepper
Cinnamon
Curry
Ginger
Herbs (all)
Millet
Miso
Mustard
Sea Salt
Tempeh (fermented)
Tofu (fermented)
Whey Protein Powder