One of the problems with the typical modern diet, based largely on
processed sugars and sweeteners, conventionally raised meats, dairy and
produce and refined grains, is that it tends to have an acidifying
effect on the body. This can raise the risk of chronic inflammatory
conditions like arthritis and also increase your risk of developing
cancer. The body functions best at a slightly alkaline pH level of 7.4
and to help maintain this balance, it is good to consider including some
of the following alkalizing foods in your diet.
Root Vegetables
Many root vegetables – including beets, turnips, carrots, all colors
of radishes, horseradish and rutabaga – have an
alkalizing effect upon
the body. Apart from this, they are also
mineral-rich and high in fiber,
so they can support your general health. While many Americans in
particular are not always very knowledgeable about
how to prepare these
veggies, there are many recipes available on the web and steaming,
boiling, baking or sautéing in olive oil are all great ways to start!
Cruciferous Vegetables
It shouldn’t be surprising that these veggies – including broccoli,
cauliflower, kale and cabbage among others – are on this list. They,
too, help raise the body’s pH level and apart from this bring a whole
array of other health benefits, including improved digestion and a
strengthened immune system that can better fight off illness and
disease. They are also excellent for cardiac health. So be sure to get a
serving of crucifers every day if possible – and not just for the
acid-base balance!
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables, along with crucifers, are probably some of
the healthiest foods you can eat on a daily basis. Things like spinach,
Swiss chard, turnip or mustard greens or collards are all wonderful to
help maintain a proper acid-base balance in the body and like the
crucifers while raise your pH to optimal levels. They also bring in with
them well of phytonutrients, fiber, minerals and vitamins, especially
Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best foods to eat for overall health, so it is
no surprise that is should also be an alkalizing food as well. Eating
this will also give you better cardiac health due to lowered blood
pressure and cholesterol levels, an improved immune system, and a
decreased chance of developing many chronic disease due to the power
anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this true superfood.
Lemons
Okay, this many sound strange to a lot of people, but even though
lemons have a low pH due to their citric acid content, they actually
have an alkalizing effect within the body, especially if taken in water
on a daily basis. It will also bring the benefits of an improved immune
system, a detoxified liver and better digestion, since ingesting lemon
juice stimulates the product of bile which helps the body more
efficiently break down food.
So consider increasing your intact of these alkalizing foods in your
diet. As you can see, a diet rich in these foods will not only help
maintain a healthy acid-base balance but bring in a number of other
health benefits at the same time.
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