To ensure proper functioning, our bodies need to maintain an acid-base balance. Be aware that overconsumption of meat, refined sugars, or dairy products can lead to excess acidity. Fortunately, there are many alkaline foods that can restore our acid-base balance. Discover in this article the benefits of an acid-base diet and the alkaline foods to favor on a daily basis.

Generally speaking, foods are categorized into three main groups: acidic , neutral , and alkaline foods. While neutral foods do not affect our acid-base balance, acidic foods contribute to the acidity of our body. To compensate for this imbalance, our body will be forced to draw alkaline mineral substances from bones, nails, hair, teeth, etc. Thus, the consumption of alkaline foods would reduce the harmful effects of acidity on the body . To determine the acidifying or alkalinizing effect of a food, we use the PRAL index. This is positive in the case of an acidic food, negative for an alkalinizing food, and equal to 0 for a neutral food. Here is a list of alkalinizing foods to favor in case of acid-base imbalance.

The banana

This fruit is one of the most renowned for its alkalizing power, with a PRAL index of -6.9 . Bananas also have a high content of calcium , potassium and vitamin B. It is appreciated by athletes for its energy intake and its antioxidant properties . Of course, it can be eaten raw or cooked, alone or mixed with other ingredients, according to your desires.

Spirulina

Spirulina has a PRAL index of -2.73 . It is enjoying growing popularity due to its richness in phycocyanin , minerals , but also proteins . In addition, it has antioxidant, immunostimulant and antidiabetic properties. Spirulina is available on the market in powder, capsule or tablet form.

Broccoli

It is a very effective alkalizing food, as are many green vegetables, with a PRAL index of -3.6 . It is low in calories and has antioxidant properties. Broccoli is high in vitamin B and potassium , and is ideally steamed to retain all its benefits.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the most alkaline foods on our planet. It is known for its richness in minerals , vitamins B, C and E. It is a perfect adjuvant in cases of constipation or intestinal flora disorders. Note that aloe vera is ideally consumed in the form of juice or gel.

Carob powder

The carob tree fruit originates from North Africa and the Middle East. Its powder is used as a substitute for cocoa in drinks and desserts. Its richness in polyphenols makes it a powerful antioxidant, while its high fiber content helps to remedy intestinal disorders . Furthermore, it has a PRAL index of -18.1 .

Beetroot

This food has a high alkalizing power, with a PRAL index of -3.13 . Beetroot also has antioxidant properties involved in the fight against free radicals . It is composed of vitamins A , B, C, E and K, fiber, iron, magnesium, protein, calcium , etc., which makes it a real health ally. It can be eaten raw, cooked, in soup or even in salad.

Spinach

Spinach is a highly alkalizing food with a PRAL index of -10.3 . Its popularity is due in particular to its richness in vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese and folic acid . It is ideally eaten raw to preserve not only its taste, but also its properties.

The chestnut

With a PRAL index of -8.5, chestnuts are among the alkalizing foods to favor in your diet. They also have a high content of copper, magnesium, and manganese. In their powdered form, they can be mixed into desserts or used as an alternative to flour when making bread.

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