Tag: Acidic vs alkaline foods

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with pure water having a neutral pH of 7. While most common foods are naturally acidic, some are considered neutral or near-neutral. Knowing what foods have a neutral pH can help you manage digestive issues like acid reflux and plan a more balanced diet for better health.

A freshly laid egg white is naturally alkaline, with a starting pH of around 7.6. This surprising fact provides a definitive answer to the common question: are egg whites acidic or alkaline?

Though often called the 'al diet' by proponents, the alkaline diet's core premise—that food can alter your blood's pH—is not supported by science. This eating plan, however, emphasizes wholesome plant-based foods, which may offer health benefits despite the unproven theory behind it.

According to chemical standards, pure table sugar (sucrose) has a neutral pH of approximately 7 when dissolved in distilled water, debunking the common misconception that it is inherently acidic. This neutrality comes from its molecular structure, which lacks ionizable hydrogen or hydroxide groups typically found in acids and bases. Understanding this fundamental chemical property is key to distinguishing between a substance's inherent nature and its metabolic effects on the body.

While many common grains are considered acid-forming after digestion, several pseudo-cereals and some true grains are classified as alkaline-forming. This is not due to their raw pH but the mineral-rich ash they leave behind in the body's metabolic process. This article delves into the details of which grains are alkaline and why, providing a comprehensive guide for those interested in the alkaline diet.

Despite the misconception, pure sugar is a neutral substance and no sugar is inherently alkaline. The key to understanding the impact of sweeteners on your body's acid-base balance lies not in the sugar itself, but in how it is processed and the foods it is found in.