Foods That Aren't Acidic

If something is not acidic, it is either alkaline or neutral, a balance of the two. The degree to which something is acid or alkaline is called its pH level. All foods have a pH level. A diet rich in alkaline foods, with a low pH level, lowers the acid level in the blood and may reduce your risk of fatigue, cancer, heart disease, muscle problems and obesity. Eating an alkaline diet also requires that you avoid acidic foods, or foods with a high pH. Acidic foods include most meats and saturated fats, dairy products, sugar, pasta, processed foods, white rice, carbonated beverages and coffee.

Vegetables

• Many vegetables aren't acidic, resulting in a lot of meals featuring salad for those following an alkaline diet. Alkaline vegetables include lettuce, cucumbers, onions, broccoli, radish, carrots, peas, celery, kale and peppers. Combining these vegetables with seeds, chickpeas, tomatoes, fresh herbs and olive oil creates a healthy meal rich in vitamins and nutrients for alkaline dieters. Those who prefer grilled or steamed vegetables can choose spinach, Brussels sprouts and asparagus flavored with garlic.

Fruit

• Fruits that aren't acidic include watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, pears, apples, berries, bananas, grapefruit, tomato, avocado, lemon and lime. This is enough variety to create an elaborate fruit salad, or you can combine fruits and vegetables to make a salad with savory and sweet flavors. Lemon and lime juices complement produce combinations and prevent the items from turning a dull brown color. Some of these fruits may seem acidic because of their sour taste, but once they are digested, they have an alkalizing effect.

Beverages

• Alkaline drinks include water, herbal tea and vegetable juice. Dairy is acidic, so those eating an alkaline diet need to use replacements such as unsweetened soy milk or almond milk. Those who are lactose intolerant can occasionally use rice milk, but it is not an alkaline food. Avoid coffee and black tea because of the caffeine content. Soda and fruit juice containing a lot of sugar are also highly acidic.

Other Foods

• Seeds and nuts provide fiber and protein. Include pumpkin, sesame, flax and sunflower seeds, almonds and lentils in salads and prepared dishes. You can also eat these on their own as snacks. Though you will not be using oil for meat preparation on an alkaline diet, you might prefer to dress your salad or use it for roasting vegetables. Choose olive, flax or coconut oils.