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Foods That Are Acidic in Nature

Foods can become acidic as a result of nature, when acid is added to it, and during the fermentation process. Foods that are acidic in nature can vary in their acidity. Any food below a 7.0 on the pH level is considered acidic. The lower the number the more acidic a food. Lemon juice is one of the most acidic fruits, with a pH of 2.6.

  1. Low-acidic foods

    • Foods that are acidic in nature and have a pH lower than 7.0-but greater than 4.6-are called low-acidic foods. Fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and eggplant are in this category. In fact, almost all vegetables, with the exception of tomatoes and a few others, are considered low-acidic foods. Meats, such as beef and pork, as well as poultry, seafood, with the exception of shellfish and milk are considered low acidic foods.

      Low-acidic foods cause fewer problems if eaten in greater quantity and on a more frequent basis than high-acidic foods. Your body needs a certain amount of acidity from foods to maintain a health pH balance, ideally somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5 on the pH scale.

    High-acidic foods

    • Naturally high-acidic foods have pH balances that are lower than 4.6 on the pH scale. These foods include tomatoes, most fruits and some vegetables. Strawberries, rhubarb, apples, apricots, peaches and raspberries are some of the highest acidic fruits in nature. Yellow plums are also considered high-acidic fruits. Tomatoes, range between 4.3 to 4.9 in acidity pH, according to the University of South Dakota's Cooperative Extension Service. Sauerkraut, cabbage, green peppers and string beans are also highly acidic.

      Eating too many highly-acidic foods can cause health problems, causing the body to build up too much acid. This makes it difficult for your body to absorb vitamins and minerals.

    Beverage considerations

    • In addition to the foods you eat, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and dairy products, certain beverages, like beer and carbonated beverages are acidic. Cocoa and tea are acidic because of their caffeine content.

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