Foods Containing Alkaline

The pH scale is used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a certain substance. This scale ranges from 1 to 15 with the lower numbers corresponding to acidity and the higher numbers representing the level of alkalinity of that substance. The middle number, 7, represents a perfect pH balance and is the best for humans. All food falls somewhere on this scale and knowing what a food's alkalinity is will help you know which foods will counteract the acid in your diet, bringing your pH back to 7.

Vegetables

• Most vegetables are either pH balanced of have values over 7, making them alkaline. These vegetables include leafy vegetables, like lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach and artichoke. There are several root vegetables like celery, onion, radishes, and beet root that have alkaline properties. Some grasses such as wheat, straw and barley fall into this category. Finally, look for vegetables like garlic, asparagus, cauliflower and cucumber to help keep your body alkaline.

Fruits

• As with vegetables, there are several fruits that can fall into this category. There are several fruits, like lemons and lime, which may surprise people in regards to their pH value (they are alkaline). Also, avocados, tomatoes, grapefruit, and rhubarb are all alkaline fruits.

Drinks

• Since water is pH neutral, it needs to have things added to it in order to change its pH scale. Fresh vegetable juice is one, mainly because it contains a large amount of juice from alkaline vegetables. Lemon water, herbal tea, vegetable broth, non-sweetened soy milk and almond milk all have a pH balance greater than 7.

Seeds, Nuts, Grains

• Eating seed and nuts can be a great way for your diet to become more alkaline. If you are looking for seed, try pumpkin, sesame, or sunflower to get the alkalinity you need. You can also try almonds, flax seeds, spelt, lentils, cumin seeds or any generally sprouted seed.

Fats and Oils

• Finally, there are many oils and fats that are alkaline in nature. Many of these, like sesame or flax oil, come from seeds and nuts which are already over 7 on the pH scale. Also, avocado, olive, evening primrose, borage and coconut oil can also increase alkalinity in your diet.