Alkaline grains are often touted as being good for health – but what exactly are they? And why should you care?
We made it our mission to discover the answers to these questions and put together all you need to know about alkaline grains – including some of the most nutritious, delicious options to choose from.
What Does Alkaline Mean?
In chemistry, an alkali is any chemical compound that has a high positive charge. In biology, alkaline refers to anything that makes up part of the blood plasma. A neutral pH is 7.0, while an alkaline pH is above 7.0. Anything below 7.0 is considered acidic.
Our bodies naturally produce acids when they metabolize food. For example, when we digest protein, our bodies create lactic acid. Lactic acid is created when muscle tissue breaks down.
Our bodies also produce carbon dioxide (CO2) when we breathe, and when we burn sugar. Acids can build up in our bodies when we don’t get enough water, exercise, or sleep. We also produce acids when we consume alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods.
How Do I Know Which Foods Are Alkaline?
To determine whether a particular food is alkaline or not, look at its pH value. Most fruits and vegetables fall between 4.5 and 6.0.
Some examples include apples, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, kale, lettuce, oranges, peas, pears, spinach, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini.
Alkaline foods contain higher levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, copper, manganese, and vitamins B6, C, E, K, and D.
Why Should You Eat More Alkaline Foods?
There’s no doubt about it – the human body needs alkaline nutrients to survive. According to experts, a diet rich in alkaline foods is essential for maintaining optimal health, and can even lead to weight loss.
Here are just a few reasons why you should start incorporating more alkaline foods into your diet:
It Promotes Better Health
A diet rich in alkaline fruits and veggies provides your body with all the necessary nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
It Helps Keep Your Body Balanced
Eating more alkaline foods means you’ll be less likely to develop conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
It Boosts Immune System
Eating more alkaline foods will boost your immune system, making it easier to fight off colds and other illnesses.
It Protects Against Cancer
Research shows that people who eat more alkaline foods have lower rates of cancer than those who don’t.
It Improves Mood
Eating more alkalizing foods can improve your mood, energy level, and overall sense of well-being.
It Makes You Smarter
According to research, eating more alkaline foods may increase your IQ by as much as 10 points.
What Are Alkaline Grains?
Alkaline grains refer to a group of foods that contain high levels of potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg).
These minerals help maintain healthy blood pressure, regulate heart rate, and keep your body’s pH balance in check.
They also play an important role in keeping bones strong, muscles relaxed, and nerves functioning properly.
The best way to get enough K and Mg is through food sources like whole grains, leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, and fish.
But if you’re looking for something quick and easy to add to your diet, there are plenty of alkaline-rich snacks on store shelves. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Quinoa
This ancient grain has been cultivated since at least 5,000 BC. It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it one of the best plant-based proteins out there. Quinoa offers several health benefits, and these include:
Reducing Inflammation
One of the main advantages of quinoa is its ability to reduce inflammation, and this makes it a great option for people who suffer from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
The anti-inflammatory properties of quinoa have even been linked to reducing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis.
Improving Digestion
Quinoa is also rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote regular digestion. Eating quinoa can improve your overall digestive system function, helping prevent constipation and diarrhea.
Boosting Immunity
Quinoa contains lysine, an amino acid that supports immune system function. Lysine is especially beneficial for those suffering from allergies because it reduces the production of histamine, a chemical compound that causes allergic reactions.
2. Amaranth
Amaranth is another ancient grain that dates back to around between 6000 and 8000 years ago. Like quinoa, amaranth is loaded with nutrients and fiber.
In fact, it boasts more than twice the amount of both compared to quinoa! Some of the key benefits of amaranth include:
Promoting Weight Loss
Amaranth is a low-calorie food source, so it’s perfect for anyone trying to lose weight. One cup of cooked amaranth provides just over 100 calories, while still providing 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of fat.
Providing Fiber
Like quinoa, amaranth is a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and keeps things moving along smoothly.
3. Millet
Millet is a small grain native to Africa and Asia. It’s similar to rice and corn in terms of appearance, but it tastes much sweeter. Millet is a gluten-free grain, and it’s also a complete protein source.
That means that it contains all nine essential amino acids needed by the human body.
Some key advantages of millet include:
Providing Energy
Millet is a highly nutritious food source that provides energy without causing spikes in blood sugar. This makes it ideal for diabetics, as well as those looking to boost their energy levels throughout the day.
Supporting Bone Health
Millet is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. All of these elements support bone health, keeping bones strong and healthy.
4. Arrowroot
Arrowroot is a starchy root vegetable that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s often used in Asian cooking, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular in Western cuisine.
Arrowroot is high in starch and fiber, and it’s also very versatile. You can use arrowroot to thicken sauces, make pie crusts, and bake cakes.
Some health benefits of arrowroot include:
Helping Reduce Cholesterol
Arrowroot has cholesterol-lowering properties, making it a great addition to any diet.
Reducing Bloating
Arrowroot may help reduce bloating caused by certain foods, such as beans and cabbage.
5. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is actually not a true wheat at all, but rather a fruit seed related to rhubarb. However, it’s commonly referred to as “buckwheat” due to its resemblance to the cereal grain.
Buckwheat is a gluten-free grain, and it’s packed with antioxidants and other nutrients.
Buckwheat is a good source of manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
It’s also a good source of folate, choline, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and biotin.
6. Sorghum
Sorghum is a type of grass that’s grown primarily in tropical regions. It’s been cultivated for thousands of years, and it was even one of the first crops domesticated by humans.
Sorghum is a gluten-free plant, and it’s also rich in minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc.
Some key health benefits include:
Improving Digestion
Sorghum helps improve digestion because it contains enzymes that break down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
Promoting Weight Loss
Sorghum may help promote weight loss because it contains less than half the amount of carbs found in most grains.
What Are The Benefits Of Alkaline Grains?
Alkaline grains are an excellent way to increase your intake of alkalizing minerals. These minerals promote overall wellness and keep you feeling energized. They’re especially beneficial if you have a hard time getting enough sleep or feel sluggish during the day.
Some of the main benefits of opting for an alkaline-based diet include:
Promoting Weight Loss
When you eat more alkaline foods, you’ll be consuming fewer acidic foods. This will help you shed pounds faster than eating typical meals.
Improving Digestion
The digestive system plays a huge role in our overall health. When we consume too many acidic foods, our digestion suffers. By switching to an alkaline diet, you’ll improve your digestion and eliminate some common stomach issues.
Boosting Immunity
An alkaline diet promotes better immunity because it helps balance out the pH level of the body. If you want to stay healthy, then you need to maintain a balanced pH level.
Increasing Brain Function
Your brain relies on oxygen to function properly. An alkaline-rich diet increases the amount of oxygen available to the brain, which leads to improved memory and concentration.
Protecting Against Cancer
Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. Eating more alkaline foods will help prevent cancer from forming in the first place.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to lose weight, feel better, and live longer, then it’s time to change your diet.
By adding more alkaline-rich foods and grains to your plate, you’ll be on your way to achieving these goals and so much more, and will see a boost in your health and vitality.
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