Is Quinoa Acidic or Alkaline?
The alkaline diet has become a popular way for people to improve their health by focusing on eating foods that have an alkalizing effect on the body. But with so many foods to consider, it can be confusing to figure out where specific foods like quinoa land on the acid/alkaline scale.
Keep reading to learn whether quinoa is acidic or alkaline and how it may impact your body's pH balance.
What Is pH and Acid/Alkaline Balance?
pH stands for "potential hydrogen" and is used to measure how acidic or alkaline/basic a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0-14:
- 0-6.9 = acidic
- 7 = neutral
- 7.1-14 = alkaline/basic
Our bodies carefully regulate blood pH between 7.35-7.45 to maintain proper function. Even small changes in this pH range can impact processes. An acidic shift can negatively affect cellular function while an alkaline shift allows cells to thrive.
When we eat foods or our bodies produce acids during metabolism, they release hydrogen ions that can make us more acidic. Our kidneys and lungs work to neutralize and excrete excess acids to keep us in balance.
The alkaline diet aims to support the body by emphasizing more alkaline foods to balance pH for improved health.
Benefits of an Alkaline Diet
Research on the direct effects of alkaline diets is limited. However, proponents claim potential benefits such as:
- Reducing acidosis risk
- Increasing growth hormone production
- Improving kidney function
- Acting as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Supporting bone and muscle health
- Boosting immunity
- Inhibiting bacteria, yeasts, mold growth
- Promoting cell regeneration and longevity
Is Quinoa Alkaline or Acidic?
Most whole grains are considered acidic on the pH scale. However, quinoa is an exception and is actually alkaline-forming in the body.
While quinoa contains minerals like magnesium, iron and manganese that help neutralize acids, its amino acids are what give quinoa its alkalizing effects.
The protein in quinoa contains higher levels of lysine, methionine, and cysteine compared to common grains. These amino acids produce more usable protein per calorie for our bodies plus have an alkaline ash residue.
The alkalizing amino profile is one reason quinoa is such a nutritious addition to an alkaline focused diet and lifestyle.
Benefits of Quinoa for an Alkaline Diet
Here are some of the top benefits of eating quinoa on an alkaline diet:
- Highly digestible protein to help balance pH
- Promotes satiety and sustained energy
- Very low acid load despite having protein
- Rich prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria
- High antioxidant content to reduce acidosis risk
- Nutrient dense to support body's acid-balancing mechanisms
- Easily incorporated into various recipes
Using Quinoa to Balance Acid/Alkaline Levels
Balancing your acid and alkaline intake can promote pH homeostasis to benefit wellness.
Aim to get 80% of your diet from alkaline sources such as fruits, vegetables, juices, nuts, seeds, spices and herbs. Grains, proteins and fats should make up the other 20%.
Eating quinoa is an easy way to get alkalizing protein. Combining it with an abundance of fresh produce can create the ultimate alkaline boosting meals.
For breakfast try a quinoa berry smoothie with spinach. Enjoy quinoa chickpea salad with cucumber, tomato and avocado for lunch. Make quinoa stuffed peppers with hummus for dinner.
You can also use quinoa to make alkaline desserts like pumpkin quinoa muffins or breakfast quinoa porridge.
Let delicious quinoa recipes help you balance your acid/alkaline intake and pH levels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is quinoa considered alkaline?
Quinoa contains higher levels of alkalizing amino acids like lysine, methionine and cysteine. This gives quinoa an alkaline ash residue rather than acidic, making it alkaline forming in the body.
Is alkaline water better with quinoa?
Pairing quinoa with alkaline water can further boost quinoa's alkalizing effects. Limiting intake of acidic beverages is recommended when following an alkaline diet.
What is the healthiest way to prepare quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa before cooking and preparing it with vegetable broth are easy ways to make quinoa even healthier. Combining it with lots of vegetables increases its alkalinity.
Can quinoa help balance pH levels?
Yes, quinoa is rich in amino acids that leave behind an alkaline ash residue which can directly help balance pH levels. Its high antioxidant content also supports the body's acid-balancing mechanisms.
What acid/alkaline level is optimal?
The optimal pH range is right around 7.35-7.45. Levels under 7.35 are too acidic and can negatively impact cellular function while levels over 7.45 are too alkaline.
FAQs
What are some alkaline breakfasts with quinoa?
Some delicious high alkaline breakfasts with quinoa include chia pudding, overnight oats, quinoa porridge, scrambles with veggies, pancakes, muffins or smoothies.
Is quinoa better than rice for an alkaline diet?
Yes, quinoa is much better than rice for an alkaline diet because quinoa has an alkalizing effect on the body, while rice is more acidic.
Can you eat quinoa every day on an alkaline diet?
You can safely enjoy quinoa daily as part of an alkaline diet. Combining it with a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and healthy fats creates balanced alkalizing meals.
Is alkaline water necessary if you eat quinoa?
While not necessary, pairing quinoa with alkaline water can optimize quinoa’s benefits for pH by limiting acid intake from other beverages.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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