Potatoes are considered to be a “non-acidic” food. However, if you solely look at the pH value, they are in the slightly acidic range. For this reason, some folks aren’t sure if you can enjoy potatoes on an alkaline diet. But you can! Read on to understand exactly why this is.
What Is The pH Level Of Potatoes?
The pH level of potatoes is 5.4 to 5.9, making them slightly acidic. However, when considering the context of an alkaline diet, potatoes are considered an alkaline food. This is because they have a negative or low renal acid load. In other words, the potato helps to balance out the body’s pH levels and create an alkaline environment.
Are pH and Alkalinity the same?
While they are related concepts, no they are not the same.
According to Clemson University, “The pH value of a food is a direct function of the free hydrogen ions present in that food. Acids present in foods release free hydrogen ions.”
So foods with higher acidity, release more hydrogens and can cause stomach upset.
The alkaline nature of a specific food refers more to its ability to balance out or neutralize acids. This is why an alkaline diet may be recommended for people with acid reflux or Gerd.
Are Boiled Or Mashed Potatoes Good For Acid Reflux?
There is no hard and fast rule about what foods an individual can or cannot eat when suffering from acid reflux or GERD, but doctors generally recommend a diet that is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic.
Let’s take a look at a few different preparations of potatoes.
Boiled
Yes, boiled potatoes are good for those with acid reflux. The high fiber content of potatoes absorbs excess stomach acid and prevents constipation. Additionally, the carbohydrates in potatoes can provide energy for those who are dealing with this condition.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a popular side dish, but they’re not always the best choice for people with acid reflux or GERD. The high pH level in mashed potatoes can cause discomfort and further irritation for those struggling with these conditions.
Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a good source of alkalinity, so they may be a better option than mashed potatoes for those with these conditions. Just don’t load your potatoes up with butter and bacon bits!
And always consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms related to acid reflux or GERD before making any dietary changes!
What Are Some Other Alkalizing Vegetables?
There are plenty of other alkalizing vegetables available. Some great options include:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Green beans (string beans)
- Kale and other leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard.
Are Sweet Potatoes On The Alkaline Diet?
The alkaline diet is a hot topic these days. People are always looking for ways to improve their health, and the alkaline diet seems to be a good option. The premise of the diet is that eating foods that are considered “alkaline” can help your body stay healthy. But what exactly counts as an alkaline food?
Many people think that potatoes are not allowed on the alkaline diet because they are too starchy. However, sweet potatoes are low in sugar and high in fiber which make them perfectly fine to enjoy while sticking to an alkaline diet.
And while sweet potato fries may not be allowed, but baking or boiling sweet potatoes are definitely allowed. Steaming is another easy way to enjoy the natural taste of the sweet potato.
Here is a quick recipe where you can enjoy the simple goodness of sweet potato.
Recipe: Quick and Easy Steamed Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and peel one whole sweet potato.
- Chop it into 1 inch cubes.
- Add the potatoes into a steamer basket.
- Boil
- Cover and steam for approximately 15 minutes.
This easy to make recipe is about as clean as they come.
Sweet potatoes make a great addition to any meal because they are high in nutrients and digestible fiber. They also have a mild flavor that everyone will love. So next time you’re looking for something healthy to eat, give sweet potatoes a try!
Health Benefits of Potatoes
Potatoes are considered one of the most popular vegetables in the United States. Not only are they a great budget friendly way to feed your family, they are also packed with nutrients.
For example, potatoes are rich in potassium, an important mineral that provides stability to the muscles and brain. They also contain vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin and bones, and B vitamins, which are important for energy production.
In addition to their nutritional value, potatoes offer other health benefits as well. For example, they can help you lose weight or maintain your current weight because they’re low in calories but high in fiber.
Potatoes also contain antioxidants that can protect against disease-causing free radicals. And because they’re a complex carbohydrate, potatoes can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
However, there is a downside to potatoes as well.
Potatoes are also high in starch. And the preparation of the potatoes you eat can offset its natural goodness.
For example, the oil in french-fried potatoes makes them a less healthy choice. Or topping baked sweet potatoes with brown sugar increases the glycemic index (GI) for the dish. , so they can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly if you eat too many.
All that being said, potatoes are still nutritious and an excellent source of vitamin C. And as long as you keep the fats and extras to a minimum, they are a healthy addition to your weekly meals.
Are Sweet Potatoes Or Baked Potatoes Better For You?
When it comes to nutrition, the answer is that both sweet potatoes and regular baked potatoes are good for you. They provide a variety of nutrients, including carbs, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
While white potatoes are higher in potassium, sweet potatoes provide much more vitamin A and slightly more calcium than regular baked potatoes.
In terms of other minerals and vitamins, both types of potatoes contain about the same amounts of copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Check out this chart from Healthline to see the full comparison.
Summary
Potatoes are one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the United States. And when prepared with a minimum of condiments they can be a healthy option for someone that wants to follow a meal plan rich in alkaline foods.
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