The new section is here - the VeganEra CREW are very happy to bring you a nutrition section. Not only will there be great nutrition information - but some great food tips. Please take the time to make sure information is right for you. The body exists within a relatively narrow band of PH. The term "PH" stands for
"Potential Hydrogen" which is the ability to take on or discard extra hydrogen atoms, and is measured from 0-7 (acidic) or from 7-14 (alkaline). Healthy cells survive at a PH level of about 7.35. Cancer cells and other bacteria thrive at a PH level of about 6.5-7. (not much room for error!!)
Different minerals in our foods have a different PH and will be either acid-forming or alkaline forming after digestion. This means that it is important to ensure that the foods we eat will get our body up into the healthy alkaline area, rather than eating too many foods that are acid-forming and will cause our cells to fall into the acidic area and be prone to illness.
It is interesting to note also that the processes of life are acid forming. We create acid waste. If we exercise we create acids. We also wake up in an acid state. Therefore, it is imperative to eat foods early in the day and throughout the day that are alkaline-forming so that we can get the right balance!
It is fairly simple to work out which foods are alkaline-forming and which are acid-forming. Basically all whole, fresh fruit and vegetables are alkaline-forming and processed foods, meat, dairy, grains, etc are acid-forming. Easy. For example, coca-cola has a PH of 2 and beer has a PH of 2.5. But I'm sure you already knew that these were bad for you....
Here is a list to help:
Extremely Alkaline forming
Lemons, Watermelon (while lemons are acidic, they are alkaline-forming once digested - interesting I know!)
Moderately Acid forming
Barley (rye), Bran, Butter, Cereals (unrefined), Crackers (unrefined rye, rice and wheat), Cranberries, Dried Beans (mung, adzuki, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), Dry Coconut, Fructose, Ketchup, Maple Syrup (unprocessed), Molasses (un-sulfured and organic), Most Nuts, Mustard, Oats (rye, organic), Olives (pickled), Pasta (whole grain), Pastry (whole grain and honey), Plums, Popcorn (with salt and/or butter), Potatoes, Prunes, Rice (basmati and brown), Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), Soy Sauce, Wheat Bread (sprouted organic)
Extremely Acidic forming
Artificial Sweeteners, Meat (all), Beer, Breads, Brown Sugar, Carbonated Soft Drinks, Cereals (refined), Chocolate, Cigarettes and Tobacco, Coffee, Cream of Wheat (unrefined), Custard (with white sugar), Drugs, Fish, Flour (white wheat), Fruit Juices with Sugar, Jams, Jellies, Maple Syrup (processed), Molasses (sulfured), Pasta (white), Pastries and Cakes from White Flour, Pickles (commercial), Sugar (white), Table Salt (refined and iodized), Tea (black), White Bread, White Vinegar (processed), Whole Wheat Foods, Wine, Yogurt (sweetened)
So there you have it! Its best to always start the day off with a glass of warm water and lemon juice (how many times have you heard this!??!)- this helps to alkalize the body. Then try to eat 80% alkaline-forming foods and 20% acid-forming foods. Unfortunately, many (if not most) people have a diet with the opposite ratio and are not doing their bodies any favours.
I hope this has been informative!! :)
