There are plenty of fruits known for their high acidity - like citrus fruits, for example. But what about the other end of the PH scale? Non-acidic foods are great for your stomach if you suffer from acid reflux. So, if you're keen to try a low acid diet to settle your stomach, here's some fruits that can help you enjoy a healthy diet while avoiding eating acidic foods.
Top Low Acid Fruits
1. Bananas
Bananas are a great low-acid fruit that provides a wealth of nutrients, including potassium and fibre. They also recently featured on our 'What Fruits are High in Magnesium' list too. So, bananas are a slightly alkaline powerhouse of delicious nutrients! They are gentle on the stomach and can help soothe acid reflux symptoms.
Bananas are a great mid-morning snack, the perfect addition to any smoothie and you cut them up and enjoy them on top of porridge too. Add more bananas to your diet for a natural soothing effect from acid reflux symptoms.
2. Melons (Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Watermelon)
Melons are naturally alkaline and hydrating fruits. Their high water content and mild taste make them perfect for those avoiding acid-producing foods. They are also one of the tastiest low-acid foods (far better than boring, plain brown rice, I think you'll agree).
Melon is really easy to add to your diet and can be eaten by itself or in a fruit salad, for example. However, a great tip for when to eat melon is after spicy foods - it will help to break down the gastric acid and settle your stomach. If you feel dehydrated - melon is a tasty, hydrating treat that hydrates and levels out the body's pH level.
3. Avocados
Avocados are non-acidic, but they are also an absolute nutrient powerhouse. They are rich in healthy fats, fibre and magnesium. Thanks to their creamy texture, they can also help settle digestive tract issues and bring the tastiest creaminess to any meal!
Quick tip - if you want to meal prep some avocados for work, a few drops of lemon juice will keep them from going brown and the avocados will balance out the PH value of the lemon.
4. Coconuts
Coconut flesh and water are low in acid and full of essential nutrients like electrolytes, potassium, and fibre. Just like every other piece of fruit on this list, the human body can reap many rewards by introducing these into your diet. They are a refreshing, low-acid fruit choice.
Drinking coconut water every day, or adding coconut to your cereal, fruit salads or porridge can help with all sorts of health issues.
Please note: if you suffer from chronic kidney disease, limit the amount of coconut (and other fruits and vegetables that contain high levels of potassium) you consume and consult your doctor before changing your diet.
5. Blueberries (less acidic than other berries)
While most berries are slightly acidic, blueberries tend to be lower in acidity compared to others, making them a good option for those looking to reduce acid intake while enjoying a sweet treat.
If you're cutting out all acidic foods, blueberries do still include some acid, but they are more pH neutral than other berries. So, maybe restrict your consumption of these berries but enjoy a handful every so often.
Which fruits are high in acid?
Now that you know which fruits to enjoy, you might want to know about which to steer clear of. So, here's a list of fruits you'll want to avoid if you want to reduce the amount of acidic foods you’re eating:
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruits
- Tangerines
- Pineapples
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Grapes (especially green grapes, which have a higher acidity level)
- Pomegranates
- Apples (Granny Smith apples are particularly acidic compared to other varieties)
Why Avoiding Acidic Foods Might Be Good For You
Avoiding acidic foods can really help you if you have certain health issues like:
- Acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acidic foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and certain berries, can trigger or worsen these symptoms by irritating the oesophagus and increasing stomach acid production. Reducing acidic food intake can help alleviate discomfort and promote better digestive health.
A diet lower in acidic foods may support dental health too. Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to cavities and sensitivity. For those with sensitive stomachs or prone to ulcers, cutting back on acidic foods may also prevent irritation of the stomach lining.
In some cases, reducing acidity in the diet can contribute to overall well-being. This type of diet promotes a more alkaline balance in the body, which some believe can reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet, incorporating a wide range of fruits and vegetables. This ensures that you get all of the nutrients and minerals your body needs.
Enjoy a Fresh Fruit Delivery From Ripe.London
Ready to take the first step to a healthier diet? We're Ripe.London and we deliver fresh fruit to offices across London. We also have all of the pantry supplies, snacks and healthy treats you need to keep your team fueled and productive! Learn more about office fruit box deliveries by exploring our site further. Or for more fruit and veg content just like this, explore our blog further.
