Saturday, May 8, 2010

Top 5 Alkaline Diet Foods

What are alkaline diet foods? This is one of many related terms that are used to describe foods that have an alkalizing effect on the body. There are many alkaline diet foods that can be a healthy part of your diet, but the five in this article are some of the most powerfully alkalizing. As such, they can give your alkaline diet a powerful boost in the right direction.

You are undoubtedly familiar with some of the alkaline diet foods listed below, but there are one or two that you have probably never tried before. I encourage you to learn about these foods and give them a try. Who knows, you might be surprised at how well you like them.

1. Pumpkin Seeds


Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and magnanese, and they also provide protein, vitamin K, iron, copper, and zinc. Even better, they may help prevent benign prostatic hypertrophy, the most common prostate problem affecting men 50 years and older. On the downside, pumpkin seeds contain 151 calories per ounce, so eat them in moderation, especially if you are trying to lose weight.

2. Lentils


Unlike all other legumes, lentils are highly alkalizing. Like all beans and legumes, lentils are high in fiber. In fact, just 1/2 cup of cooked lentils contains 8 grams of fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol. A half-cup of lentils contains just 115 calories, and is virtually fat-free.

3. Sweet Potatoes


Low-carb dieters often avoid starchy vegetables. It's true that sweet potatoes have more calories than low-starch leafy green vegetables. But they still contain just 25 calories per ounce, compared with 69 calories per ounce of whole-wheat bread. So as long as you don't overdo them, these vegetables they can be part of your weight-loss plan.

4. Broccoflower


Originally from Holland, this healthy vegetable looks like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower, but is actually a type of cauliflower. It's more alkalizing than broccoli or cauliflower, but otherwise it provides similar health benefits. Like most vegetables, it's very low in calories and virtually fat-free. Plus it's an excellent source of vitamin C.

5. Sea Vegetables


Also known as seaweed, sea vegetables are very low in calories and fat. They're rich in iodine, which helps keep the thyroid healthy. They also contain folate, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Sea vegetables come in a number of varieties with different flavors and textures, including nori, kelp, hijiki, kombu, wakame, arame, and dulse.

You've just learned about five alkaline diet foods that deserve top consideration. Make a point to include these foods in your alkaline diet, and notice the difference in how you feel.

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