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I answered your question. There is no contradiction, not only are the foods you listed not avoided on an "alkaline diet" but you can find antioxidants in numerous foods. The primary foods avoided in an alkaline diet are meats, dairy, grains, etc and neither of these foods is rich in nutrients....especially not meats and dairy.
Yes, the foods I listed are indeed listed as acidic in various alkaline diet charts.
They are moderately acidic, but that doesn't mean they avoided. Like I mentioned, its the overall composition of the diet that matters. Also, there are a variety of "alkaline diets" that are promoted, I'm only familiar with the more science based stuff and these folks aren't against eating acidic fruits.....who knows what some of the "alternative medicine" people say.
Quote:
Originally Posted by djohanna
Another food I didn't mention charts say is acidic is chocolate. Which is another antioxidant superfood--I consume loads of raw cocoa every day.
Chocolate has antioxidants, but its also high in fat and per calorie its not that rich in antioxidants. Eating a bowl of pinto beans is going to supply you with more antioxidants....without all the fat:
Ah I see what you're saying.
Not all fats are bad though. Here's an article I found saying the fat in chocolate is not too bad. It says: "The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. You may know that saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. But, research shows that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it. Although palmitic acid does affect cholesterol levels, it only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. " Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled
Not all fats are bad though. Here's an article I found saying the fat in chocolate is not too bad. It says: "The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids.
Some fats are less bad than others, but fats aren't health food. Excess fats are going to promote heart disease, promote obesity, etc regardless of whether its monounsaturated, saturated, etc.
The only fats that the human body actually needs are polyunsaturated fats.
Quote:
Originally Posted by djohanna
It's not that rich in antioxidants? Yes huh! I've read time and time again it has more antioxidants than blueberries and red wine. Well, raw cocoa, or dark chocolate anyway. Look it up...
I have and chocolate is ranked well below foods like blueberries and as can be seen by the ranking I listed, common legumes actually have more than blueberries.
If you're already eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes there is no reason to seek out popular "antioxidant rich foods".
Quote:
Originally Posted by djohanna
Coffee is also really darn good for you in terms of protecting from disease.
Like I said, people like to hear good things about their bad habits. You can find people saying just about anything on the internet, but the research on coffee is mixed. But as for as antioxidants go, your common white potato has more.
That said, it's true white potatoes are very alkaline, while coffee is very acidic. Overall, I'm not sure which is better: very alkaline food with little antioxidant value, or very acidic with very high antioxidants. Back to the original question.
Some fats are less bad than others, but fats aren't health food. Excess fats are going to promote heart disease, promote obesity, etc regardless of whether its monounsaturated, saturated, etc.
The only fats that the human body actually needs are polyunsaturated fats.
I have and chocolate is ranked well below foods like blueberries and as can be seen by the ranking I listed, common legumes actually have more than blueberries.
If you're already eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes there is no reason to seek out popular "antioxidant rich foods".
Like I said, people like to hear good things about their bad habits. You can find people saying just about anything on the internet, but the research on coffee is mixed. But as for as antioxidants go, your common white potato has more.
Sure, people can say anything on the internet. But if it's backed by reputable, scientific studies it is worth heeding, no?
Once a-freaking-gaing: my original question : Overall, I'm not sure which is better: very alkaline food with little antioxidant value, or very acidic with very high antioxidants. Back to the original question.
No, I don't have ALL the answers. But I do know some facts.
Last edited by suzy_q2010; 02-19-2013 at 10:18 AM..
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