Many people limit their intake of acidic foods to avoid acid load. The more acidic foods you eat, the more acid is produced during digestion. Even though most fruits are acidic, they have an alkalizing effect on the body, which means they help reduce acidity.
Even though fruits have an alkalizing effect on the body, their initial acidic reaction may cause problems for people with upper gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers.
This is why people with gastroesophageal reflux disease limit their acid food intake by avoiding acidic fruits. If you are experiencing such a problem and want to know more about high and low-acidic fruits, then consult the fruit acidity charts below.
Fruits Acidity Levels
Different fruits have different acidity levels, which are determined by their pH level. A pH level tells whether fruit is acidic or neutral. Consider the pH of fruits chart below to understand the pH levels of the fruits.
| pH Level | Acidity |
|---|---|
| 0-6 | High |
| 7 | Basic or neutral |
| 8-14 | Low acidity / Alkaline |
A one-point difference on the pH scale has ten times more intensity in terms of the acidity or alkalinity of a fruit. If a fruit has a pH of 6, the fruit with a pH of 7 is likely to be ten times more acidic than it, and so on. We have listed the acidity of some of the fruits commonly found in every household.
| Fruit | pH Level |
|---|---|
| Apples | 3.5 |
| Oranges | 3.69 – 4.34 |
| Peaches | 3.30 – 4.05 |
| Tomatoes | 4 – 4.6 |
| Pineapple | 3 – 4 |
| Strawberry | 5.3 – 6.5 |
Also read: Fruit fiber content
High Acidic Fruits
Most citrus fruits contain citric acid, which makes them acidic. Most citrus fruits have low pH levels, which makes them more acidic. The most acidic fruits are limes, grapes, grapefruits, plums, and blueberries.
These fruits are also high in vitamin C and other essential nutrients the body needs; hence they should be an integral part of the diet even if they are acidic. People are often concerned about oral health care when consuming highly acidic fruits.
The acid in food attacks the enamel of the teeth; luckily, our saliva cancels out the acidic attack bringing our mouth to its balanced pH level. You can eat fruits at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to avoid getting your mouth to unnecessary strain.
The best way to consume acidic fruits is to eat them in their whole format to enjoy their pulp and matter. Fruit juices should be avoided as they contain. artificial sugar, which is a big No for our bodies and health.
Consult the table below to find the most acidic fruits.
| Fruit | pH Level |
|---|---|
| limes | 2 – 2.80 |
| Blue plums | 2.80 – 3.40 |
| Grapes | 2.90 – 3.82 |
| Grapefruits | 3.00 – 3.75 |
| Blueberries | 3.12 – 3.33 |
Low Fruit Acidity Chart
If you have acidity issues, you can still enjoy your favourite fruits. Some fruits have a low-fat content and are rich in fibre which can help protect against acidity. Choose fruits that are more basic or have a higher pH, indicating that they are less acidic.
Coconut is an underrated fruit that people prefer to avoid eating. However, it has various health benefits and is also the least acidic. Other high-pH fruits that can be safely consumed if you have acidity or related issues include papaya, berries, melon, dates, and more.
It probably is not because of a single food group, such as fruits, if you have acidity issues. It will result from various other factors affecting your body, causing acid reflux. This is why it’s best to include fruits in your diet.
The best way to do it is to slowly test each fruit to see which suits you well and doesn’t cause digestive issues.
A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit, and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?
Albert Einstein
Take Einstein’s words for happiness and make it a habit to eat fruits. To know more about the fruits that you can consume safely in acidity consult the table below.
| Fruit | pH Level |
|---|---|
| Pomegranates | 8 |
| Raisins | 9 |
| Banana | 5.2 |
| Cantaloupe | 6 |
| Jackfruit | 5 |
Also read: Sugar Content in fruits
Low Acidic Fruits For Babies
Fruits are a perfect way to introduce foods to your babies. Fruits are healthy, and teaching them earlier can help develop a habit for fruits. However, most babies have acid reflux.
Because of this, you should choose to introduce low-acidic fruits to babies. Low-acidic fruits such as apples, pears, avocados, bananas, and papayas are ideal for babies.
You can easily use a food processor to make a puree of these fruits to feed the babies. Avoid feeding canned fruits and purees to babies as they are high in acid and are unhealthy.
Moreover, fruits have natural sugar, but processed fruits have added sugar which is not suitable for babies. Low-acidic fruits will help in the development of the body and brain of the babies and will also help the body perform its vital functions.
FAQs
Is Apple acidic or alkaline?
Apple has an acidity of pH level of 3.5 which makes it acidic. However, it is less acidic than citrus fruits and more acidic than grapes and bananas. The malic acid present in the apples makes the gut acidic.
Is orange acidic for the stomach?
Orange is a citrus fruit with a low pH level of 3.69 – 4.34, indicating its high in acid. Oranges are classic heartburn fruits that can cause acid reflux.
Conclusion
Acidity is a significant source of discomfort for most people; however, several medications can be taken to relieve its effects. People with this problem often cut down all acidic foods from their diet.
However, fruits have so many vital nutrients and vitamins that some should be added to your daily meals. Fruits have different acidity levels, so you can choose the fruit that doesn’t cause discomfort or gastric issues. Through our extensive knowledge of fruits, we have carefully designed fruit acidity charts above, you can use them to plan your meals.