Apples, with a pH of roughly 4, are Mother Nature’s best acidic snack.
It is not necessarily a bad thing to have an acidic pH. Apples are high in potassium, a mineral that, when consumed, has an alkalizing effect on our systems.
They are both tasty and healthful, giving you the best of both worlds. This article will teach you all you need to know about this healthful fruit, its alkalizing characteristics, and how it may help with acid reflux.
Contents
pH Value of Apples
Apples have a pH of 3 to 4, making them acidic. Their pH may vary according on the type, but they will all be acidic.
The pH scale is used to determine the strength of an acid or base in a material. For example, popcorn is the neutral point on the scale.
Anything with a pH of less than seven is acidic, such as strawberries (pH 3 3.5) or blueberries (pH 3.11 3.33). Anything over seven indicates alkali, such as conch (8.40), egg white (8), or mature olives (8).
pH Value of Different Types of Apples
The pH values of the most common cultivars are shown in the table below. Although all of them are acidic, knowing which ones are the most acidic can help you avoid them.
| Type of Apple | pH Level |
|---|---|
| Red Delicious | 3.9 |
| Golden Delicious | 3.6 |
| Jonathan | 3.33 |
| McIntosh | 3.34 |
| Braeburn | 3.29 |
| Envy | 3.46 |
| Fuji | 3.34 |
| Gala | 3.37 |
| Granny Smith | 3.20 |
| Kanzi | 3.19 |
| Morgenduft | 3.24 |
| Pink Lady | 3.28 |
| Red Chief | 3.33 |
pH Value of Different Apple Products
These sour and sweet fruits are utilized in a variety of products. But do their pH levels vary throughout processing?
Yes, but only somewhat. Except for vinegar, these byproducts have somewhat higher pH values. However, that one has additional advantages, which we will discuss later in this post.
| Apple Product | pH level |
|---|---|
| Apple sauce | 3.10 – 3.60 |
| Apple Juice | 3.35 – 4.00 |
| Apples baked with sugar | 3.20 – 3.55 |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2.5 |
What Makes Apples Acidic?
These fruits contain two kinds of acids: malic acid, which gives the fruits their sour flavor, and ascorbic acid, popularly known as Vitamin C.
The two acids interact: the greater the quantities of Vitamin C, the more malic acid there is. When the fruit is unripe, both acids are more prominent, and acid concentration diminishes as it ripens.
What Makes Apples Alkalizing?
Apples are considered alkalizing or alkaline-forming due to their high potassium content and low PRAL score.
When we digest apples (or any other meal), we produce metabolic waste (pieces of dietary components that the body cannot absorb).
It is possible for metabolic waste to be neutral, acidic, or alkaline. Acidic metabolic waste is supposed to make you more prone to sickness and disease, while alkaline metabolic waste is thought to protect you.
The prospective renal acid load scale, or PRAL, is used to calculate this. Acidic urine and saliva are caused by high PRAL diets. Low PRAL meals raise the pH of your urine and saliva, making them more alkaline.
Do Apples Cause Acid Reflux & GERD?
They are not the cause of GERD or acid reflux. In fact, since they are high in potassium, an alkalizing element, they may help to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. After all, alkalinity neutralizes acidity.
Food moving up the esophagus instead than down causes acid reflux. Heartburn is caused by this disorder. Acid reflux is identified as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, if it occurs twice a week or more.
It is suggested to consume one apple after a meal to counteract stomach acid. If you are concerned about acid reflux, you may consume sweeter ones with a lower pH.
Due to the absence of fiber in apple juice and sauce, they may be inefficient in treating acid reflux or GERD. Worse, a lack of fiber may increase the symptoms of acid reflux.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Acid Reflux?
Although there is no data to back this up, many people swear by apple cider vinegar (ACV) for avoiding acid reflux. One of the signs of acid reflux is a decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid (the acid in our stomach), which ACV is said to assist with.
ACV has a pH of 2.5, making it very acidic. While common sense advises that we avoid acidic meals and drinks if we don’t want to battle with acid reflux, proponents of ACV argue the opposite. It may cause the body to close the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing acid reflux.
ACV, on the other hand, might aggravate acid reflux symptoms if used often and in big amounts. It is also acidic to the teeth and may destroy the enamel.
If you wish to attempt this cure, avoid drinking ACV if you have heartburn. Five minutes before you begin eating, mix a teaspoon in a glass of water.
Overall, additional study is required to determine if apple cider vinegar is a safe and effective therapy for acid reflux.
Conclusion
To summarize, apples have a pH range of 3 to 4.
Their acidity varies according to type, although all have a pH range of 3.3 to 4. The pH of juice and sauce prepared from this fruit is somewhat higher, but no more than 4.
Apples do not induce acid reflux and help your body stay alkaline since they contain alkalizing minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The ancient saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” still holds true.