Blueberries have a low pH and are quite acidic. On a low-acid diet, they should be avoided.
However, unless ingested in excessive numbers, these berries do not cause heartburn or acid reflux. To counteract their acidity, combine them with other foods in salads and smoothies.
However, not all blueberry-based food and drinks are nutritious. There are also several types of blueberries with variable pH values. This post will go over all of this and more.
Contents
- Why Are Blueberries Acidic?
- Do Blueberries Cause Acid Reflux?
- Are Blueberries Acidic to Teeth?
- Can You Reduce the Acidity of Blueberries?
- Is Blueberry Jam Acidic?
- Is Blueberry Juice Acidic?
- Final Thoughts on Blueberries and Acidity
- FAQs
- How do you reduce the acidity in blueberries?
- How do you reduce the acidity in fruit?
- Can you eat blueberries with acid reflux?
- How do you neutralize acid in your body?
- What foods help gastritis blueberries?
- How do you cut the acidity in strawberries?
- What cancels out acidity in food?
- What calms acidity in food?
- What foods neutralize acid?
- Why are blueberries so acidic?
Why Are Blueberries Acidic?
Citric, ascorbic, and arginine acids are abundant in these berries.
Citric acid accounts for between 77 and 87% of their organic acids. At 55 mg per 100 g, arginine amino acid is also found. They are also one of the most ascorbic acid-rich fruits, with around 22.1 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. The quantity of acids might vary depending on storage conditions such as oxygen level, temperature, and light.
What Is the pH Level of Blueberries?
Blueberries’ pH varies depending on whether they are fresh, frozen, or dried, but it is normally between 3.11 and 3.33.
The pH scale measures the acidity of various foods and drinks. The scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 denoting neutral, neither acidic or basic (alkaline). Acidity rises as the value approaches zero, while bases, often known as alkalis, have pH values greater than 7.
Wild blueberries have the lowest acidity, with a pH range of 4.2 to 5. With a pH of 3.7, the frozen ones are in the middle. Berries that have been cooked or dried have the greatest acidity levels, ranging from 3.1 to 3.4.
Because all types of this fruit are acidic, consuming excessive quantities may cause acid reflux, particularly if eaten on an empty stomach. Acidic foods exacerbate the stomach’s natural acids and intensify reflux symptoms.
Do Blueberries Cause Acid Reflux?
They are unlikely to induce acid reflux since they are minimally acidic, but they may cause pain if you already have symptoms.
Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, causes a painful, burning feeling in the chest region surrounding the heart. It causes irritation in the throat and chest.
To get negative effects from these berries, you must ingest a massive quantity. As a result, rather of eliminating them totally from your diet, you may limit your usage.
Sugar is another thing to think about. While sugar is not acidic (pH 7, neutral), it does thicken the mucous membrane layer in the stomach, causing severe indigestion. As a result, the larger the fruit’s sugar content, the more acidic it will be when digested.
Blueberries contain around 10 grams of sugar per 100 grams, which is modest. If you’re on a low-acid diet, though, limit your consumption since overeating might increase acid reflux symptoms.
Are Blueberries Acidic to Teeth?
If you eat a lot of sugary and acidic fruits and don’t take care of your teeth, you could get cavities and tooth erosion. The acidic and sugar content of most fruits causes tooth damage.
Eating acidic fruits such as strawberries and blueberries may have the same effect as having an excessive amount of candy. That is why it is important to consume these fruits in moderation, wash your teeth twice a day, and have frequent dental exams.
Can You Reduce the Acidity of Blueberries?
Pairing these berries with alkaline dishes may help to lessen their acidity.You should not completely disregard these healthful fruits since they are vital for a nutritious and well-balanced diet. To balance and neutralize the acidity, combine them with components with a high pH value.
PH Levels of Foods You Can Pair With Blueberries
The items listed below may be combined with your favorite berries to lessen their acidity. Whether you like smoothies or salads, you may combine these components to make a well-balanced lunch.
Grab a snack (we recommend popcorn); the options are many.
Ingredient | pH Level |
---|---|
Almonds | 6.9 |
Cashews | 5.7 – 6.2 |
Walnuts | 5.4 |
Green Cabbage | 5.5 – 6.75 |
Cucumber | 5.12 – 5.78 |
Spinach | 5.1 – 5.7 |
Lettuce | 6 – 7 |
Radish | 6.5 |
Beets | 5.3 – 6.6 |
Kale | 6 – 7.5 |
Potatoes | 5.6 – 6 |
Avocado | 6.5 |
Cantaloupe | Around 6.5 |
Mango | 5.8 – 6 |
Fresh Olives | 8 |
Dates | 6.5 – 8.5 |
Bananas | 4.5 – 5.2 |
Yogurt | 4.4 – 4.8 |
Fresh milk | 6.7 |
Almond milk | 6 |
Coconut milk | 6.5 |
Coconut water | 6.5 – 7 |
Herbal tea | 6 – 7 |
Miso | 4.9 – 5.1 |
Soybeans | 6 -7 |
Tofu | 7 |
Tempeh | 4 – 6 |
Millet | 7.5 |
Quinoa | 4.5 |
Amaranth | 6.8 |
Is Blueberry Jam Acidic?
Because they are produced with a lot of fruit and sugar, most berry jams are acidic. When combined with more sugar, acidic fruits impede digestion and increase stomach acid production.
Because they are filled with chemicals, store-bought jams are very acidic. To have a balanced snack, make a low-sugar homemade jam and mix it with almond butter (pH 8).
Is Blueberry Juice Acidic?
Blueberry juice has a high acidity level. Despite having the same pH as the fruit, it lacks the fiber that absorbs stomach acids.
You must use more fruit to create juice, which means ingesting more sugar and acids, which increases the chances of stomach acid refluxing into your esophagus and producing heartburn and other symptoms. Drinking juice is inferior than eating whole berries.
Final Thoughts on Blueberries and Acidity
The pH of blueberries ranges from 3.11 to 3.33. They are acidic, which may cause pain if you suffer from acid reflux.
To balance their acidity, take them in moderation with high-pH items such as nuts, vegetables, yogurt, and milk.
Blueberries, which are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, provide a variety of health advantages. However, if you wish to avoid acidic meals, you should avoid eating too much at once.