Grapes are without a doubt one of nature’s most stunning fruits, not because they can be converted into wine, but because they are acidic at first and become alkaline after digestion.

The pH scale shows that they are positively acidic, but the PRAL scale shows that they are negatively acidic after digestion.

However, these are not the only fruits that produce alkaline. Grapefruits, called after grapes because they grow in bunches, are classified as superfruits.

The trick is that, although entering our mouths as acidic food, these fruits leave an alkaline residue in our systems. This residue removes the acid in our bodies that makes us vulnerable to sickness.

So far, so good, but are they safe to consume when suffering from acid reflux? Is it true that grape juice, wine, and raisins are acidic? Let us investigate.

pH Value of Grapes

Grape has a pH value ranging from 1.9 to 4, making it an acidic fruit. Grapes are strong in malic, tartaric, and citric acids. These acids are more concentrated when the grapes are unripe. However, as they develop, the acid content diminishes.

A pH scale spanning from 1 to 14 is used to determine acidity. A material is acidic if its pH is 6.9 or below, and alkaline if it has a pH of 7.1 or above. The number 7 is both neutral and optimum.

Concord, Niagara, and seedless grape types are widely available in supermarkets. Concords have a pH range of 2.8 to 3, while Niagaras have a pH range of 2.8 to 3.2. The pH of seedless grapes is the highest, ranging from 2.9 to 3.8.

PRAL Value of Grapes

The greater the PRAL value of a meal, the more acid your body creates while digesting it. Grapes have a negative PRAL value, thus they do not cause your body to create extra acid after consumption. Instead, the pH of your body increases.

PRAL is an abbreviation for prospective renal acid load, which determines how acidic or alkaline a meal may be when digested in the body.

Meat, chicken, cheese, and eggs, for example, have a greater PRAL value and induce the body to make more acid, while fruits and vegetables have a lower or negative PRAL.

Although grapes have a pH range of 1.9 to 4, they may improve blood alkalinity after digestion.

Do Grapes Cause Acid Reflux and GERD?

If you have acid reflux or GERD, eating a lot of grapes will make your heartburn worse.

Eating very little quantities may be safe, but avoid the sourer types since they contain more acid. Consume them in moderation until you learn more about how they affect your health.

If you have acid reflux, you are familiar with the sensation of a tiny hiccup followed by a burning sensation in the chest and throat, often known as heartburn. If acid reflux occurs on a regular basis, it may progress to a chronic illness known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Heartburn symptoms would be exacerbated if acidic food was added to an already acidic atmosphere. To be safe, consume grapes as part of a well-balanced diet. Mix them with melons, bananas, yogurt, vegetables, and legumes to balance the acid in your stomach and maintain neutral pH levels in your body.

Are Grape Juice, Grape Jam, and Grape Jelly Acidic?

Jam, jelly, and grape juice are all acidic and should be avoided if you have acid reflux or GERD.

The pH of grape juice ranges between 3.2 and 4. Jams and jellies are often acidic, with pH levels ranging from 2.8 to 3.4. These items include additives and sugars that might contribute to heartburn. If you have acid reflux or GERD, avoid these goods.

Is Wine Acidic?

Yes, all alcoholic drinks are acidic, even wine. Although wine has a pH of 3-4, the alcohol concentration renders it severely acidic to the stomach.

People who drink alcohol on a daily basis are more likely to suffer from acid reflux. Alcohol relaxes the muscles around the stomach, causing the contents of the stomach to rise and cause the burning feeling known as heartburn.

That is why physicians urge people suffering from GERD or acid reflux to avoid drinking wine and other alcoholic drinks.

Raisins Acidity

Raisins are acidic, with a pH range from 3.8 to 4.1, and should not be consumed in large quantities during heartburn.

But here’s the thing with raisins: despite their acidic character, they have a low PRAL value after digestion. Their pH rises to 8.5, indicating that they are alkaline. So, if you don’t experience heartburn, you may consume raisins to enhance your body’s alkalinity.

They are high in minerals including iron, copper, magnesium, and potassium. These alkaline or basic minerals aid in the regulation of stomach acidity.

Raisins also have a high fiber content, which is necessary for digestion and liquid absorption in the stomach. A half-cup of raisins has around 3.3 grams of fiber and may meet 10% to 24% of your daily fiber requirements.

Grapefruit Acidity

Grapefruit is acidic in nature, with a pH range of 2.9 3.7. Grapefruit, on the other hand, becomes quite alkaline when digested, with a pH of 8.5.

It should be avoided during acid reflux or GERD since it is acidic before digestion.

Is Grapefruit Juice Acidic?

Canned grapefruit juice has a pH between 2.9 and 3.2, making it more acidic than fresh grapefruit. If you suffer from heartburn, you should avoid it.

Those who do not have acid reflux or GERD should consume freshly squeezed grapefruit juice that is devoid of additives and high in nutrients.

Is Canned Grapefruit Acidic?

Grapefruit in cans has a pH of 3 and is acidic. Canned foods include chemicals, preservatives, and added sugar, which may aggravate acid reflux. Avoid using these items, particularly if you have heartburn.

Conclusion

Grapes are naturally acidic, having a pH of 1.9 4. As a result, you should avoid eating them in excess during acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

Juice, wine, jams, jellies, and raisins all have an acidic pH and may cause acid reflux and GERD symptoms.

However, since grapes have a negative PRAL value, they will not promote acid production in the body if you do not have acid reflux. On the contrary, they will alkalinize your body. The same is true with grapefruits.

To conclude, if you suffer from acid reflux or GERD, you should avoid these fruits, eat them in moderation, or combine them with alkaline foods. If you are healthy, you may enjoy these fruits and their alkalizing characteristics.