We aren’t sure about others, but berries conjure summer images for us. These luscious, delicious red fruits are wonderful as a nibble or combined into a milkshake. They’re especially great inside desserts. But are strawberries acidic?
To find out, we’ll measure the pH of a range of meals to the pH of strawberries. We’ll also talk about how you can reduce the acidity of strawberries.
If you love eating strawberries, this article is for you. So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!
Are Strawberries Acidic or Alkaline?
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. The neutral phase in this example is 7. If the range is larger than 7, it is considered alkaline food; if it is less than 7, it is considered acidic. When the range approaches near 0, the response becomes more acidic.
To begin with, strawberries are acidic fruits and their pH range is 3 to 3.5.
According to studies, other acidic foods or a diet high in sugar releases higher acid content after digestion. On the other hand, strawberries remain low in sugar compared to the acidity of blueberries. So, we recommend you to eat strawberries.
Yes, Strawberries Are Acidic!
However, the acid content in strawberries can vary according to the type of strawberry you’re consuming, their preservation techniques, and storage duration.
Strawberries also contain a mix of five acids.
- Citric acid
- Malic acid
- Ascorbic acid
- Pantothenic acid
- Ellagic acid
Citric Acid: 100 grams of strawberry contains 1200 mg to 1435 mg of citric acid, primarily responsible for their acidic character. It fluctuates because citrus fruits have more sugar, which means more acid. Contrary to popular belief, citric acid & vitamin C are not the same. Therefore, any citrus fruit will have higher levels of citric acid.
Ascorbic Acid: Strawberries contain a lot of ascorbic acids. A cup of strawberries contains 85 grams of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Despite its acidic nature, it offers several health advantages such as enhanced immunity, stronger bone, benefits to teeth, and many more.
Malic acid: Strawberries contain malic acid ranging from 0.22 to 0.69 grams per 100 mL. We often use it as a food preservative. As the fruit ripens, the quantity of malic acid in it diminishes.
Pantothenic acid: Strawberry contains 0.18 mg of pantothenic acid, a vitamin B5 component that aids metabolism.
Ellagic acid: The strawberry pulp contains 95 percent ellagic acid. It is a natural acid that is also beneficial to our health.
Are Strawberries Acidic for Babies?
They certainly can sometimes be! Acids in meals can be especially harmful to babies.
Because of the acidic nature, higher acid meals like sauce, pineapple, and fruit drinks are frequently not suggested for infants. As a result, it’s critical that you keep track of how many strawberries you feed your kids, specifically if they appear unhappy after eating lots of berries.
Recall that if you detect any blisters near your child’s lips or chronic contact dermatitis that constantly pops up, it might be due to their high-acid meal.
For further information, consult a pediatrician.
How Much Citric Acid Is There in Strawberries?
Strawberries’ sugar content increases as they develop, from around 5% in raw green fruits to 6-9% when fully ripe. The acidity is mostly due to citric acid, which accounts for around 88% of the acid content, and malic acid and ellagic acid. The acidity reduces as they mature. Ripe strawberries taste sweeter when the sugar/acid ratio changes.
The hormone auxin regulates the ripening process. The cell wall begins to dissolve whenever this reaches its height, resulting in a strawberry juice and delicious strawberry.
Are Strawberries Good for Acid Reflux?
People indeed link acid reflux and indigestion to strawberries. So if you have stomach distress after ingesting caustic meals, strawberries are not the healthiest berry.
You might not have any problems if you eat 1 or 2 strawberries every once. If you don’t suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, you will not have any problems consuming them. However, consider that everyone else’s biology is unique, and your reaction to the ph of strawberries may vary from your friend’s.
How to Make Strawberries Less Acidic?
If you suffer acid reflux symptoms yet adore strawberries, there is a method to consume strawberries without getting an acidic response. Combining acidic strawberries with alkaline foods can help to balance them out. If you want to make a strawberries smoothie, you can utilize unsweetened almond milk as the liquid.
When unsweetened almond milk drinks, it promotes an alkaline environment in everyone’s body. Combining the two may help you avoid acid reflux while still loving the flavor of strawberries.
Final Words
People widely consume strawberries throughout the globe. You must always consider eating a well-balanced meal except if your physician instructs you otherwise. To sustain your body’s wellness, you should eat all food groups in balance. Get professional advice if you’re concerned about the medical implications of the fruits and vegetables you eat or the lactose you intake. Visit your nutritionist to determine whether any dietary adjustments are necessary to improve your health.
This was a complete guide on are strawberries acidic.