Unfortunately, people today are dealing with many diseases that are triggered by their lifestyle. Thus, diet is crucial in maintaining their health. The good news is that eating the right aliments can help you stay away from multiple health and medical issues. Because the foods we consume are the fuel for a lifetime. Nevertheless, since some people have been diagnosed with stomach issues like acid reflux, they must control what they eat and what they avoid.
I don’t know about you, but when I say “strawberries,” I instantly think about springtime. Regardless of what you think of when you hear the word strawberry, you most certainly know that their perfume, juiciness, and unique aroma make these fruits a delicious snack or dessert, plus the perfect ingredient for a smoothie. Why do you think that is? Well, because strawberries are naturally sweet; Even so, they sometimes have a slightly bitter taste. Since strawberries do have this sourness, many people are wondering:
Are Strawberries Acidic?
Based on their pH rating, strawberries are acidic and tend to have a value of 3 to 3.5. Considering the pH scale of foods, anything that starts from 0 to 6.99 is deemed to be acidic. Speaking of strawberries, they entirely fall on this scale, meaning they seem as acidic as soda. But don’t worry, things are not that serious. Keep on reading to find more.
Is There A Way For Making Strawberries Less Acidic?
If you deal with acid reflux disease but simply cannot give up strawberries, there is still a way to eat these juicy fruits without dealing with heartburn or any stomach reaction. One of the best ways to soothe the acidic reaction is by pairing strawberries with alkaline foods to neutralize them.
For instance, if you enjoy smoothies for breakfast, mix strawberries with unsweetened almond or soy milk as the liquid part. Mix the two parts to prevent triggering acid reflux while still enjoying the sweetness of strawberries.
The Acidity of Different State Of Strawberries
First of all, strawberries are not berries. Although it might seem quite shocking to some, their name is misleading because these fruits are “accessory fruits.” Now you might wonder what in the world are accessory fruits. Don’t worry. It’s not hard to understand.
Usually, all berries have seeds inside them, while strawberries do not. As a matter of fact, when strawberries fully develop, their flesh is unified into one single strawberry fruit, with seeds on the exterior walls. See? Easy details.
Anyway, strawberries are part of the rose family; therefore, they have this beautiful perfume. If you have the chance to see strawberries growing anywhere, stop and take a moment to smell them. Their fragrance is unique and delicious.
Now, based on their state, strawberries can have different acidity values:
Fresh Strawberries Acidity
Fresh strawberries have the highest acidity level. These fresh fruits are mainly composed of citric acid, a dominating part of the fruit’s structure. Other essential acids in strawberries are malic acid, ascorbic acid, and other forms of acid. As you can see, many components give acidity to these tasty fruits. Thus, it is mandatory for those suffering from heartburn and GERD to eat moderate amounts of strawberries and speak to a doctor or a dietician about their daily diet.
Are Frozen Strawberries Causing Acid Reflux?
Even though fresh strawberries are considered to be the most acidic, it is believed that strawberries keep their acidity level more or less the same and maintain their acidic nature regardless of their state.
Still, strawberries can have different uses, even if they cause acid reflux. For instance, you may mix them with cream, milk, or yogurt, as these milk products act as a coat for the stomach and prevent the side effect of acid. Throw some strawberries into a blender next to a banana and soy milk, and enjoy a power snack without uncomfortable side effects.
How Healthy Are Strawberries For You?
We usually hear people and doctors around us speaking of how important it is to consume fruits and vegetables. So yes, fruits are an essential part of our daily food diet; however, sometimes, we need to consume them in moderation due to their acidic nature. Strawberries are some of them.
These fruits represent an excellent snack for anyone unless they have allergies. Moreover, strawberries are low-calorie fruits. One cup of sliced strawberries is only 54 calories. Since they are not a threat to your silhouette, you can eat plenty of them without worrying about gaining weight.
Therefore, those following a fitness journey should not worry about introducing these perfumed fruits into their diet. In addition to having few calories per serving, strawberries contain less than one gram of fat and no added sugar. Strawberries have lots of vitamin C, vitamin B-6, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Moreover, they contain many antioxidants, making them beneficial for keeping sugar levels low and improving heart health.
Heart disease is the world’s leading death cause and a common killer among people. Some studies have associated the habit of eating strawberries with a better heart condition.
Research centering on older adults with a high risk for heart disease, strawberry consumption improved their blood pressure, good cholesterol, and blood platelet function.
Strawberries And Other Fruits – Acidity Comparison
To really understand how acidic strawberries are, let’s make a comparison between them and other beloved fruits.
Strawberries Vs. Oranges
Who thought that strawberries have pretty much the same acidity level as oranges? Strawberries range between 3 and 3.5, while oranges are between 3 and 4. By comparison, they are not that different in terms of acidity. As a matter of fact, it appears that oranges are less acidic than strawberries.
Unexpectedly, oranges are better for acid reflux than strawberries. Therefore, those with stomach sensitivities should consume foods low in acidity. If you are not sure about introducing strawberries into your diet, consult a doctor.
Strawberries Vs. Grapes
Grapes are almost equal to strawberries in terms of acidity. Grapes have a pH between 3.5 and 4.5. Therefore, their acidity is comparable. However, it is essential to note that there are different types of grapes. Thus, the acidity levels might range according to the kind of grapes in question.
Strawberries Vs. Lemons
No, there is no doubt that strawberries are less acidic than lemons. Though strawberries have almost the same pH level as grapes and oranges, lemons outdo the sweet little fruits.
Lemons’ pH is somewhere between 2 and 3 on the pH scale. Be aware that they are the most acidic on the pH scale of foods. Consequently, lemons are highly acidic.
FAQ
More questions regarding the acidity of strawberries? Maybe the next section will make some light then.
Q: Are strawberries considered to be too acidic for kids?
A: Yes, they can be, but only if babies are susceptible to acidic foods. Because they are not alkaline nor neutral, you should avoid giving your kids strawberry juice, citrus fruits, or tomato sauce. Hence it is mandatory to manage the suitable berries for your kids, especially if you notice any rashes on their skin or mouth.
Q: Are all berries high in acid?
A: Yes, most berries are high in acid or associated with high acid content. Therefore, you should consider combining them with alkaline foods, as I have previously mentioned.
So, Are Strawberries Acidic? Yes!
Strawberries are acidic fruits despite their sweetness, perfume, and beautiful look. That doesn’t mean that you should totally stay away from them. No, you can eat strawberries. However, if you are suffering from GERD or are sensitive to acid, you should take caution.