‘God might have created a finer berry, but God never did,’ wrote a 17th-century writer. This is a viewpoint held by many, particularly Wimbledon fans, who consume around a million strawberries, or roughly 30 tonnes, in a fortnight.
I’m not sure about you, but strawberries immediately bring up images of spring. These juicy and sweet red fruits are great as a snack on their own or mixed into a smoothie. They’re even great in the desert. Strawberries are inherently sweet, although they can have a tiny bitterness to them at times.
Because strawberries have a slight bitterness, many people have wondered if they are acidic.
We shall address the topic “Are strawberries acidic?” in this article. and the acids they contain and their nutritional value.
Strawberries: Are They Acidic or Alkaline?
Strawberries are, indeed, acidic. Strawberries have a high pH, indicating that they are acidic. Strawberries have a pH between 3 and 3.5. On the pH scale, acidity is defined as a pH value ranging from 0 to 6.99. The solution is more acidic if the value is lower. Strawberries, depending on where they fall on this scale, are about as acidic as soda.
But don’t worry, they’re still a lot better for you than a can of Coke. I’m immediately reminded of springtime. These juicy and sweet red fruits are great as a snack on their own or mixed into a smoothie. They’re even great in the desert. Strawberries are inherently sweet, although they can have a tiny bitterness to them at times.
What Kind of Acids Do Strawberries Contain?
Citric acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, ellagic acid, and pantothenic acid are the five acids found in strawberries. The overall amount of each acid varies depending on the type of strawberry, how it is preserved, and how long it is stored. According to the “Handbook of Fruits and Fruit Processing,” the United States tops the world in strawberry production, with approximately 1 million metric tonnes cultivated each year. Strawberries, a member of the rose family, have a lengthy history in the United States. Native Americans were already utilizing strawberries in cornmeal bread before the first Europeans came.
Citric Acid:
Strawberries have the highest concentration of citric acid of any organic acid. Citric acid should not be confused with vitamin C. Citric acid and vitamin C are two distinct chemicals, although citric acid, like vitamin C, is mostly found in citrus fruits and vegetables. It is sometimes used as a flavoring ingredient and as a preservative to prevent food deterioration. Citric acid has a unique, sour flavor, according to Lauralee Sherwood in “Human Physiology.”
Ascorbic Acid:
A cup of strawberries contains around 85 g of ascorbic acid, often known as vitamin C. When strawberries are sliced and exposed to air for five minutes or more, up to half of that can be lost. Vitamin C is essential for children’s development. Vitamin C is also required by your body to build blood vessels and heal your skin, teeth, bones, and cartilage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant as well. Antioxidants, according to the National Institutes of Health, protect your body from aging, environmental damage, and perhaps a chronic illness.
Malic Acid:
The quantity of malic acid in strawberries drops dramatically as the fruit ripens. Malic acid, which occurs naturally in strawberries, apples, plums, and other fruits, is also employed as a flavoring component in food and as an aging agent in wine. When applied to fats and oils, it serves as a preservative.
Ellagic Acid:
Strawberries contain ellagic acid naturally. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, researchers are looking at ways to increase the ellagic acid content in strawberries because the chemical may offer some protection against some types of cancer, particularly esophageal cancer. Mouad Edderkaoui reports in the June 21, 2008, edition of the “World Journal of Gastroenterology” that ellagic acid, in dosages ranging from 10 to 50 mmol/L, inhibited the development of pancreatic cancer cells.
Pantothenic Acid:
Strawberries include 0.18 mg of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5, which is a B-complex vitamin that is essential for many critical processes in your body, including metabolism, the neurological system, and energy generation. Pantothenic acid also aids in the formation of red blood cells and may aid in the reduction of cholesterol levels in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Do Strawberries Have Any Nutritional Value?
The significance of eating fruits and vegetables is frequently emphasized. Yes, strawberries, like all fruits, are healthy when taken in moderation. These fruits are a great snack for anyone of any age unless you have a food allergy. Strawberry slices have only 54 calories per cup, making them a very low-calorie lunch.
You can eat a lot of them without feeling like you’re ingesting a lot of calories since they’re low in calories. Strawberries are an excellent addition to anyone’s diet who is attempting to lose weight.
In addition to being low in calories, they include less than a gram of fat per serving and no added sugar. Strawberries are high in calcium, magnesium, Vitamin C, B6, and iron. They’re also strong in antioxidants, which are excellent for your heart and can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Strawberry intake is related to a healthy heart, according to dieticians. In one study of older adults with heart disease risk factors, strawberry consumption improved blood pressure, good cholesterol, and blood platelet function. Your body generates insulin when you eat carbs. This tells your cells to take sugar from your bloodstream and store it or use it for energy.
Although some studies have indicated that strawberries can help prevent some cancers or tumors, further research is needed to fully comprehend the cancer-prevention potential of these fruits.
I’m sorry for having to tell you this, but it’s true. Strawberries have been related to acid reflux and heartburn. If you suffer from acid reflux as a result of eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages, strawberries may not be the ideal fruit for you.
Now, if you only have one or two strawberries every now and again, you might be Ok. You shouldn’t have any difficulties eating them if you don’t have heartburn or acid reflux. But bear in mind that everyone’s body is different, and your reaction to the acidity of strawberries may vary from your neighbor’s.
How to Reduce the Acidity of Strawberries?
If you have acid reflux disease, there is a way to eat strawberries without causing an acid reflux reaction. Because strawberry juice is acidic, it can be balanced by eating alkaline foods. Unsweetened almond milk, for example, may be used as the liquid in a strawberry smoothie. Unsweetened almond milk creates an alkaline environment in the body when eaten.
Conclusion:
Strawberries are popular across the world. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should always aim to eat a well-balanced diet. It is important to consume all food categories in moderation in order to preserve your body’s health.
If you have any worries about the health effects of the fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy you consume, get expert counsel. Consult your nutritionist to see if any dietary changes are required to improve your general health.