Coconut is one of the most versatile fruits on the planet. Not only does it taste great, but it has a long list of health benefits as well.
But what about its pH level? Is coconut acidic or alkaline? The answer may surprise you! Keep reading to find out more.
What is an Alkaline or Acidic Food?
Most people are familiar with the terms “acid” and “alkaline,” but when it comes to food, these terms can be a bit confusing. In general, acidic foods are those that have a low pH, while alkaline foods have a high pH. However, the body is very good at regulating its pH levels, so the effects of acidic or alkaline foods on the body may be minimal.
That said, consuming more alkaline foods can improve health by neutralizing toxins and restoring balance to the body. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, eating alkaline foods is generally considered to be safe and may offer some benefits.
When it comes to choosing alkaline foods, there are many options to choose from, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts – including coconuts. So, are coconuts alkaline?
Related: Is Soy Alkaline or Acidic?
Are Coconuts Alkaline?
PH values higher than pH 7 is considered alkaline. Considering the pH level, coconuts are medium to high alkaline foods with 6.5 to 7.8 pH levels. It is essential to know that many coconut food products can lose their alkalinity. Only young (green) fresh coconut is alkaline and nutritive.
Some studies show that using fresh coconut causes alkaline pH in the body. Still, once the coconut is dried and eaten, it tends to be acidic.
Nonetheless, we will take a breakdown of its various component products – coconut meat, coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut milk.
Related: Are Bananas Alkaline or Acidic?
Is Coconut Water alkaline?
Coconut water is a refreshing and tasty drink that is used as a natural electrolyte for the sportiest of people and those who undergo strenuous physical activity. It has a slightly salty taste with the perfect smell of fresh coconuts. This water is a must drink in the fitness world and has many positive recommendations for weight loss.
Coconut water is alkaline because of its high mineral content. It helps replenish lost body fluids and rehydrate the body. Coconut water is alkaline, and because of that, there are many recommendations for its usage. This water is beneficial for good metabolic and body function.
From a nutritional review, coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes and is excellent for normal hydration. These facts show that coconut water is a natural isotonic drink that helps to bring back all lost minerals, especially in hot weather and during/after sporty activities.
You can always drink it if you feel thirsty or when you feel stomach upset. The water has a good effect on digestive problems and helps better digestion.
Coconut is one of the best natural drinks, and it can be consumed at any time by one and all, whether you are tired, sick, happy, or thirsty.
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Is Coconut milk alkaline?
It would be best to prepare your coconut milk at home from fresh coconuts. However, if you choose to buy coconut milk, always read the ingredients list on the label. Fresh-made coconut milk is rich in minerals that help your body stay healthy. Some of the nutrients that coconut milk has can help you fight inflammation, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues.
The pH value of coconut milk depends on the way it is prepared. Fresh coconut milk is mildly alkaline, while packed or old coconut milk can directloy cause acidity in your body. Coconut milk is traditionally made from mature coconut with a high percentage of meat. The meat is blended together with water, and then it is strained out of the pulp.
Fresh-made coconut milk has a pH level of 6 to 7. When the milk passes a process of pasteurization or sterilization, its pH value decreases causing it to be more acidic. This is the main reason it is better to make your own fresh-made coconut milk since it is highly nutritious and more alkaline.
Another important thing to remember when buying coconut milk is that some additives can lower its pH level and increase acidity.
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What Kind of Coconut is Alkaline?
Coconuts are fruits that can be harvested young and green. They are usually picked green for coconut water consumption (since green coconuts contain more water than mature cococnuts) or harvested after 12 months of growth. The 12 months coconuts are called mature, and they are used more for coconut milk production or coconut oil production.
All types of coconuts and their products are mildly alkaline if they are harvested fresh. For example, if you need coconut oil, always choose organic cold-pressed oil that is produced from fresh coconuts without using heat.
When you drink coconut water or milk, choose the fresh products or buy coconut fruit itself and prepare your drink at home.
Green Coconuts vs. Mature Coconut Alkalinity
Green coconuts are recognized as water coconuts because they are harvested young to produce coconut water. They also have meat but in a much smaller percentage than the mature ones.
A recent study where green coconut was compared with mature coconut, was investigated for their pH level. Young green coconut has a considerable lower concentration of malic acid, which makes the green coconut less acidic than the mature one.
Mature coconut is slightly more acidic right after opening. It has a pH level of 6.3 up to 7.
Is Coconut Water alkaline?
Coconut water is a traditional drink that you can have if you only cut the coconut fruit. With the commercialization of coconut water, there is now a good number of research studies about its health benefits. It is rich in minerals that helps your body to stay hydrated.
- Fresh coconut water – is served right from the fruit, and you can drink it immediately. It has a 6.5 pH level that shows slight acidity of the product.
- Pasteurized coconut water – went through the process of thermal treatment, and it has not the same qualities as freshwater. Because of the thermal treatment, its pH level is lower which is more acidic.
Commercially processed coconut products such as coconut water, milk or oil are found in several countries. The production process varies and usually may contain added ingredients ranging from organic components to harmful compounds, so its best to go read labels carefully or go only with homemade fresh products.
Freshly made organic coconut milk (made from mature coconuts) is a slightly acidic with a pH level of 5.3 to 6.3. Research shows that natural coconut milk made from coconuts with origin in Sri Lanka has the highest pH level of 6.3.
Related: Dr. Sebi Alkaline Diet Food List [Free pdf Download]
Is Coconut Oil Alkaline?
Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for a variety of issues. Although it is hailed as a “miracle product,” there is still some debate about its efficacy. One area of controversy is whether or not coconut oil is alkaline.
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. A substance with a pH of 7 is neutral, while a substance with a pH less than 7 is considered acidic. A substance with a pH greater than 7 is considered alkaline. Coconut oil has a pH of 6, which means it is slightly acidic. However, this does not mean that it is bad for your health.
There is still more research to be done on the health benefits of coconut oil. However, there is no doubt that it is a versatile and effective natural remedy. Whether or not it is alkaline, coconut oil can be used to improve your health in many different ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, only fresh-made coconut water and milk have higher pH levels, and are alkaline drinks. Processed and thermally prepared coconut drinks are acidic and may not be beneficial for the alkaline diet.
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