Is Coffee Alkaline?
Long accepted as an energizing pick-me-up, the effect of coffee on our bodies has been much debated. Many health professionals believe that consuming acidic or high-acid foods over time can lead to a host of health issues, so naturally one of the top debates in recent years has been focusing on whether or not coffee is acidic or alkaline.
Coffee’s Effect on The pH Balance of Our Blood
The pH balance of our blood has to remain slightly alkaline, around 7.35-7.45. When we consume acidic foods or drinks, our bodies have to use minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium to buffer those acidity levels and bring our blood back to the desired alkaline levels. If we fail to meet our bodies’ mineral requirements, the result is that our blood will become too acidic, creating a feeding ground for diseases and a host of other health problems.
Why Are People Asking If Coffee Is Alkaline?
With coffee having anywhere between 2.5-5 acidity pH levels, these numbers seem to suggest that coffee is indeed acidic. Consuming acidic drinks over an extended period of time can have serious health repercussions, so many people wonder if they should limit their intake of coffee in order to maintain their bodies’ pH balance.
Is Coffee Acidic or Alkaline?
Contrary to popular belief, the answer is neither! Coffee has the power to modify our bodies’ pH balance and can be both acidic and alkaline depending on the individual’s body.
The way it works is that coffee triggers our body’s acid-alkaline buffering systems to break down the acid and convert it into alkaline-forming compounds. So even though coffee has an acidic pH level, it provides us with alkaline-forming minerals, which in turn helps keep our blood balanced.
Additionally, if you pair coffee with a balanced diet that is rich in alkaline-forming foods the overall effect will be even more beneficial for your pH levels.
Benefits of Achieving pH Balance With Coffee
Here’s why coffee can be beneficial to achieving a balanced pH:
- Energy Levels:By maintaining the alkalinity of your blood, your organ functioning will be increased and more oxygen will flow to the brain. This helps to improve energy levels and keeps your body functioning at its best.
- Digestive Health:Maintaining a balanced pH level helps keep your digestive system healthier. This further prevents the body from absorbing toxins and facilitates better nutrient absorption.
- Overall Health:A balanced pH also helps keep your immune system functioning at its peak efficiency as it reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
Conclusion
So is coffee alkaline or acidic? As you can see, it all depends on the individual and their body’s ability to buffer the acidity levels. Although coffee does contain acidity levels, it also provides us with alkaline-forming minerals, which helps keep our bodies in the desired pH balance. Therefore, the answer really comes down to how you choose your diet and how it works together with coffee in regulating your pH levels.
