According to the “Office for science and society” an alkaline diet is critical to health and bones strength. The article suggests that increased blood pH acidity enhances the activity of osteoclasts, hence increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that carotenoids such as beta carotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin that are found in fruits and vegetables, can increase bone density. These consist of the main component of the alkaline diet.
Diet and Bone Health
As if we needed another reason to eat more fruits and vegetables. Well, here is one anyway. Fruits and vegetables can strengthen bones. Whoa...you say. Calcium and vitamin D are what we need to prevent osteoporosis. Yes, we certainly need those nutrients but bone health has more determinants than just calcium and vitamin D intake.
Joe Schwarcz | 20 Mar 2017 General Science
As if we needed another reason to eat more fruits and vegetables. Well, here is one anyway. Fruits and vegetables can strengthen bones. Whoa...you say. Calcium and vitamin D are what we need to prevent osteoporosis. Yes, we certainly need those nutrients but bone health has more determinants than just calcium and vitamin D intake. It is the overall content of the diet that matters. Hip fractures, for example, are higher in milk consuming countries. That may come as a surprise given that dairy products are an excellent source of calcium. So how is it that Asians, with a lower calcium intake, are less prone to osteoporosis. Because it is the overall content of the diet that matters, not just the amount of calcium or vitamin D it contains. The acid-base balance of the diet seems to be an important feature. But this is not quite what people may think. You think acid, and you think of vinegar or orange juice or soda pop. Think base, and baking soda probably pops into your mind. However what matters is not the acidity or alkalinity of the food or beverages we may put in our mouth, but what happens to their components after ingestion and metabolism. Foods with a lot of protein are acid forming because proteins contain sulphur and the sulphur eventually is converted in the body to sulphuric acid. Eggs, fish, meat and poultry are therefore acidic foods. Breads and cereals are also metabolized to acids, but surprisingly, citrus foods are not acid producing. That’s because citric acid is broken down in the body to non-acidic substances. Most fruits and vegetables yield an alkaline residue in the body, although corn and lentils are acid forming.
