Is quinoa alkaline or acidic? I’m trying to follow a more alkaline diet to potentially help with inflammation. I understand that certain foods are believed to shift the body’s pH, though I know the body tightly regulates its own pH. I’ve seen conflicting information online about quinoa – some sources list it as alkaline-forming, while others say it’s slightly acidic. Could you clarify where quinoa falls on the pH scale (acidic, neutral, or alkaline) and perhaps explain if the method of preparation (e.g., cooking with certain ingredients) affects its potential to influence the body’s acid/alkaline balance? I’m primarily interested in its impact after digestion, rather than its raw pH value. Also, could you briefly address whether the difference between different types of quinoa (e.g., white, red, black) has a significant impact on this aspect?

Answer

Quinoa is generally considered to be a mildly alkaline-forming food.

While quinoa itself has a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0-6.5), its effect on the body after digestion and metabolism is what determines its alkaline or acidic nature. The potential renal acid load (PRAL) value is used to estimate this effect. Foods with a negative PRAL value are considered alkaline-forming, while foods with a positive PRAL value are considered acid-forming.

Quinoa has a PRAL value that is slightly negative, meaning it contributes to a more alkaline environment in the body. However, it is not as strongly alkaline as many fruits and vegetables.

Specifically, cooked quinoa has an estimated PRAL value ranging from approximately -1.7 to -2.5 per 100 grams. This indicates a mild alkaline-forming effect.

Factors influencing the PRAL value and therefore alkalinity:

• Mineral content: Quinoa contains minerals like magnesium and potassium, which are alkaline-forming.
• Protein content: While high protein intake can sometimes contribute to acidity, the protein in quinoa is balanced by its mineral content.
• Preparation methods: Cooking quinoa generally does not significantly alter its alkaline-forming properties.
• Individual metabolism: Individual metabolic processes can slightly affect how the body processes quinoa and its impact on pH balance.

Therefore, quinoa can be considered a healthy, mildly alkaline-forming grain that can be incorporated into a balanced diet.