Grapes were first cultivated around 8,000 years ago and have remained popular ever since. Fresh, they're nutritious and delicious either on their own or as part of a healthy fruit salad. Dried as raisins, grapes are found in cookies, bread, and toppings for muesli and oatmeal.
However, many people nowadays suffer from acid reflux or GERD and associated symptoms, like heartburn. These people must know which common foods are acidic and which trigger or worsen their symptoms.
How well do grapes fit into a low-acid diet followed by many sufferers of acid reflux?
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Are Grapes Acidic or Alkaline?
Like most fruits, grapes are acidic, with a pH of 2.8 to 3.9. Grapes' acidity varies with variety, and many are sweet, which masks how acidic they are.
Therefore, most people suffering from acid reflux should strictly limit their consumption of grapes or avoid them entirely.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
The Health Benefits of Grapes
Grapes are highly nutritious and especially rich in vitamins K and C. Vitamin K helps prevent blood clots and supports bone health. Vitamin C is essential for connective tissue health.
There are about 1,600 essential compounds found in grapes, including antioxidants that repair damage caused by oxidative stress, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Grapes contain a good amount of potassium, essential for heart health.
Some studies suggest that regularly eating a cup of grapes lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.
One study on older adults concluded that eating grapes daily improved cognition and memory.
Is Grape Juice Acidic?
Grape juice is acidic, with a pH of between 3.2 and 4. Grape jam is slightly more acidic, with a pH between 2.8 and 3.4.
How Many Types of Grapes Are There?
There are over 10,000 types of grapes, with 24 types regularly used for winemaking.
Is Wine Acidic?
Like most alcoholic drinks, wine is acidic, with a pH of between 3 to 4.
Which Country Grows the Most Grapes?
China produces the most grapes, with over 14 million metric tons annually. Next is Italy with about eight million and the United States with a little over seven million.
How Are Cotton Candy Grapes Made?
Like many grape varieties, cotton candy grapes are the result of selective breeding. This can take years of crossing varieties with the desired traits before producing a commercially successful vine.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level