When you're looking to add more greens to your diet, you've probably seen asparagus floating around your local grocery store or farmer's market. This green veggie is excellent for you and tastes delicious when appropriately prepared.
If you've been battling acid reflux are looking for foods that won't cause a reaction, asparagus may be the perfect veggie for you.
As you may or may not know, acid reflux can be irritated by consuming overly acidic foods. So, is asparagus acidic?
Table of Contents
Is asparagus acidic?
Asparagus generally has a pH of 6 to 6.7. On the pH scale, 0 to 6.99 is considered acidic, 7 to 7.99 is neutral, and 8-14 is alkaline. Asparagus' pH is so close to a neutral rating that they're hardly acidic. Since their pH is almost neutral, eating asparagus isn't going to form an excessive amount of acid in your body.
So, technically speaking, yes, asparagus is classified as an acidic vegetable. But before you write off these veggies too quickly, let me explain.
The pH scale is how we classify different foods and beverages as acidic, neutral, or alkaline. When you're prone to getting heartburn or acid reflux, you want to avoid overly acidic foods or only eat them in small amounts.
Is Eating Asparagus Good For You?
This green vegetable is very good for you. Despite the pH rating of acidic, it's not that acidic and can help reduce stomach acid from causing you any discomfort or pain.
Asparagus is a light vegetable that is low in calories and has almost no fat. Adding half a cup of asparagus to your meal is only 20 calories, and there is less than 1% of fat in a single serving.
You can eat quite a bit of it without feeling like you're overeating. Many people who want to lose weight eat this vegetable to aid them in their journey.
This vegetable is also high in nutrients such as fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.
RELATED: Is Bok Choy Acidic? (Is it good for you?)
Besides having high levels of crucial nutrients, some studies link asparagus consumption to low blood pressure, improved digestion, and positive pregnancy outcomes.
A single serving of asparagus, half a cup, is 57% vitamin K. Vitamin K is the vitamin involved in helping your body prevent blood clots and keeping your bones healthy.
If you need more fiber in your diet, asparagus is one way to do it. One serving of this vegetable contains 1.8 grams.
That's a good portion of your daily fiber needs. The fiber is great for your gut health, making everything run smoother down there.
Consuming asparagus can help decrease your chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
RELATED: Is Broccoli Acidic?
How Should I Prepare Asparagus?
If you're anything like me, I was confused about how to prepare asparagus where it will actually taste good.
You can make asparagus in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to make it is by roasting it in your oven.
You can toss it on a baking sheet, drizzle in your oil of choice, and top with seasonings. I prefer salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for some spice, but you can add whatever you want!
Don't forget to toss your asparagus in the oil and seasoning mixture before baking.
Another way to cook this vegetable is by steaming it on your stovetop. You can even lightly bread the vegetable and fry it using your air fryer for a crispy but healthy snack.
RELATED: Are Peanuts Acidic? (Eat or Avoid??)
The country that leads the world in asparagus production is mainland China. In 2019, they produced over eight million metric tons of this veggie.
The countries coming in second and third place are far behind China in production. Peru produced a little over 360,000 metric tons and Mexico 270,000 metric tons.
So, when you're eating these tasty veggies, you're more than likely eating asparagus that was grown in China.
You have noticed a strange smell when you use the bathroom after eating asparagus. Don't worry; it's completely normal.
Asparagus contains a chemical known as asparagusic acid. When you eat this chemical, and your body breaks it down, it breaks down into a sulfur compound.
This sulfur compound has a strong and not pleasing smell.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level