If there’s one instant food item that’s always present in our pantry, that would be oats! I can give you a myriad of reasons why, but this superfood is something everybody has been loving too!
Oatmeal is just one of the many dishes we can make out of oats. It gives off a great deal of nutrients that we consistently need but, like with the other kinds of foods, it also has a minor downside to note, that would be its pH level: is oatmeal alkaline or acidic? If you are on a quest to get a concrete answer to this question, just keep reading.
- What pH Level is Considered Acidic?
- Is Oatmeal Alkaline or Acidic?
- Is Oatmeal Bad for Acid Reflux?
- Tips to Make Oatmeal Less Acidic
- Bottom Line
What pH Level is Considered Acidic?
PH level is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is, on a scale of 0-14. A pH level of 7 is considered neutral—anything below that is considered acidic, while foods with pH levels above 7 are considered alkaline.
Is Oatmeal Alkaline or Acidic?
The answer to this question depends on how you prepare or cook your oatmeal and which type of oats you’ll use. But generally, oatmeal’s pH level plays within 6-7 which makes it slightly acidic. This may not be a good option for those who have worse stomach acidity levels.
But because oatmeal carries heaps of vitamins and minerals, it is generally considered alkaline because it helps to offset the acids through its high levels of fiber, protein, and other nutrients it possesses.
Alkaline Foods.
Foods that have high pH levels and are thus considered to be part of the alkaline group include fruits and vegetables such as soybeans and tofu, and some nuts, seeds, and legumes (such as peas and beans).
Acidic Foods.
Meanwhile, dairy products including milk, cream, butter, etc. have pH levels of 6.1 to 6.9 which make them fall on the acid side. But this doesn’t mean that they are unsafe to eat. If you have a history of acid problems, just be mindful and consume these kinds of foods in moderation.
Is Oatmeal Bad for Acid Reflux?
If you have acid reflux, you don’t have to worry when eating oatmeal because it is just considered slightly’ acidic, and it is bland, low-fat food that won’t upset your stomach. To be sure, you can follow the tips below to make your oatmeal less acidic.
Consuming instant oatmeal also helps in treating acid reflux. Avoid those that are pre-packed flavored oatmeal as they may contain lots of sugar that can trigger some symptoms. Try to add natural flavorings such as honey, maple syrup, or cinnamon to give your oatmeal a pleasant taste.
Instant Oats:
Tips to Make Oatmeal Less Acidic
The level of acidity varies per type of oats. Boiled rolled oats for example have a pH of 5.5 while baked oatmeal has a 6.9 – 7.5 pH which is slightly alkaline. But there are workarounds to reduce the acidity of oatmeal. You can do these in just a few easy steps:
1. Soak in liquid and lemon.
Soak your oats in liquid with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, for 12 to 16 hours before eating. This liquid can be plain water, or non-dairy milk (like below):
Almond Milk:
2. Cook with Banana.
Bananas can help in neutralizing stomach acid by coating an irritated esophageal lining and are also rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps keep food flowing nicely through the digestive tract. This is how you can add banana to your oatmeal to make it alkaline:
Directions:
- Add oats, cold water or almond milk, and a pinch of sea salt to a pot according to package directions for 1 serving.
- In a bowl, mash 1 banana.
- Add the banana to the oats and water and mix well; cover the pot, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 minutes or until soft.
- Let stand 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
The complete recipe is here: saveourbones.com
Bottom Line
If we look past the acidity levels of oatmeal, it is relatively fair to say that oatmeal is 100% healthy and safe to be eaten by everybody. Health experts almost always recommend oats to be part of everyone’s diet because it carries a significant amount of nutrients that we cannot find in other grains or foods.
So, is oatmeal alkaline or acidic? Does that mean it isn’t safe for those who have acid reflux? Oatmeal may contain low pH levels but its acidity is then offset by the high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals it brings. This makes oatmeal a more alkaline food overall.