Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentspH and Acidity of ApplesApples and Acid RefluxApple Acidity vs. Other FruitsLeast Acidic Fruits to Eat
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
pH and Acidity of Apples
Apples and Acid Reflux
Apple Acidity vs. Other Fruits
Least Acidic Fruits to Eat
Eating fruits like apples benefits your health, providing essential vitamins and nutrients. Apples also contain fiber andpolyphenols, which may reduce cholesterol levels and improve your digestive health.
However, for some people, certain fruits can be bothersome. Some people withgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) may find that acidic foods aggravate symptoms, especially when consumed in large quantities. Apples, like most fruits, contain natural acids.
You may be wondering where apples fall on the acidity spectrum. This article discusses the pH of apples, which varieties are the most acidic, and more.
Christopher Kimmel / Aurora Photos/ Getty Images
The pH value defines whether something is acidic, neutral, or alkaline (basic). ThepH scaleranges from 1 to 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 the most alkaline.The body does a great job of maintaining pH levels. Your kidneys and lungs work hard to control your blood pH.
Most foods have a pH below the neutral measurement of 7 but are further categorized as low- or high-acid foods depending on whether their pH is above or below 4.6.Any food below 4.6 is considered to be acidic. Most drinking water is considered neutral, with a pH of 7. Whole, fresh apples have a pH value of about 3.34 to 3.9. Apple cider ranges from about 3.2 to 3.8.
A Word From Verywell
—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Which Apple Varieties Are Most Acidic?
The pH of apples depends on the type and processing (as in whole vs. juice vs. applesauce). On the pH scale, apples are acidic as their pH is below 4.6, so they might be considered mildly, moderately, or highly acidic.
Here are the pH values of certain types of apples:
Gastroesophageal reflux(GER) occurs when your stomach contents flow back into your esophagus. This turns into GERD when symptoms last longer and are more severe; repeated symptoms can cause problems over time.
Some believe eating apples after a meal can neutralize stomach acid. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. For most people with reflux, apples are a safe food. Since apples are acidic, people sensitive to acids may find large amounts bothersome. Symptoms can also increase if the diet contains different acidic foods.
Foods That Help Reflux
Other Causes of Reflux
Dietary interventions for reflux often include:
High-fat meals, alcohol, chocolate, and carbonated beverages can reduce esophageal sphincter pressure and increase acid exposure.Eating more whole foods, such as fiber-filled fruits and vegetables, whole grains, andlegumes, is also advised.
Other risk factors that may cause reflux include:
Apples and Dental Health
Apples containpolyphenolsthat may prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth. Eating an apple increases saliva production, which can assist in washing away food debris and bacteria.And the fiber in apples can assist in removing bacteria, too.
Diets high in acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay. However, apples are less acidic than sugary sodas, and the benefits likely outweigh the risks. If you are concerned, talk to your dentist. Brushing after meals or rinsing with water is a good way to clean the teeth.
Acid Reflux and Dental HealthIf you have acid reflux, you can experience dental issues. When tooth enamel is repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, it can increase vulnerability totooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and enamel erosion. It can also irritate gums, causing inflammation and an increased risk of gum disease.
Acid Reflux and Dental Health
If you have acid reflux, you can experience dental issues. When tooth enamel is repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, it can increase vulnerability totooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and enamel erosion. It can also irritate gums, causing inflammation and an increased risk of gum disease.
Oranges have a pH range of 3.1 to 4.1, andlemonshave a pH range of 2.2 to 2.4, among the most acidic fruits. Less acidic fruits like bananas andcantaloupehave pH ranges from 4.5 to 6.3.
Eating various fruits increases your intake of different polyphenols, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, if you notice that certain fruits increase your reflux symptoms, you may be interested in finding fruit choices that are considered less acidic. Less acidic fruits include:
Summary
Apples are a nutritious fruit choice associated with many health benefits. Yet, they are acidic. If you have reflux, pay attention to whether eating apples bothers you. Should you notice symptoms after consumption, consider eliminating them and assess if the change makes a difference. If symptoms linger, speak with a healthcare provider.
Regular dental hygiene, including flossing and brushing, is important. In addition, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can increase your intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and balance acid with more alkaline foods.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Apples.U.S. Geological Survey.The pH scale. June 19, 2019.Bollenbecker S, Czaya B, Gutiérrez OM, Krick S.Lung-kidney interactions and their role in chronic kidney disease-associated pulmonary diseases.American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 2022;322(5):L625-L640. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00152.2021American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What impact does pH have on food and health.Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. University of Wisconsin-Madison.Comparing apples to apples. November 18, 2019.Oklahoma State University Extension.The importance of food pH in commercial canning operations. July 2016.National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER) and (GERD) in adults. July 2020.Herdiana Y.Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Nutrients.2023;15(16):3583. doi:10.3390/nu15163583National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER and GERD. July 2020.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux / GERD overview.Rubido S, García-Caballero L, Abeleira MT, et al.Effect of chewing an apple on dental plaque removal and on salivary bacterial viability.PLoS One.2018;13(7):e0199812. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199812
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Apples.U.S. Geological Survey.The pH scale. June 19, 2019.Bollenbecker S, Czaya B, Gutiérrez OM, Krick S.Lung-kidney interactions and their role in chronic kidney disease-associated pulmonary diseases.American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 2022;322(5):L625-L640. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00152.2021American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What impact does pH have on food and health.Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. University of Wisconsin-Madison.Comparing apples to apples. November 18, 2019.Oklahoma State University Extension.The importance of food pH in commercial canning operations. July 2016.National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER) and (GERD) in adults. July 2020.Herdiana Y.Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Nutrients.2023;15(16):3583. doi:10.3390/nu15163583National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER and GERD. July 2020.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux / GERD overview.Rubido S, García-Caballero L, Abeleira MT, et al.Effect of chewing an apple on dental plaque removal and on salivary bacterial viability.PLoS One.2018;13(7):e0199812. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199812
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Apples.U.S. Geological Survey.The pH scale. June 19, 2019.Bollenbecker S, Czaya B, Gutiérrez OM, Krick S.Lung-kidney interactions and their role in chronic kidney disease-associated pulmonary diseases.American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 2022;322(5):L625-L640. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00152.2021American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What impact does pH have on food and health.Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. University of Wisconsin-Madison.Comparing apples to apples. November 18, 2019.Oklahoma State University Extension.The importance of food pH in commercial canning operations. July 2016.National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER) and (GERD) in adults. July 2020.Herdiana Y.Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Nutrients.2023;15(16):3583. doi:10.3390/nu15163583National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER and GERD. July 2020.American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux / GERD overview.Rubido S, García-Caballero L, Abeleira MT, et al.Effect of chewing an apple on dental plaque removal and on salivary bacterial viability.PLoS One.2018;13(7):e0199812. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199812
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Apples.
U.S. Geological Survey.The pH scale. June 19, 2019.
Bollenbecker S, Czaya B, Gutiérrez OM, Krick S.Lung-kidney interactions and their role in chronic kidney disease-associated pulmonary diseases.American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. 2022;322(5):L625-L640. doi:10.1152/ajplung.00152.2021
American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.What impact does pH have on food and health.
Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. University of Wisconsin-Madison.Comparing apples to apples. November 18, 2019.
Oklahoma State University Extension.The importance of food pH in commercial canning operations. July 2016.
National Institute of Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER) and (GERD) in adults. July 2020.
Herdiana Y.Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Nutrients.2023;15(16):3583. doi:10.3390/nu15163583
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of GER and GERD. July 2020.
American College of Gastroenterology.Acid reflux / GERD overview.
Rubido S, García-Caballero L, Abeleira MT, et al.Effect of chewing an apple on dental plaque removal and on salivary bacterial viability.PLoS One.2018;13(7):e0199812. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0199812
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