Watermelon and Other Food Myths

While I was writing my book, The Ultimate pH Solution, my editor, Anne, shared that her friendclaimed she could eat unlimited watermelon because it has an alkaline effect onthe body. Anne thought this seemed toogood to be true so she called me to find out. I love watermelon so I really wanted it to be alkalizing. I tried experimenting with different peopleand tested their pH before and after eating watermelon or drinking watermelonjuice to see the effect. Watermelon,while delicious, nutritious, and having many other health benefits,unfortunately has a slightly acidic effect on the body.

Does that mean you should avoid it altogether? The answer is a resounding, "NO!" As I indicate in The Ultimate pH Solution, there are many acidic foods, or "WiseAcid" foods as I call them, that have a definite place in your diet. And, watermelon is one of them. In moderation, it has a rightful place inyour diet?that is, unless you just can't stand eating it. If that's the situation, there are enoughother healthy foods you can eat?and enjoy.

My take on healthy eating, including balancing your pH, issimple: moderation is key and you caneat healthily and enjoy your food too. There are so many delicious foods that if you just can't stand eatingwatermelon, or something else,don't! Let's face it: it's so much easier to stick to a healthyeating plan when you love the food. That's my philosophy: eatgreat-tasting food that has great health benefits.

If you've ever tried to find informationabout balancing your pH, you've probably come across conflicting information on the Internet and even in differentbooks. You've probably read thatwatermelon and all other fruit makes your body alkaline. While I really wish this myth was true, thereare only a handful of fruits that have an alkaline effect on the body. Most fruit, watermelon included, acidifiesyour body. Sorry! While some authorswould rather appease their readers than provide accurate information, it's importantto me to provide the most accurate informationpossible. And, unlike other healthprofessionals who tell you that you must only eat alkaline food, I believethere is a place in a healthy diet forboth alkaline and wise acid choices.

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