Understanding the pH Scale
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Foods with a pH below 7 are considered acidic, while those with a pH above 7 are alkaline. Cherries, with their pH range of 3.25 to 4.54, fall into the category of mildly acidic fruits.
Side Effects of Cherries
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Gastrointestinal issues: Consuming large quantities of cherries can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, due to their fiber and sugar content.
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Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to cherries, including itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Those with a known cherry allergy should avoid consumption and consult an allergist.
References
- 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Approximate pH of Foods and Food Products. (2007). https://www.healthycanning.com/wp-content/uploads/pH-FDAapproximatepHoffoodslacf-phs.pdf
- 2. National Institutes of Health: Vitamin C - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (2021). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
- 3. National Institutes of Health: Potassium - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (2021). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
- 4. Kelley, D. S., Adkins, Y., & Laugero, K. D. (2018). A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries. Nutrients, 10(3), 368. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10030368
- 5. USDA FoodData Central: Cherries, sweet, raw. (2019). https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2346399/nutrients
- 6. Lybrate. Cherry Benefits And Its Side Effects. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/cherry-benefits-and-side-effects.
- 7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/eating-diet-nutrition