Is chicken soup acidic or basic? Some people say that it is a very acidic food, while others claim it has a basic pH level.
So, which is it?
In this blog post, we will look at the science behind chicken soup and determine whether it is acidic or basic. We will also discuss some of the health benefits of this popular soup.
Chicken soup is a dish that has been around for centuries. It’s a soup prepared from Chicken that has been cooked in water and various additional ingredients.
It also consists of chicken broth, vegetables, and noodles or rice.
Is Chicken Soup Acidic or Basic?
pH is a scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution is.
The higher the pH, the more basic the solution is.
Chicken soup generally has a pH between six and seven, which means it is slightly acidic.
However, the pH can vary depending on the ingredients used and how the soup is prepared.
However, there are many factors that can affect the pH of chicken soup, including the type of Chicken used, the vegetables added, and even the cooking method.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors to see how they can impact the pH of chicken soup.
1. Cooking Method
For example, if the soup is cooked for a longer period, it will become more acidic.
This is because longer cooking times allow for more interaction between the Chicken and the bones, which raises the pH levels.
On the other hand, it will be basic if the soup is cooked for a shorter time.
This is because the acids have not had enough time to break down and be released into the soup.
2. The Type of Chicken Used
Chicken breast meat is generally more acidic than dark meat, such as thighs or drumsticks.
This is because dark meat contains more myoglobin, which is a protein that gives meat its red color and makes it more acidic.
3. Ingredients
Ingredients used can also affect the pH levels of chicken soup. The most common ingredients in chicken soup are chicken broth, noodles, and spices.
Broth:
Broth is a basic solution, so it will make the soup more basic.
However, different types of broth can have different pH levels, depending on their ingredients.
For example, beef broth is typically more acidic than chicken broth. This means that using beef broth in your chicken soup will make it more acidic.
Noodles are neutral, so they will not affect the pH level of the soup. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients and manufacturing process involved.
Vegetables:
Also affects the pH levels of chicken soup. Most vegetables are alkaline, which means they have a high pH and make the soup more basic.
However, some acidic vegetables can lower the pH of the soup, such as tomatoes, which will make the soup more acidic.
On the other hand, vegetables high in bases, such as potatoes, will make the soup more basic.
Spices:
Spices can be acidic or basic, so they can also affect the pH level of the soup. For example, If you add garlic, it will make it more acidic.
If you add a lot of salt, it will make the soup more basic. Lemon juice in the soup will make it more acidic.
Be aware of the spices you are adding to your soup and how they will affect its pH level.
Milk and Cream:
Milk and cream are both basic ingredients that can be added to chicken soup to increase its ph level. When these ingredients are added, the soup becomes more basic.
Oil:
Oil is not acidic or basic. They have a pH of around seven, which is neutral. This means that they will not change the ph level in chicken soup.
Is Chicken Noodle Soup Good for Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and other problems.
There are two types of acid reflux:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
This is the more serious type of acid reflux. It can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other problems.
2. Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR):
This is a less serious type of acid reflux. It can cause hoarseness, throat irritation, and other problems.
Some people believe that the soup can help coat and protect the stomach from acids, while others believe that the soup is too acidic and can worsen reflux symptoms.
The truth is that chicken noodle soup can be both acidic and basic, depending on the ingredients used.
For example, if the soup contains tomatoes, it will be more acidic. If the soup contains potatoes, it will be more basic.
Try making your homemade soup with basic ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and celery if you want to be safe.
This way, you can ensure that the soup will not aggravate your reflux.
Why is Chicken Soup Considered to be a Healthy Food?
One of the reasons is because it is basic food. A basic food helps to alkalize the body and balance the pH levels in the blood.
When the body is too acidic, it can lead to several health problems such as fatigue, headaches, and diseases.
By eating basic food like chicken soup, we can help to alkalize the body and improve our health.
Another reason why chicken soup is considered to be a healthy food is that it is high in nutrients.
Chicken soup contains vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
These nutrients are essential for health and can help to improve our overall well-being.
If you suffer from acid reflux, try adding chicken soup to your diet. Just be sure to choose a recipe that is low in acidic ingredients.
And if you are on medication for acid reflux, speak with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
How Do you Reduce the Level of Acidity in Chicken Soup?
There are a few ways to do this. One is to add an alkaline substance such as baking soda. This will immediately neutralize the acids in the soup.
However, it will also change the flavor of the soup, so you'll want to experiment with how much you need to add.
Another way to reduce acidity is to cook the soup for a longer time. This will allow the acids to break down and become less pronounced.
Another way to reduce acidity is to add dairies, such as milk or cream. This will also help neutralize some of the acids present in the soup.
Finally, you can also add naturally high ingredients in alkalinities, such as potatoes or carrots.
These will help balance out the acidity in the soup without changing the flavor too much.
FAQs
Is It Important to Know If Chicken Soup is Acidic, Basic, or Neutral?
Is chicken soup acidic, basic, or neutral? Knowing the answer can help you make healthier choices.
For example, if you are trying to eat a more balanced diet, you may want to avoid acidic foods and choose instead foods considered basic.
Final Verdict
Is chicken soup acidic or basic? The acidity or basicity of food can be determined by its pH value. A food with a pH value below neutrality is acidic, while a food with a pH value above neutrality is basic.
As we can see, chicken soup has a pH value above neutrality, which means that it is basic food.
Regardless of the pH of chicken soup, it is a healthy food that can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms.
The warmth and moisture of the soup can help to loosen up mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel.
And the high potassium content of carrots and potatoes may help to soothe the inflamed esophagus.