Are Beans Alkaline or Acidic? [Green, Pinto, Baked, Navy]

Beans are famous for their versatile nature and go with many recipes, and technically its are legumes that are different types of food categories.

There are various types of beans, all high in nutrients, but whether the beans are alkaline or acidic, this affects your acid reflux disease.

Beans are near neutral on a pH scale, and some are less acidic in nature; that’s why you have to choose according to your conditions.

However, the entire article is all about the different types of beans and their nature like black, green, kidney, pinto beans, which types of beans are recommended for acid reflux, and many more exciting queries.

Are beans alkaline or acidic?

Beans are less acidic to near neutral on pH, and their range is 5.60 to 6.50. As you know, less than 4.6 consider too acidic, and more than that, up to 14 is less alkaline to more where 7 is a neutral number.

The pH of beans is around 5.6, which is pretty acidic but not as acidic as citrus juice or vinegar, which are under 4.0. When you eat beans, your stomach acid reacts with the 5.6 pH and makes it slightly more acidic at around 4.6 pH to prepare for protein digestion.

Are beans bad for acid reflux?

While you have acid reflux, you can take beans but make sure to eat them with plenty of water and fiber.

If you have problems digesting beans, try soaking them overnight to make them a little bit more alkaline. Soaking will also help to soften the beans, so they’re easier to digest. 

You can also boil the beans for about 10 minutes before eating them, which will help break down some of the proteins.

If you’re still having problems digesting beans, you might want to try taking a digestive enzyme supplement before eating them. This will help break down the proteins in the beans, so they’re easier to digest.

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. Stomach acid usually is acidic enough to digest food, but when it backs up into the esophagus, it can cause heartburn and other problems.

Remember, sugar may worsen your acid reflux symptoms because it takes time to digest. In this case, pinto and kidney beans are safer because it contains only 2.2 gram of sugar per 100 gram, whereas green beans carry 3.3 gram of sugar.

13 Different types of beans and their nature(Black, Green, Pinto, etc.)

Beans are less acidic to neutral in nature. You can get the idea from the pH range.

Type of Beans	pH Range
1. Black Beans	5.78 to 6.02
2. Green Beans	5.60
3. Pinto Beans	6.5 (once digested)
4. Baked Beans	5.10 to 5.80
5. White beans/Cannellini beans	(less acidic)
6. Garbanzo beans/Canned chickpeas	4 to 6
7. Lentil Beans	6.30 to 6.83 (cooked)
8. Kidney Beans	5.40 to 6.00
9. Navy Beans	5.0 (once digested)
10. Cooked Beans	5.0 to 6.5 (Varies depending on ingredients)
11. Soybeans	6.00 to 6.60
12. Refried Beans	5.90
13. Lima Beans	6.50

Beans contain which type of acid?

Beans contain a few acids names are below-

• Phytic Acid
• Folic Acid
• Vanillic Acid
• Coumaric Acid
• Ferulic Acid

How many beans are safe for acid reflux and the best time to eat

One cup of cooked beans and a half cup of raw beans are ok per day. For women, 20 to 25 grams is also recommended per day.

I will suggest taking beans at morning breakfast or lunch. Try to skip dinner because spicy foods like chilies and high protein beans may cause gas problems.

Why are beans good for you?

Beans are packed with nutrients and come with many health benefits. There are different Beans types and their health benefits, such as kidney beans for diabetes, black beans for cholesterol, and haricot beans for weight loss.

Green Beans: 

Green Beans are rich in dietary fiber that can play an essential role in lowering blood pressure and protecting you against cardiovascular diseases. They have high nutritional value containing high amounts of vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Green Beans also contain minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium. Generally, they are low in calories and high in water content; hence, they are considered good food for weight loss.

Black Beans: 

Black beans (also recognized as black turtle beans or black calypso beans) are one of the most nutritious legumes. It has high levels of cholesterol-lowering fiber, magnesium, which is good for the heart; potassium, good for kidneys; manganese that relaxes muscles and reduces headache pain.

Black beans are also rich in plant compounds called anthocyanins, responsible for their dark purple color similar to blueberries.

Anthocyanins improved brain function, heart health, and anti-aging.

Kidney Beans: 

Red Kidney beans are divided into light red kidney beans and dark red kidney beans. Both can help manage blood pressure levels, lower blood sugar, and control cholesterol.

Kidney beans are rich in dietary fiber; hence they make you feel full for longer and can help to reduce calorie intake, which is excellent for weight loss. 

Kidney beans also contain high amounts of protein, suitable for building lean muscle mass. What’s more, kidney beans have a shallow glycemic index (GI) rating, meaning they won’t cause a speedy spike in blood sugar levels after consumption.

It is high in fiber and protein. Excessive amounts may cause stomach problems like diarrhea, stomachache which may worsen your acid reflux.

Split Peas: 

Split peas are rich in dietary fiber and low in fat, making them a good choice for losing weight or managing a healthy lifestyle.

One cup of cooked split peas provides over half of the daily recommended fiber intake. Fiber is vital for digestive health and can help to regulate blood sugar levels. Split peas also contain high levels of plant-based protein, making them a good choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Pinto Beans: 

Pinto beans have a GI of 30, which means they are low-GI. They are high in dietary fiber and plant-based protein.

They may help to reduce cholesterol levels, which benefits heart health. The soluble fiber found in pinto beans can also help lower blood pressure by making you feel full for longer.

Bean Sprouts:

Bean sprouts are high in dietary fiber, which is important for digestion. It is also packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, Vitamin K & B-complex, enzymes that help build new cells.

Bean sprouts also contain protein that helps maintain muscle mass and facilitate weight loss. It is low in calories, which helps you lose weight.

Read More: Cabbage is a greeny vegetable but less acidc and ok for GERD.

Wrap up on beans and their nature

Beans are a nutritious and affordable source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, so it’s crucial to find ways to digest them properly if you have problems doing so. With a bit of planning, you can obtain all of the benefits that beans offer.

Cooked versions of the beans like green beans, soybeans are mostly preferable for acid reflux. If you are unsure about your digestion, start with a small amount and observe your body’s reaction.

I prefer beans with hummus to make my dish more alkaline, and I always try to avoid eating a large meal.