Sukuma Wiki is Actually Not Acidic: Busting the Myth

When it comes to leafy greens, Sukuma Wiki (collard greens) is a kitchen staple in many Kenyan households. But there’s a common myth floating around that this nutrient-packed veggie is acidic. Let’s clear things up: Sukuma Wiki is actually alkaline with a pH range of 7-7.5; and has a bunch of benefits, especially if you’re dealing with ulcers.

Table of Contents

Debunking the Acidic Myth

Many people believe Sukuma Wiki is acidic because of its slightly bitter taste,(Including me initially). But here’s the thing: bitterness doesn’t mean acidity.

In fact, alkaline foods often taste bitter and soapy, while acidic foods tend to be sour. A great example of a sour, acidic food is maziwa mala.

Also Read: The Best Brands For Maziwa Mala/Lala in Kenya

So, don’t be misled. Sukuma Wiki, like other leafy greens, is alkaline-forming once digested. This helps balance your body’s pH level, promoting overall health. Infact most fruits and vegetables are alkaline and not acidic, so if you have been avoiding sukuma wiki “because it’s acidic”, then you might as well avoid all other fruits and vegetables.

Eating more alkaline-inducing foods (those whose metabolic products have alkaline effects, not necessarily foods with an alkaline pH) can combat inflammation, reduce cancer risk, and offer numerous other health benefits.

Alkaline Benefits

Eating alkaline foods like Sukuma Wiki can neutralize excess acidity in your body, which helps prevent inflammation and other health issues. So, by adding more of this green goodness to your diet, you’re doing your body a big favor.

Sukuma Wiki and Ulcers

If you’ve got ulcers, what you eat can make a big difference. Ulcers are often caused by too much stomach acid, and acidic foods can make them worse.

Since Sukuma Wiki is alkaline, it won’t add to your stomach acid problem, making it a smart choice for ulcer sufferers.

Plus, Sukuma Wiki is packed with vitamins and minerals that help with healing and overall digestive health. It’s loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and fiber, which all help reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and improve gut health.

Nutrient Powerhouse

Sukuma Wiki’s nutritional profile is pretty impressive. Here’s a quick look at what it offers:

Vitamin A: Great for your vision, immune function, and skin.
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that protects your cells, boosts your immune system, and helps you absorb iron.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth, and muscle function.
Fiber: Good for your digestion, helps maintain a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of heart disease.

While Sukuma Wiki is somewhat high in oxalates, it still provides a good amount of calcium and loads of other essential vitamins. Oxalates can bind to calcium and reduce its absorption, but the other vitamins and minerals in Sukuma Wiki help balance things out.

Easy Ways to Add Sukuma Wiki to Your Diet

With all these benefits, it’s a no-brainer to include Sukuma Wiki in your meals. Here are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:

Sautéed Sukuma Wiki: Sauté with onions, garlic, and a splash of oil for a simple, flavorful side dish.
Sukuma Wiki Stew: Cook it with tomatoes, onions, and your favorite protein for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Green Smoothies: Blend Sukuma Wiki with fruits like bananas and apples for a refreshing and nutrient-packed smoothie.
Salads: Chop raw Sukuma Wiki and mix it with other fresh veggies, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a crunchy, healthy salad.

Thoughts?

Sukuma Wiki is not only a nutritional powerhouse but also an excellent alkaline food that can benefit those with ulcers. Debunking the myth that it’s acidic helps us appreciate the true value of this versatile green.

So, next time you’re planning your meals, be sure to include some Sukuma Wiki for its alkaline benefits and overall health perks. Your body will thank you!

In fact, what’s actually acidic and should be avoided if you have ulcers are tomatoes! Yes, they are highly acidic, and the reason you might think Sukuma Wiki is causing issues is likely due to the tomatoes you cook with it.

For this reason, you should check out this Sukuma Wiki recipe that uses just onions and no tomatoes. Give it a try if your Sukuma Wiki with tomatoes has been upsetting your stomach.

Read: Basic Sukuma Wiki Recipe, No Tomatoes