Regardless of whether you’re a pastry chef or not, we all have a bag of baking soda at home. But we have constantly asked ourselves the question, is baking soda edible? Because even though it is a fundamental part of many dessert recipes, we do not know what uses it has. If you have been storing a packet of baking soda for months, today, we will tell you about its various applications.
It should be noted that sodium bicarbonate is an effective acid for many reactions. Both in the kitchen, cleaning, and health. However, not many are aware of its properties or characteristics. Limiting its use to just cleaning or cooking. Stick around to learn how to get the most out of your baking soda!
What is baking soda?
This product is a fundamental alkaline in most homes. This acid reacts in different ways depending on the use you give it.
When used in baking, it acts as a chemical fermenter to create carbon dioxide when it meets another acid. This reaction is responsible for the air bubbles that allow your recipe to rise and get a light and fluffy texture.
On the other hand, when you use it as a disinfectant, it reacts by killing almost 100% of the bacteria and microbes on a surface. It fulfills the same function when diluted in water to wash recently purchased food or disinfect wounds.
Since its discovery millions of years ago, thanks to the evaporation of the world’s salt lakes, it has been used in many things. Especially since it is pure sodium bicarbonate, without any other type of chemical addition. The ancient settlers knew the value of this ingredient, which is why it continues to be very popular today.
What benefits does baking soda bring to your health?
Indeed you have saved a packet of baking soda for months without knowing that you could use it for many things. It is a star ingredient that will quickly improve your health and cure any condition.
Relieves heartburn
This is one of the most common uses of baking soda. Thanks to its alkaline properties, it controls the pH and reduces stomach acidity after meals. It is ideal for relieving swelling, pain, and abdominal distension.
Prevents and controls nausea
If you feel nauseous and prefer to take a more realistic option, you just have to dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water. When taken by sips, it soothes abdominal distension and reduces nausea.
Great for teeth whitening
Being an acid, it removes dental plaque little by little. Also, it works as an instant teeth whitener. However, we recommend caution when using it in this way. Limit its use to once a week, as excess acid can wear down teeth.
Eliminates skin fungi and bacteria
Sodium bicarbonate has excellent antifungal and bactericidal properties. Applying the powder directly on the fungus dries it out and disinfects the area thoroughly. In addition, it prevents humidity and delays the appearance of other fungi.
Exfoliating and whitening
As with dental plaque, when combined with essential oil or cream, it works as a body scrub. This helps control acne breakouts, eliminate fungus blackheads, and whitens the skin. However, we also recommend caution because its constant use can cause dry skin.
How to use edible baking soda?
If you are still wondering if is baking soda edible, we bring you the best ways in which you can consume it without problems. Remember that it is a natural ingredient with multiple benefits but must be handled with caution.
Orally
This is the most used way, especially when you know that baking soda is edible and will calm your stomach pain or discomfort. You can consume the powder after dissolving it in a glass of water and drink it little by little throughout the day. But you can also buy baking soda in tablets after purchasing it directly from a pharmacy. Both options will be effective.
Body creams
For topical body use and household cleaning, the best option will always be cream. It is ideal for removing stains, controlling acne, eliminating fungus, and disinfecting surfaces. You just have to add a tablespoon of baking soda to your body cream or add it to a mixture that you will use to clean your home.
What happens if I drink too much baking soda?
Although this miraculous ingredient is very beneficial for your health, everything in excess is wrong. So if you want to implement it in your day-to-day life, you must be careful with how you use it.
The most common conditions that arise after an excess of bicarbonate, are weakness in the stomach walls and in the most serious cases, the development of ulcers. However, you would need to be eating four tablespoons a day for a month for this to happen.