Every kitchen probably has baking soda in the fridge for baking purposes. Some people also use it to clean laundry or when they have stomach aches. Children might have also used it along with vinegar during school projects. But do you know there are many other surprising uses of baking powder
Excited? Keep scrolling to learn about this staple ingredient.
Baking Soda – What is it and how did it become an essential ingredient?
Call it bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate, or alkaline powder, baking powder is a white powder that is pervasive in nearly every kitchen. The powder is used for baking purposes as well as to cook other food items like cookies, muffins, cakes, bread, and much more to give it a fluffy and light texture. It possesses leavening properties, due to which it reacts to acids like lemon juice, vinegar, etc. and gives the dough a rise.
Thinking about what baking soda is made of? Well, baking powder is composed of sodium bicarbonate, and it is the only ingredient in baking powder. So, are baking soda and baking powder the same? Not. Baking powder can be a substitute for baking powder however, they are both different ingredients. Where to buy baking soda? Baking spowder is a common ingredient and is easily available in grocery shops and supermarkets.
What are the surprising benefits of using Baking Soda?
Everyone is certainly aware of the uses of baking soda in cooking. However, it is a multipurpose item with various uses, including cleaning, oral care, countertops, and much more. Let’s go through the list of benefits of Baking powder.
1. Baking soda benefits for teeth
To your surprise, there are many baking powder benefits for teeth as well as oral health. Baking powder proves to be an effective mouthwash as it reaches every corner of the mouth and crevices of the tongue, gums, and teeth after brushing. It refreshes the breath and helps with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to reduce oral bacteria levels.
Are you aware of the benefits of brushing teeth with baking powder? It is one of the best remedies for white teeth. It eliminates plaque on the teeth and gives them whiteness.
2. For relief from sunburns and itchy skin
Sunburns and itchy skin are something that is included in baking soda benefits for skin. People usually look for some hydrocortisone cream for treating bug bites. However, taking a bath with baking powder can help in relief from itching due to bee stings or bug bites quickly. It is also helpful in treating itchy sunburns.
3. Baking soda benefits for Hair
This might be surprising, but there are various baking soda benefits for hair. Baking powder helps reduce dandruff and scalp itchiness. It also absorbs additional oil from the hair or scalp in the form of a dry shampoo. The list of washing hair with baking powder benefits also includes adding shine and softness to the hair and eliminating the product buildup as well. Using backing powder for hair also revitalizes the follicles.
4. For a brighter and spot-free face
Baking powder is widely used to treat acne, as an exfoliator, and as a facial cleanser. However, it should be noted that not all healthcare professionals recommend using baking soda for face. Baking powder removes dark patches, acne, and other facial skin issues. It eliminates any itchiness on the skin and appeases skin rashes. To obtain baking soda benefits for the face, use baking powder as a facial mask or scrub and massage the paste on the skin with the fingertips.
5. To treat heartburn and indigestion
Acid reflux or heartburn, is a burning and painful sensation that occurs due to the intake of large and heavy meals, spicy food, greasy meals, or carbonated drinks. And baking powder can help in reducing this sensation. It neutralizes the acids in the stomach. To obtain the baking soda benefits for the stomach, all you need to do is dissolve around 1tsp of baking powder in cold water and drink it slowly.
6. Benefits of drinking baking soda
As mentioned above, drinking baking soda benefits include temporary relief from indigestion and heartburn. Apart from that, baking soda reduces inflammation for health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, heart issues, etc., improves muscle performance and endurance, increases hydration, reduces the progression of kidney diseases, and much more. You can also mix baking soda in coffee, as it also reduces the bitterness of coffee along with the above-mentioned benefits.
7. Reduces fungal infections in nail and skin
Baking powder possesses antifungal properties that can fight against various fungal strains on the skin and nails. Yes, soaking feet in baking soda benefits in obtaining relief from onychomycosis nail fungus that turns the nails crumbly, discolored, and thick. The same applies to hand nails as well. It aids in treating various fungal infections on the skin too.
8. Baking Powder as a Smart Kitchen Cleaner
The baking soda cleaning agent is quite versatile, and it is used to give the kitchen complete cleanness. When mixed with acids like vinegar and lemon, it controls the growth of dangerous bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. The combination is also used to clean stained coffee cups and marble, ovens, clogged drains, kitchen tiles, microwaves, tarnished silver, and countertops.
9. Baking soda and Lemon miracles
We all know that baking soda and lemon are a deadly combination when it comes to deep cleaning. But it certainly has other secret benefits too. The combination is used to improve digestion as it stabilizes the pH levels to reduce gas and acid reflux. Using it on the skin reduces facial wrinkles and scars for a brighter face. It also clears the pores and exfoliates the skin. People use this mixture to improve the strength of their immune system and as a detoxifier too.
Still thinking, what is baking soda used for? Baking powder is used as a deodorant, to neutralize fridge odor, as an air freshener in rooms, to clean white laundry, to remove stains from carpets, to remove pesticides from vegetables and fruits, to polish silverware, and much more.
What are the limitations of using baking soda?
Just as every ingredient has particular benefits and limitations, so does baking soda. Here is a quick view of some important points.
Can baking soda kill you?
Well, baking powder can be poisoning. No doubt, there are many benefits of using baking powder for various purposes, but there are certain drawbacks that need to be considered. No doubt, drinking baking powder helps with various benefits, but it can be poisoning as well. Drinking an excess amount of baking powder can lead to issues like dehydration, slow breathing, kidney failure, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Broken stomach
The list of baking soda side effects includes ruptured stomachs too. When baking powder is mixed with any other acid, a chemical reaction happens. And along with positive results are gas troubles.
Toxic for children
Baking soda or any medications that contain sodium bicarbonate should be avoided for children. If by mistake the child has swallowed it, look for overdose symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
Considering the side effects of baking soda, it also affects the absorption capacity of medications. The individual might observe various adverse effects depending on the medication they are consuming during the intake of baking soda.
Is baking soda safe to drink? If yes, how much?
Drinking baking soda water daily can be dangerous if taken in high quantities. Large quantity intake can lead to health issues like vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, gastric rupture, etc. depending on the quantity intake.
Thinking how much baking powder is safe to drink daily? Well, the adults, excluding the pregnant women, can take around a half teaspoon of baking powder with a minimum of half cup water when looking for some relief from temporary indigestion. Pregnant women should also consult the doctor before having baking soda, even in minor dosage, as they are on other medications to avoid any health issues. Again, it should also be noted that sodium bicarbonate shouldn’t be consumed for more than 2 weeks continuously. If any symptoms persist for a longer time than this, medical attention is necessary.
Is there any best time to drink baking soda?
Yes, baking soda should be consumed around 1 to 3 hours post-meals, at bedtime, or at any particular time recommended by the doctor.
If looking forward to consuming baking powder, it can be safe in a particular quantity. Replace baking powder with OTC indigestion products like TUMS to fight indigestion. This reduces the chances of overdosing.
Consuming baking soda can lead to serious heart issues as it contains sodium in high amounts. Hence, the risk of cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular diseases increases. People with heart issues should also avoid taking baking soda.
Conclusion
So, is baking powder good for you? Well, apart from baking, sodium bicarbonate is a versatile product used in the household for various health issues, cleaning, and other benefits. From removing pesticides from the house to freshening the refrigerator, reducing heartburn, cleaning, etc. baking soda has been a life savior for many out there. Hence, it can be said that using baking soda within limits and as prescribed by doctors can be safer and advisable.