Benefits of Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a wildcard of homemade solutions and its use brings several benefits. Check out!
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate or monosodium carbonate, is defined as a hydrated sodium carbonate mineral, with the elements hydrogen, oxygen, sodium and carbon. It has the formula NaHCO3 and is made from a white or clear mineral called natron. The baking soda that we find for sale is indicated as suitable for food use, it is used for the preparation of beauty and cleaning products, and it also has benefits when used for mild health problems, such as in the treatment of thrush and heartburn.
The industry uses salt as an additive in the preparation of packaged foods and it is also among the main components of pharmacy antacids. In foods, the presence of bicarbonate is identified on the packaging with the acronym E500.
The ancient Egyptians already knew the benefits of baking soda and used it as a soap for hygiene and cleaning purposes. Later, this and other peoples used it as a yeast for bread. However, like all products, you must be careful and use the bicarbonate in the right way and in the recommended doses, since incorrect use can be harmful.
Check below some of the main benefits and utilities of baking soda:
Health
One of the great health benefits of baking soda is that its use prevents excessive intake of drugs and chemicals. Discover some ways to use baking soda to alleviate minor health problems:
- Baking soda acts as a safe and effective antacid to relieve stomach heartburn or acid indigestion;
- Prevents and treats sore throat. Learn how to make the home remedy.
- Helps in oral hygiene, reducing stains on teeth, leaving them white and clean. Also, it can be a good remedy for people who suffer from tender gums and bad breath. Discover other ways to get rid of bad breath naturally;
- Decongests the nose;
- Relieves light burns, see recipe;
- Removes splinters, as one of the benefits of baking soda is to help thicken the skin and bring the splinter to the surface;
- Treats insect bites and itchy skin.
Read more about the health benefits of bicarbonate in the article: "Utilities of baking soda for health".
Beauty
- Replaces deodorant;
- Helps exfoliate the skin. Check out this and other benefits of bicarbonate in the article: "Know the uses of baking soda for beauty".
- Assists in pre and post shave;
- Cleans the hair and prevents dandruff, making an anti-residue shampoo. Check out this and other homemade recipes for shampoos and natural conditioners;
- Facilitates the removal of enamel and cuticle when applied to the nail;
- Among the benefits of bicarbonate for the skin is its application as an ingredient in beauty masks;
- Removes underarm stains;
- Smooths the skin after shaving with a razor;
- It works (mixed with other ingredients) as an anti-odor soap and hand softener.
Cleaning
- Leaves pots and dishes cleaner;
- Removes mold;
- Makes shirts whiter;
- Removes stains and odors from carpets and rugs - see how in "Learn how to do carpet cleaning with homemade products";
- Removes odors from the refrigerator or freezer;
- Unclog the sink pipe;
- One of the benefits of baking soda with lemon is that it serves as an air freshener.
- Check out two baking soda recipes that help clean and disinfect the kitchen sink and the kitchen as a whole;
- Cleans and removes odors from the meat board;
- Sanitizes containers;
- Removes burnt grease stains from the kitchen - Here's how to do this;
- Facilitates microwave cleaning;
- To clean combs, brushes and hair rollers;
- Eliminates some odors existing inside the house and in the trash;
- Facilitates surface cleaning - see "Make a homemade cleaning product with baking soda", here and in the video below, two recipes for how to make a natural and simple cleaning product:
Read more about the benefits of using baking soda in the article: "Do cleaning with baking soda".
food
- Used as yeast for bread dough, cakes and biscuits, as it is more efficient than conventional yeast;
- Removes pesticides from the salad;
- Makes the breaded chicken crispier;
- Prevents the proliferation of germs and bacteria in the refrigerator;
- Softens the meat;
- Eliminates fish smell;
- Reduces the effects of gases caused by beans;
- It helps to remove the egg shell more easily.
Other uses
- It can make some plants more beautiful.
We've made a list of over 80 possible ways to use baking soda. Check out: "How to use baking soda".
It is important not to overdose, especially when applying the bicarbonate to any part of your own body. Follow the instructions in the linked articles to enjoy the benefits of this wildcard of homemade solutions. But remember to purchase baking soda from a reliable manufacturer, as only then will you have the assurance that the product is natural and that it has not harmed the environment in its manufacturing process.
