Is Baking Soda Edible? [Raw And Baked In Recipes]

Most households have baking soda in their kitchens because of its proven versatility. People use it mainly in baking and cooking. However, is the ingredient edible by itself? Is there a recommended dose if consumed? We have researched the issue at hand, and here is what we've found.

Sodium bicarbonate is safe when used in baking or cooking and simply acts as a leavening agent. It could be ingested raw in small amounts diluted in water for stomach acid, as a mouthwash, or for other purposes. Baking soda is a useful and versatile household item.

The article includes important aspects you must know about baking soda. Read on and find out more about its various uses.

Baking And Cooking With Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate is a base or alkali that creates a reaction when mixed with acids. Carbon dioxide is produced and creates chemical leavening that makes the dough or batter rise. Without baking soda, cakes, bread, and other pastries would fall flat.

It is also a thickening agent, resulting in softer and more tender bread, cakes, and other baked goods. It is more potent and reactive compared to baking powder, and a much smaller amount is required for recipes.

baking soda into the bowl with wooden spoon

Inasmuch as baking soda does not generally affect the taste of the food it is added to, using too much can create a metallic aftertaste. To remedy this, simply add something acidic, like lemon juice, to neutralize the soda.

In cooking, baking soda is used to create snappier shrimp, fast-browning fried food, and balanced acidity of certain canned products, to name a few. Briefly soaking meat in a solution of baking soda and water before cooking keeps it tender and moist when fried.

Baking Soda: Home Remedies And Health Benefits

Baking soda is an alkaline compound that effectively neutralizes acids in the human body. When taken in small quantities mixed with water, it acts as a buffering agent that balances the relative pH.

The pH, or potential of hydrogen, is a measure of how acidic or basic a compound is. It ranges from 0 to 14, where a designation of 7 is neutral and pH below it is acidic, and above, basic or alkaline.

What is the significance of pH relative to the human body? Generally, healthy food like cucumbers, spinach, olive oil, red cabbage, and most fruits and vegetables are alkaline or basic.

Whereas pork, cheese, wine, sodas, and even stress results in acidity, which can lead to illness if unchecked.

Check out Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda on Amazon.

Treat Heartburn/Indigestion

Eating a large meal, spicy and greasy food, carbonated or alcoholic drinks, smoking, and even stress and worry can produce excessive amounts of acid in the stomach.

The condition can be remedied by drinking a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of cold water. The solution has to be ingested slowly.

Enhances Endurance

During exercise, muscle cells produce lactic acid to provide energy while lowering the pH in the body, causing fatigue. Since baking soda is alkaline, the acid is neutralized, and endurance is enhanced. It is best to take 0.3 grams per kilogram of weight 1 to 2 hours before the physical activity.

To illustrate, a 132-pound individual could safely drink around 18 grams of baking soda dissolved in cold water.

Improve Kidney Function

Bicarbonate, which is an ingredient of baking soda is naturally produced by the kidneys to maintain optimal body pH levels. A regular intake of sodium bicarbonate supplements the organ's function by increasing the blood alkalinity.

However, some studies discourage using baking soda since its intake may adversely affect the kidneys. Before using it as a home remedy, it is best to consult your doctor, especially if you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

Mouthwash/Soothe Canker Sores

Acid inside your mouth causes canker sores. Baking soda is alkaline and will help neutralize acid as well as reduce inflammation. To use as a mouthwash, simply dissolve a teaspoon of the ingredient in half a cup of warm water and gurgle at least 2 to 3 times a day.

Relieve Itch/Sunburn

Since baking soda is alkaline, it helps balance the pH level in your skin. A warm bath treated with the ingredient will help soothe itch and inflammation. Add 1 to 2 cups of baking soda in lukewarm water and thoroughly soak the affected areas.

To treat specific burns and itches, create a baking soda paste, then gently apply the mixture to the inflamed area.

Teeth Whitener

Sodium bicarbonate is a common ingredient found in toothpaste that generally acts as a teeth whitener. It effectively removes stains and discolorations, even on sensitive teeth.

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water, then stir until it achieves a paste-like consistency. Use it as you would regular toothpaste, covering all surfaces of the teeth.

Check out Red Seal Baking Soda Toothpaste on Amazon.

Deodorant

Sweat is actually odorless by nature. However, when bacteria react with the substance, acid is produced. The byproduct of the chemical process results in the perceived scent of sweat.

You can directly pat or apply the baking soda onto your armpits to create a homemade deodorant. Note that the ingredient can be harsh on sensitive skin. If rashes appear, immediately discontinue the application.

Close-up of baking soda in a glass jar. Bicarbonate of soda - Is Baking Soda Edible [Raw And Baked In Recipes]

How Much Baking Soda Is Safe? (Recommended Dosages)

Close-up of baking soda in a glass jar. Bicarbonate of soda.

Although baking soda is conveniently available as a home remedy, the amount of intake should not exceed certain levels. Always follow the recommended dosage before intake.

Studies have shown that baking soda overdose can be poisonous. Excessive intake may cause vomiting and diarrhea, while prolonged use can affect the heart because of its sodium content.

Are There Any Household Uses For Baking Soda?

bicarbonate

Baking soda is known to have several household uses. Here are the following:

Odor Neutralizer

Most smells are naturally acidic. Baking soda is composed of elements that significantly neutralize the acidity of unpleasant odors. This is the reason why the ingredient is commonly sprinkled on the surfaces of garbage cans and kitty litters, placed inside the fridge, and used as a body deodorizer.

Air Freshener

Since baking soda neutralizes odor, it acts as a natural air freshener. In fact, you can make one in your own home. Dilute the ingredient with water and add essential oil to the mix. Afterward, pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Baking soda can be used as a tabletop freshener as well. All you need to do is to put a considerable amount inside a glass jar, along with a few drops of essential oil (optional).

Mix the ingredients, then place a cloth or paper towel to cover the opening before closing the lid. You can place the jar anywhere in your home. Once the scent starts to diminish, you can simply shake the container to activate the compound.

Whiten Laundry

Baking soda is a safer and better alternative to chemical-based whitening products available on the market. It is a natural ingredient effective in removing food stains, oil, and grime on your clothing while keeping your garments soft and fresh.

Fabrics can either be soaked in a large basin or placed in the washer as long as a considerable amount of baking soda is added to the mix.

Kitchen Cleaner Or Stain Remover

Countertops can easily be damaged by abrasive cleaning substances. It is safer to use baking soda on laminated and tiled kitchen tops. You can spread soda paste on the surface, and let the substance dry off before scrubbing with a soft pad or sponge. Rinse afterward.

Pot or cookware stains can easily be removed by rinsing the stained surface with hot water and then sprinkling it with the ingredient. Let the pan sit for at least an hour before rubbing it clean with a sponge.

Pesticide Remover

Selective focus on insect insecticide aerosol can fogger used to kill bed bugs, spiders, mites, flies, and fleas

A recent study had shown that soaking produce in a baking soda solution can remove certain types of pesticides, such as carbamate and organophosphates. These chemicals tend to break down when exposed to substances with high alkaline content.

Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 quart of water (0.946Liters), then soak the produce for at least 15 minutes. Note that the solution is only applicable to the aforementioned pesticides.

Once certain pesticides penetrate the skin or the plant’s root system, the reaction of the chemical effects cannot be eliminated.

Polish Silverware

To polish tarnished silverware, apply baking soda paste on the affected surface. To create the solution, mix a considerable amount of the ingredient with water until the substance achieves a paste-like consistency.

Dab a clean cloth onto the solution and rub it against the surface. Let the substance sit for a while – 30 seconds for lightly tarnished items and at least 10 minutes for heavily stained materials. Rinse afterward.

Small Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. can also be called a small extinguisher for indoor

Sodium bicarbonate present in baking soda is effective in putting out small fires. The high percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere tends to keep the flame ablaze. Applying baking soda onto the fire will increase oxygen and decrease CO2 in the immediate atmosphere. Without CO2 to burn, the flame will soon die out.

Weed Killer

Baking soda is often used in lawns and gardens as an effective weed killer.

To create the solution, simply add 1 ½ cups of the ingredient and a tablespoon of vinegar into a gallon of water. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle and use the substance as needed.

In Closing

Baking soda is an ingredient used primarily in baking and can be consumed raw as long as you follow recommended dosages. We hope the article helped you identify its various cooking, household uses, and health benefits.

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Does Baking Soda Make Crispy Chicken? [Yes! Here's How To Use It!]

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