Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, serves multiple purposes in cooking, health, and household uses:
In Cooking
- It acts as a leavening agent, meaning it reacts with acids (like vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk) to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough or batter to rise and creates a light, fluffy texture in baked goods such as bread, cakes, muffins, and cookies
- When heated, baking soda also decomposes to release carbon dioxide, helping baked goods expand even without an acid, though this can sometimes cause a bitter taste if no acid is present
Health Uses
- Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, providing quick relief from heartburn and indigestion by balancing the pH in the digestive system
- It helps whiten teeth and maintain oral health by neutralizing acids in the mouth and reducing bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath
- It can soothe skin irritations, reduce redness, and help with conditions like eczema by balancing skin pH and has deodorizing properties to combat body odor
- Baking soda may support kidney health by helping balance acid levels in the blood, which is important for people with kidney issues
Household Uses
- Baking soda deodorizes and freshens areas such as sofas, shoes, and toilets by absorbing odors
- It can be used as a mild cleaning agent due to its alkaline nature and ability to neutralize acids and odors
In summary, baking soda is a versatile substance primarily used for baking due to its leavening properties, but it also offers health benefits like acid neutralization and oral care, along with various practical household uses
