Sodium bicarbonate: know its benefits and main uses

Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a combination of bicarbonate ions (HCO3) and sodium ions (Na+). It can be used in many ways, from the kitchen to the beauty routine. Check out the benefits of this component, how you can use it and find out if it has contraindications.

Sodium bicarbonate benefits

According to nutritionist Camille Cesário Reis (CRN 44408), sodium bicarbonate has the following benefits:

• It has a buffering action, being used as a supplement to improve the performance of professional and amateur athletes in high intensity modalities;
• It is neutralizing and therefore can help treat specific cases of heartburn, for example;
• It is bactericidal and can be used to sanitize fruits and vegetables;
• It has an abrasive action, helping to remove paints and rust;
• It can be used to make cooked dark green vegetables more vibrant in color;
• It is the basis of chemical leavening agents, making the cake dough rise lighter and fluffier.

There are several benefits, ranging from food to paint removal. To learn how to use baking soda in practice, be sure to read the next topics!

How to use baking soda in the kitchen

Learn about some uses of baking soda in the kitchen. These are simple tips that will make your food more appetizing and well sanitized. Check it out:

1. Make cuter cakes

The chemical yeast, the ingredient that makes the cake rise, has sodium bicarbonate in its composition. When in contact with heat, the bicarbonate releases gases that make the dough rise lighter and fluffier.

How to make it: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the cake batter before putting it in the oven. Attention: in most cases, it does not replace the use of chemical yeast.

2. Sanitize fruits and vegetables

As it has a bactericidal action, bicarbonate is useful in cleaning fruits and vegetables, eliminating possible pesticides and bacteria.

How to do it: dilute a tablespoon in a liter of water, let them soak for 15 minutes and then rinse them under running water.

3. Make your vegetables greener

Baking soda makes green vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, and greens, look brighter and more appetizing.

How to do it: just add a pinch at the time of cooking these foods.

4. Make the meat more tender

Baking soda softens the fibers of the beef, making the pieces more tender.

How to do it: when seasoning the meat, add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate and leave it to marinate together with other ingredients, such as garlic and vinegar.

5. Make more crunchy milanesas

This is a chef’s trick: in addition to making the frying more dry, the bicarbonate makes your milanesa crunchier.

How to make it: mix a teaspoon of baking soda with the breadcrumbs and use this mixture for breading. It can be used for the classic breaded steak, but also for tempura or fried snacks.

How to use baking soda for cleaning

In addition to the kitchen, baking soda is also a great ally in cleaning. Here’s how to use it:

6. Make your grouts shine

As it has a degreasing and bactericidal action, baking soda is a great product to clean tile grout.

How to make it: In a container, mix baking soda and water until it has a paste-like consistency. With the help of a brush, pass this mixture on the grout and then remove the dirt with a clean cloth. For a more potent solution, mix bicarbonate with hydrogen peroxide or lemon.

7. Get rid of mold

Mixing baking soda with vinegar causes a chemical reaction capable of degreasing surfaces and killing mold on sofas and pillows, for example.

How to: Add a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of vinegar to a bowl. Be careful as the chemical reaction causes this mixture to bubble. With the help of a sprayer, spread it in the places where you want to remove the mold. Let it act for 10 minutes and then dry it with a clean cloth.

8. Leave your pans sanded

Mixed with detergent, the bicarbonate removes even the stains that seem to be impregnated in the pan, such as grease or burnt.

How to do it: Mix a little dish soap with baking soda and wash your pans as usual, rubbing the stained parts. To maximize use, rinse with hot water.

9. Dirty sink, never again!

The same mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be used to unclog drains and make your sink cleaner.

How to do it: to unclog the sink drain, just throw in some baking soda and then some vinegar.

How to use baking soda in your beauty routine

Baking soda can be used on both hair and face. See the benefits of this product and how to add them to your beauty routine:

10. Fight dandruff and hair oil

As it is an alkaline compound, bicarbonate is a great ally against oiliness and dandruff.

How to do it: in a glass of warm water, add a teaspoon of bicarbonate and mix. Apply to wet hair, spreading over the scalp and strands. Rinse normally. To prevent dryness and split ends, use creams or a mixture of warm water and vinegar to seal the strands.

11. Make a powerful exfoliator

Baking soda acts on the skin promoting its exfoliation and even lightening punctual spots. Care must be taken with the product, as not all skin types react well to the component and it can change the pH of the dermis.

How to make it: mix the baking soda with a little water until it becomes a consistent paste. Apply to clean face, massaging gently. Rinse with water.

Other Uses of Baking Soda

And it’s not over yet! Bicarbonate has other uses as well. Check out:

12. Clean your jewelry

You know those gold and silver jewelry that oxidized and ended up getting darker? You can use baking soda to clean them.

How to make it: Make a consistent paste by mixing the bicarbonate with a little water. With a sponge or clean cloth, clean your jewelry. Rinse with water and wait for it to dry.

13. Get rid of the bad smell

Baking soda fights bad odor, whether it’s body odor or from shoes or cat litter boxes.

How to do it: the use is diverse, but spreading the product purely is enough to remove the bad odor. In cat boxes, for example, the tip is to sprinkle the bicarbonate at the bottom and throw the sand on top.

Can baking soda be bad for your health?

According to nutritionist Camille Cesário Reis, “if consumed in excess, bicarbonate can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and edema.” The specialist warns that “pregnant women, children under 6 years of age, hypertensive patients and kidney patients can only consume it with the prescription of a doctor or nutritionist.”

As the product has sodium in its composition and can have dangerous chemical reactions when in contact with other elements, it is always good to consult a professional before using it. And if you love multipurpose products, also check out the uses of rice vinegar.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.