Can you eat baking soda?
In this article, we will answer the question ”can you eat baking soda?” We will also discuss the side effects of using too much baking soda and explain why baking soda is effective when mixed with salt
Can you eat baking soda?
Yes, you can eat baking soda. Many recipes incorporate baking soda as a leavening compound. Baking soda produces carbon dioxide gas with substances that are acidic such as lemon juice and yogurt. The combination of acidic ingredients and baking soda causes the batter to rise.
What is baking soda?
Baking soda is described as a powdery white substance made up of Sodium Bicarbonate which is the most important ingredient used for leavening baking products in baking powder.
A chemical reaction occurs when acidic substances such as Vinegar and citric juices are combined with baking soda, therefore, releasing carbon dioxide gas. This gas will form bubbles in the batter and will make the light of the baked good and fluffy.
Is baking soda good for you?
Yes, baking soda is a good part of a healthy diet. Baking soda provides relief from stomach upset, indigestion, and heartburn. Stomach upset caused by food poisoning and overeating can also be settled by eating baking soda.
Baking soda also provides dietary fiber that is important in preventing constipation and promoting regularity. Baking soda can also help to relieve gas and bloating. It works by neutralizing stomach acids and breaking down gas bubbles. This can help to provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms like belching and flatulence.
Baking soda can be used to kill bacterias and cleansing wounds due to its disinfectant property. It can also be used as a mouthwash to help freshen breath and remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
What makes baking soda different from Baking powder?
Baking soda is made from a compound called sodium bicarbonate which is a leavening agent.
Baking powder is also used in baking but is a combination of corn starch, tartar, and baking soda. Both are helpful in lightening the dough and increasing baked food’s volume. Therefore the main difference between the two is how they are made.
Why is baking soda more effective when mixed with salt?
One theory is that the combination of these two ingredients helps to produce a more evenly textured and consistent product. The salt also helps to control the rate at which the baking soda breaks down, which can prevent it from becoming too activated and causing the baked goods to collapse.
Moreover salt also helps to regulate the pH levels in baked goods, which can prevent them from becoming too acidic.
What happens when you eat too much baking soda?
Eating too much baking soda can cause abdominal pains with other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. These side effects are due to the fact that baking soda is a high sodium food and consuming too much can lead to these symptoms.
Too much baking soda can also cause headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
The body becomes too alkaline when you consume too much baking soda due to the alkaline property of baking soda. This can lead to problems with the nervous system and can cause the body to become confused and dizzy.
In serious cases too much baking soda can cause death or cause one to go into a coma. This is because baking soda can cause the body to become too alkaline and this can cause the body to shut down.
Read more on the proportions of baking soda used in food recipes here
Does Baking Soda help when it comes to losing weight?
Baking soda reacts with the stomach acids when it is mixed with water releasing carbon dioxide gas which causes expansion of the stomach hence making you feel full and reducing the feeling of hunger.
Baking soda is high in sodium, which can help to regulate water retention in the body and reduce bloating. When the body is bloated, it can appear larger and heavier than it actually is, so reducing bloating can lead to the illusion of weight loss.
Finally, baking soda is a mild laxative, so it can help to promote regular bowel movements and expel waste from the body, leading to weight loss.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question “can you eat baking soda?” We have also discussed the difference between baking soda and baking powder. Moreover, we have addressed the side effects of consuming too much baking soda.
Hope you find this blog useful, in case of any questions, please let us know
