What is Sodium bicarbonate ?

Description

Sodium bicarbonate commonly known as baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline, but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda. The natural mineral form is nahcolite. It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs. Sodium bicarbonate is the active ingredient in baking soda.

Sodium bicarbonate reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to treat heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Sodium bicarbonate is a very quick-acting antacid. It should be used only for temporary relief.

Application

1:Baking in food

Sodium bicarbonate is the active ingredient in baking soda.

In cooking, baking soda is primarily used in baking as a leavening agent. When it reacts with acid, carbon dioxide is released, which causes expansion of the batter and forms the characteristic texture and grain in pancakes, cakes, quick breads, soda bread, and other baked and fried foods. Acidic compounds that induce this reaction include phosphates, cream of tartar, lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, cocoa, and vinegar. Baking soda may be used together with sourdough, which is acidic, making a lighter product with a less acidic taste

Baking powder, also sold for cooking, contains around 30% of bicarbonate, and various acidic ingredients which are activated by the addition of water, without the need for additional acids in the cooking medium.Many forms of baking powder contain sodium bicarbonate combined with calcium acid phosphate, sodium aluminium phosphate, or cream of tartar.Baking soda is alkaline; the acid used in baking powder avoids a metallic taste when the chemical change during baking creates sodium carbonate.

2:Veterinary uses

Sodium bicarbonate is used as a cattle feed supplement, in particular as a buffering agent for the rumen.

3:In sports

Small amounts of sodium bicarbonate have been shown to be useful as a supplement for athletes in speed-based events, such as middle-distance running, lasting about 1–7 minutes.However, overdose is a serious risk because sodium bicarbonate is slightly toxic;and gastrointestinal irritation is of particular concern.Additionally, this practice causes an increase in dietary sodium.

4:Medical uses and health

Sodium bicarbonate mixed with water can be used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn. Its reaction with stomach acid produces salt, water, and carbon dioxide.

5:Cleaning agent

A:Whiten Your Teeth

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth.

Many studies have found that toothpaste containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than toothpaste without baking soda .

This is likely because baking soda has mild abrasive properties that let it break the bonds of molecules that stain the teeth. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help fight harmful bacteria.

B:Kitchen Cleaner

The versatility of baking soda makes it a great kitchen cleaner. Not only can it remove tough stains, it also helps eliminate foul odors.

To use baking soda in your kitchen, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the desired surface with a sponge or cloth and scrub thoroughly.

Here are a few things found in the kitchen you can clean with baking soda:

· Oven

· Stained coffee cups

· Stained marble

· Grease stains

· Kitchen tiles

· Clogged drains

· Tarnished silver

· Microwaves

C:Multipurpose Bathroom Cleaner

Like kitchens, bathrooms can be difficult to clean. They have a variety of surfaces that are frequently used and thus need to be cleaned often.

While a variety of commercial bathroom cleaners are available, many people prefer a more natural and cost-effective cleaning option. Baking soda comes in handy because it whitens and disinfects many bathroom surfaces.

Here are a few surfaces you can clean with baking soda:

· Bathroom tiles

· Toilets

· Showers

· Bathtubs

· Bathroom sinks

Make a paste using baking soda and a bit of water. Using a sponge or a cloth, rub the mixture thoroughly onto the surface you want to clean.

Wipe down the surface 15–20 minutes later with a damp cloth.

D:Clean Fruits and Veggies

Many people worry about pesticides on foods. Pesticides are used to prevent crops from damage by insects, germs, rodents and weeds.

Peeling fruit is the best way to remove pesticides. However, it also means you don’t get the important nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins and minerals, found in the skins of many fruits.

Interestingly, recent research has found that soaking fruits and veggies in a baking soda wash is the most effective way to remove pesticides without peeling them.

One study found that soaking fruit in a solution of baking soda and water for 12–15 minutes removed nearly all of the pesticides.

6:Pest control

Sodium bicarbonate can be an effective way of controlling fungal growth, and in the United States is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a biopesticide.