Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), is a white crystalline powder widely used in cooking and medicine.
Despite its simplicity and availability, sodium bicarbonate can have a significant impact on the human body, helping to maintain the acid-base balance and acting as a mild antiseptic.
In addition, baking soda is valued for its ability to enhance the absorption of nutrients, especially magnesium and calcium.
In terms of benefits, baking soda may contribute to improving athletic performance, as some studies have shown that it helps combat muscle fatigue by buffering lactic acid in the body.
Nutritional Value
Containing no calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrates, baking soda does not affect blood glucose levels, making it have a glycemic index of zero.
Uses of Baking Soda
Baking soda is widely used in cooking as a leavening agent in baking.
It reacts with acids in the batter, releasing carbon dioxide gas, which makes the baked goods light and airy.
Baking soda also helps speed up the cooking process of vegetables, preserving their color.
In folk medicine, baking soda is often used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, as it can neutralize stomach acid.
However, using baking soda to alleviate heartburn symptoms is not always the best treatment method. Baking soda may provide temporary relief, but frequent consumption can lead to various issues, such as increased production of stomach acid and electrolyte imbalance in the body.
On the other hand, apple cider vinegar may help some people with heartburn by improving digestion and restoring normal acidity levels in the stomach.
When stomach acidity is too low, which can be one of the causes of heartburn, consuming diluted apple cider vinegar raises the acid level and promotes better closure of the lower esophageal sphincter, helping prevent the backflow of acid into the esophagus.
In folk medicine, a baking soda solution is also used for gargling in cases of inflammatory throat conditions and stomatitis.
Potential Risks
Consuming large amounts of baking soda can lead to undesirable side effects such as gas formation, bloating, and even alkalosis.
It is also important to note that baking soda contains sodium, which can be problematic for people with high blood pressure.
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