Bicarbonate of soda could help our eyesight, scientists have revealed. Is there no end to this wonder powder’s uses?
It’s a crucial ingredient in many cakes and breads, helping them rise to perfection, so that alone gives it a great big thumbs up in my book.
But bicarbonate (as in ’of soda’) is actually more of a wonder product than meets the eye – researchers in America have even been looking into the way that it alters our vision and could prevent eye diseases.
Although it’s naturally in our bodies from the carbon dioxide we breathe out, we get some sodium bicarbonate through drinking fizzy drinks and eating baked goods which contain it.
The scientists at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School found that higher levels of bicarbonate in the eye could improve our ability to track moving objects. Intriguing stuff.
Here are some other incredible uses bicarb boasts…
TOOTHPASTE
To make your pearly whites extra sparkly, after putting your toothpaste on your brush, dip it into some bicarbonate of soda. One teaspoon in a small glass of water also works as a mouthwash to freshen breath.
BODY SCRUB
Who needs expensive beauty products, when a paste of three parts bicarb to one part water will work just as well to exfoliate skin? And it’s gentle enough to be used daily – with no added nasties.
HAIR TREATMENT
Another of the many beauty cupboard applications for this miracle worker, adding a small amount to your normal shampoo will help remove product build-up residue, and leave your scalp clean and hair more manageable.
CARPET FRESHNER
We all know that if you spill red wine on the carpet, you reach for the salt, right? Well, once you’ve soaked up the spills, sprinkle on some bicarb and leave for 15 minutes to neutralise smells too.
ENTERTAINING KIDS
From home-made bath bombs to exploding volcanoes and magic beans, bicarb is a must-have ingredient for plenty of fun at-home science experiments. Visit www.armandhammer.co.uk for recipes and ideas.
SOOTHE BITES
If you’re prone to getting bitten by mozzies in the summer, a paste of water and bicarbonate of soda can help to soothe itching – ahhh!
PUT OUT FIRES
When sodium bicarbonate gets hot, it gives off carbon dioxide which can help to smother flames, so with small kitchen fires in frying pans, throwing handfuls of it at the base of the flame reportedly helps put it out. Obviously, make sure you’re safe and call the fire brigade if necessary.
ALL ROUND CLEANER
Everything from ovens and microwaves, to floors and even silver can benefit from a good scrub with a mix of water and bicarb, as it cuts through grease and grime and removes smelly odours.