Are bananas acidic or alkaline. How do bananas affect stomach acid. Which fruits are safe for people with acid reflux. What is the pH level of different banana types. How does the acidity of bananas change as they ripen.

The pH Scale and Acidity of Bananas

Understanding the acidity of bananas requires a basic knowledge of the pH scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 neutral, and 14 the most alkaline. Where do bananas fall on this spectrum?

The pH of bananas typically ranges from 4.50 to 7.6, depending on the variety and ripeness. Generally, store-bought bananas have a pH between 4.50 and 5.20, making them slightly acidic. However, some varieties, like burro bananas, have a pH of 7.6, placing them in the alkaline category.

How Ripeness Affects Banana pH

The acidity of bananas changes as they ripen. Green bananas tend to be more acidic, with a pH range of 4.4 to 5.5. As bananas mature, their pH shifts towards a more alkaline value. This explains why ripe yellow bananas taste sweeter and have a milder flavor compared to their green counterparts.

• Green bananas: pH 4.4 – 5.5 (more acidic)
• Ripe yellow bananas: pH 4.50 – 5.20 (slightly acidic)
• Burro bananas: pH 7.6 (alkaline)

Bananas and Stomach Acid: A Beneficial Relationship

For individuals suffering from gastric acid reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn, the relationship between bananas and stomach acid is of particular interest. Can bananas help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux?

Despite their slightly acidic pH, bananas are generally considered safe for people with acid reflux. Their alkaline properties help balance stomach acid, potentially preventing symptoms of GERD. Moreover, bananas contain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against stomach acid.

Why Bananas May Help with Acid Reflux

1. Alkaline properties balance stomach acid
2. Contain natural antacids
3. High fiber content aids digestion
4. Low acidity compared to many other fruits

Safe Fruits for Stomach Acid: Beyond Bananas

While bananas are a great option for those with acid reflux, they’re not the only fruit that can help manage symptoms. Several other fruits are considered safe and potentially beneficial for individuals with GERD.

Melon: A Cool Choice for Acid Reflux

Like bananas, melons have alkaline properties that can help neutralize stomach acid. Various types of melons, including honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon, are safe choices for people with acid reflux. Their high water content and low acidity make them soothing options for sensitive stomachs.

Apples: An Alkaline Powerhouse

Apples contain alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Their fiber content also aids digestion, potentially reducing the likelihood of acid reflux occurrences.

Pears: Low Acid, High Comfort

Pears are another safe fruit for those with stomach acid issues. Their low acid content compared to citrus fruits makes them less likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, pears are rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion.

Coconut: Hydration and Low Acidity

Coconut is considered one of the fruits with the lowest acid content, making it a safe choice for individuals with GERD. Its high water content can help with hydration, which is beneficial for overall digestive health. Some studies even suggest that coconut water may have natural antacid effects.

Fruits to Avoid with Acid Reflux

While some fruits can help manage acid reflux symptoms, others may exacerbate the condition. It’s important for individuals with GERD to be aware of which fruits might trigger their symptoms.

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits)
• Pineapple
• Tomatoes (technically a fruit)

These fruits are highly acidic and can potentially increase stomach acid production or irritate the esophagus, leading to discomfort for those with acid reflux.

The Impact of Fruit Juices on Stomach Acid

When it comes to managing acid reflux, it’s not just whole fruits that matter. Fruit juices can also play a significant role in either alleviating or exacerbating symptoms.

Juices to Avoid

Certain fruit juices are known to potentially worsen acid reflux symptoms:

• Tomato juice
• Orange juice
• Other citrus juices (grapefruit, lemon, lime)

These juices are highly acidic and can increase stomach acid production, potentially leading to reflux symptoms.

Safer Juice Options

On the other hand, some juices may be better tolerated by those with acid reflux:

• Banana smoothies
• Melon juice
• Aloe vera juice

These options are less acidic and may even help soothe the digestive system.

Beyond Fruits: Other Dietary Considerations for GERD

While understanding which fruits are safe for acid reflux is important, managing GERD often requires a more comprehensive dietary approach. Several other foods and ingredients can impact stomach acid levels and reflux symptoms.

Foods to Approach with Caution

• Garlic and onions
• Spicy foods
• Fatty or fried foods
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

These foods may trigger acid reflux in some individuals. However, reactions can vary, so it’s essential to pay attention to your body’s responses to different foods.

Beneficial Foods for GERD Management

• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Non-citrus fruits
• Vegetables (except tomatoes and onions)
• Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil)

These foods are generally well-tolerated and may help manage acid reflux symptoms when incorporated into a balanced diet.

The Science Behind Banana’s Effect on Stomach Acid

To understand why bananas can be beneficial for individuals with acid reflux, it’s important to delve into the science behind their interaction with stomach acid.

Pectin: Nature’s Gel

Bananas are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber. When pectin enters the digestive system, it forms a gel-like substance that can coat the stomach lining. This coating may help protect the stomach from excess acid, potentially reducing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Protease Inhibitors

Bananas contain natural protease inhibitors. These compounds can help reduce the production of stomach acid, which may be particularly beneficial for individuals prone to excess acid production.

Antacid Properties

The alkaline minerals in bananas, such as potassium, can act as natural antacids. These minerals may help neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Incorporating Bananas into an Acid Reflux-Friendly Diet

Given their potential benefits for individuals with GERD, incorporating bananas into your diet can be a smart move. Here are some ways to enjoy bananas while managing acid reflux:

Banana Breakfast Ideas

• Sliced banana on whole-grain toast
• Banana and oatmeal smoothie
• Banana pancakes made with whole-grain flour

Banana Snack Options

• Plain banana as a quick, easy snack
• Frozen banana “ice cream”
• Banana chips (baked, not fried)

Incorporating Bananas into Meals

• Add sliced bananas to your morning cereal
• Use mashed banana as a natural sweetener in baking
• Include bananas in fruit salads with other GERD-friendly fruits

Remember, while bananas can be beneficial, they should be part of a balanced diet. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially if you have severe or chronic GERD symptoms.

Understanding GERD and Its Relationship with Diet

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing discomfort and other symptoms. But how does diet, particularly the consumption of fruits like bananas, play into this condition?

The Mechanics of GERD

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, becomes weakened or relaxes inappropriately. This allows stomach contents to flow back (reflux) into the esophagus.

How Diet Affects GERD

Certain foods can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms by:

• Increasing stomach acid production
• Relaxing the LES
• Irritating an already inflamed esophagus

This is why dietary management is often a key part of GERD treatment. Foods like bananas, which are less likely to trigger these effects, can be valuable additions to a GERD-friendly diet.

The Role of pH in Digestive Health

The pH level of foods can significantly impact digestive health, especially for those with conditions like GERD. But why does pH matter so much in digestion?

Stomach pH and Digestion

The stomach typically maintains a highly acidic environment, with a pH between 1.5 and 3.5. This acidity is crucial for breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria. However, in individuals with GERD, this acid can cause problems when it refluxes into the esophagus.

Food pH and Its Impact

Foods with a lower (more acidic) pH can potentially:

• Increase stomach acid production
• Irritate the esophagus if reflux occurs
• Worsen GERD symptoms

On the other hand, foods with a higher (more alkaline) pH, like ripe bananas, may help neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from GERD symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes to Complement Dietary Management of GERD

While dietary changes, such as incorporating bananas and other GERD-friendly fruits, can be beneficial, managing acid reflux often requires a multifaceted approach. Lifestyle modifications can play a crucial role in reducing GERD symptoms.

Eating Habits

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid eating close to bedtime
• Chew food thoroughly

Posture and Activity

• Stay upright for at least three hours after meals
• Elevate the head of your bed
• Engage in moderate, regular exercise

Stress Management

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Get adequate sleep
• Consider stress-reduction activities like yoga or tai chi

By combining these lifestyle changes with a GERD-friendly diet that includes foods like bananas, many individuals find significant relief from their acid reflux symptoms.

The Importance of Individualized Approaches to GERD Management

While general guidelines about GERD-friendly foods like bananas can be helpful, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently to various foods and dietary changes. What works well for one person with GERD might not be as effective for another.

Keeping a Food Diary

One effective way to identify your specific triggers and safe foods is to keep a detailed food diary. Record what you eat, when you eat it, and any symptoms you experience. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and develop a personalized diet plan.

Working with Healthcare Professionals

Managing GERD often requires collaboration with healthcare professionals. This may include:

• Gastroenterologists for medical management
• Registered dietitians for personalized dietary advice
• Primary care physicians for overall health management

These professionals can help you develop a comprehensive plan that may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and, if necessary, medication.

The Future of GERD Research and Management

As our understanding of GERD and its relationship with diet continues to evolve, new research is constantly emerging. This ongoing research may lead to more targeted dietary recommendations and treatment strategies in the future.

Emerging Areas of Research

• The role of the microbiome in GERD
• Genetic factors influencing GERD susceptibility
• Novel treatments targeting the lower esophageal sphincter

While current management strategies, including the incorporation of GERD-friendly foods like bananas, can be effective for many individuals, future advancements may offer even more precise and personalized approaches to managing this common condition.

In conclusion, understanding the relationship between foods like bananas and stomach acid can be a valuable tool in managing GERD symptoms. However, it’s important to approach GERD management holistically, considering diet, lifestyle, and individual factors. By working with healthcare professionals and staying informed about the latest research, individuals with GERD can develop effective strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Hermina Hospitals | Five fruits you can eat to reduce gastric acid

• Posted On:  22 August 2022
• Posted By:  Hermina Padang
• 3 min read
• Reviewed By:  Prof.Dr.dr.Nasrul Zubir,Sp.PD, KGEH

Five fruits you can eat to reduce gastric acid

Hello, Hermina’s friends. Have you ever experienced stomach acid? Of course, stomach acid pain really makes Hermina’s friend uncomfortable during activities when experiencing stomach acid.

Surely Hermina’s friend is wondering if there are fruits that can prevent stomach acid. Of course, there is Hermina’s friend. Let’s read the article below to find out what fruits can prevent stomach acid.

Patients with gastric acid reflux disease, or GERD, need to be careful when eating fruit. Because there are a number of fruits that are high in acid and have the potential to make stomach acid recur. So, what are the fruits for stomach acid that are safe to eat?

From bananas to coconuts, here are a variety of fruits that are great for acid reflux.

1. Banana

Bananas are one of the delicious fruits for stomach acid.

banana, a yellow fruit that tastes delicious.

Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties.

In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.

2. Melon

Just like bananas, the benefits of melon for stomach acid come from its alkaline nature.

According to reports from Johns Hopkins Medicine, this sweet-tasting fruit is believed to relieve stomach acid and prevent irritation due to gastric acid reflux.

There are various types of melons that are safe for people with stomach acid reflux to consume, including honeydew melon, cantaloupe (cantaloupe), and watermelon (watermelon).

3. Apple

Apples for stomach acid are believed to be safe because they contain alkaline minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are claimed to relieve stomach acid reflux symptoms.

4. Pears

Because it does not contain as much acid as citrus fruits and tomatoes, you can eat pears for stomach acid.

Thanks to this low acid content, pears are considered not to trigger the recurrence of stomach acid reflux symptoms.

5. Coconut

Coconut can be a safe choice for people with stomach acid because it is considered one of the fruits with the lowest acid content.

What’s more, this fruit that contains a lot of water is believed to improve brain function, potentially prevent heart disease, and reduce the risk of stroke.

Stomach acid is a taboo fruit that needs to be avoided.

There are a number of stomach acid taboos that need to be avoided.

1. Orange
2. Lime
3. Grapefruit
4. Lemon
5. Pineapple
6. Tomatoes.

Furthermore, there are a number of fruit juices for people with stomach acid that should not be consumed first, such as tomato juice and orange juice, because they are considered to cause stomach acid to rise.

Processed tomatoes in the form of sauce or foods with tomato sauce, such as pizza and lasagna, should also be avoided because they have the potential to cause stomach acid to rise.

Some people with GERD also find it difficult to tolerate garlic and onions, as well as foods processed with these ingredients.

Hermina’s friend, after reading the article above, knows that there are fruits that can prevent stomach acid. With us, we have done prevention against gastric acid disease. We can avoid chronic gastric acid disease.

Are Bananas Acidic? pH Values & Acid Reflux Effect

Banana — acidic or alkaline? Well, it depends.

The ones bought from the store often have a pH of 4.50 – 5.20, which is slightly acidic. The pH of burro bananas, on the other hand, is 7.6, making them alkaline.

The green variety is considered to be more acidic than the mature variety, as bananas tend to shift towards a more alkaline pH value as they age. Their acidity also changes during cooking.

There are lots of things to cover — or peel off. So let’s get started.

Bananas

pH Values of Bananas

Ripe bananas hover between acidic and alkaline, with a pH ranging up to 4.50 – 7.6, depending on the type.

A pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a compound (like a banana) is. It’s a chemical detector for hydronium and hydrogen ions, with numbers ranging from 0 to 14. The potency of acids varies from 0 to 7, with 0 being the most powerful.

Blueberries, for example, are acidic because their pH is quite low, around 3.33. A base or an alkaline compound is anything between 7 and 14. A compound that has a pH of 7 is considered neutral, like popcorn.

However, the degree of acidity of bananas, in particular, fluctuates as they mature. When they are green, their acidity is more potent, with a pH range of 4.4 to 5.5. This explains why mature yellow ones are sweeter and more mellow in flavor, whereas green ones have a more sour flavor.

pH Values of Different Banana Types

There are more than a thousand varieties of this tropical fruit with different levels of acidity. Even though it’s impossible to know the pH value of all types, looking at the most common ones may help.

The kind that’s most frequently available in supermarkets is the Cavendish type, with a pH of about 5.5, which is somewhat acidic. Apple bananas have a pH of 5.8, which is also quite acidic. The pH of red ones is higher, hovering at 6.2, while the pH of plantains is even higher, at 6.5.

Burro and baby bananas are the top performers in terms of low acidity. They have exceptional pH ratings. Burros have a pH of 7.6, whereas the latter rank at 7.3.

Do Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

No, they don’t. In fact, they may be very helpful in preventing acid reflux. Let’s see how.

Acid reflux is a digestive condition. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to completely close, stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. The symptoms include a burning feeling in the upper abdomen or chest, followed by bloating and nausea.

Acid Reflux

So, how can these sweet yellow fruits help with the burning sensation? This fruit’s high potassium content is thought to assist digestion and prevent acids from entering the esophagus. Additionally, its soluble and insoluble fiber increases metabolism. They also contain vitamin B, which supports esophageal strength.

Overall, they help to preserve the stomach lining by encouraging the production of mucus, which acts as a buffer against stomach acids. Furthermore, the protease inhibitors found in these fruits kill certain dangerous bacteria in the stomach. All of these qualities allow them to be used as a natural antacid to treat acid reflux.

Can Overripe Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

Ripe fruits can be quite acidic since overripe enzymes convert complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, enhancing their acidity. A ripe banana has a pH of about 5.8, making it moderately acidic.

Luckily, they aren’t a threat to your heartburn if eaten in small amounts, as opposed to other acidic foods, like lemons (pH up to 2.6).

Still, it’s better to stay away from overripe ones if you are concerned about acid reflux.

Can Cooked Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

It depends on the way you cook it. They are most alkaline when eaten raw. However, digesting raw bananas can be tough, and you may feel bloated and gassy. If you need to cook them,  boiling is the best method. Boiling breaks down the starch, thus making them easier to digest.

Avoid frying them since fried foods have the worst impact on your acidity levels.

Which Banana Is the Best for Acid Reflux?

For starters, avoid unripe or overripe ones. Green bananas, in particular, are known to cause bloating and gas that may eventually lead to acid reflux.

Instead, eat them ripe — and if they belong to the burro variety, even better. Burros are rich in potassium, an essential electrolyte for preserving the pH balance of the body.

They also contain low quantities of sodium, another important electrolyte. This combo helps body pH remain alkaline, preventing acidity. Burros also contain a lot of dietary fiber, which helps the body remove toxins.

You can try to relieve your acid reflux symptoms with them but avoid excessive consumption as they can also cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, due to the high content of insoluble fiber.

Conclusion

Now that you know these fruits are alkaline, you may find them more appealing. But remember that they’re not all equally alkaline. Play it safe, and grab a bite of baby (pH of 7.3) or burro bananas (pH 7.6). Remember that green ones are more acidic than ripe ones.

Cooking them increases their acidity, but boiling can help with digestion problems. Avoid eating fried ones as they will most likely give you heartburn.

Last but not least, eat them in moderation rather than in excess. They are an exceptional ingredient for smoothies and may help balance out the pH levels of other acidic fruits, like strawberries.

11 unusual ways to use bananas

Life

January 29

Skin care, gardening, cleaning – and that’s not all of their areas of application.

1. Make a face mask

A good alternative to store-bought products that moisturizes and softens the skin. Mash a ripe banana to make a paste and apply a thin layer on the face and neck. Hold the mask for 10-20 minutes and then rinse with cool water. For even more hydration, mix a banana with a quarter cup of unsweetened yogurt and two tablespoons of honey.

2. Polish silverware and leather shoes

Sounds like a joke, but banana skin really does help bring back the shine to silver and leather. Remove excess fibers from the inside of the peel and rub it on the surface of dishes or shoes. Then dry with a paper towel or soft cloth. The hack can also be used to bring back the shine of leather furniture.

3. Tenderize the meat

Simply add a ripe banana peel to the pan with this product and cook as usual. The enzymes contained in it will help break down the proteins in the meat and soften it during frying. The taste of the dish will not change.

4. Refresh indoor plants

If the leaves of house flowers are dull and dusty, do not rush to spray them with water: this will only smear dirt on them. Instead, rub each leaf with the inside of a banana peel and they will shine.

5. Drive away aphids in the garden

Bury dried banana peels 2 to 5 centimeters deep around the plant that the aphids have attacked and the pests will soon disappear. It is better not to use the whole peel and pulp: rodents and other animals can find them a tasty treat and dig them up.

6. Feed your crops

Bananas and their husks are high in potassium, an important nutrient that is good for you and your garden. Feeding can be done in two ways. First: dry the peel, grind in a blender and add to the ground when planting – just pour a pinch into the hole before lowering the plant into it. The second way is to puree fresh skins with water and use as a liquid fertilizer.

7. Soothe skin from burns and scratches

Banana peel has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it will be useful if you are bitten by an insect or if you are scratched, stinged with nettles or sunburned. Place the skin on the affected area and press lightly. Hold until you feel relief, changing the compress from time to time.

8. Speed ​​up the ripening of fruits and vegetables

Ripe bananas produce ethylene gas, which induces ripening. Therefore, if you need a vegetable to ripen faster, put it in a paper bag along with a banana.

9. Brighten your teeth

After brushing your teeth, rub them for a couple of minutes with a banana peel. It contains citric acid, which gently whitens the enamel.

10. Remove the splinter

Apply a banana skin to the affected area for half an hour with its inner surface. The enzymes contained in it will destroy the bonds between the proteins of the upper layer of the skin (which is why the substances are used in facial exfoliating products), after which even deeply stuck splinters will be removed without problems.

11. Relieve Heartburn

Bananas are alkaline, and the alkali neutralizes stomach acid. If you suffer from heartburn, be sure to add these fruits to your daily diet. For example, eat a banana after breakfast to protect your stomach lining throughout the day.

Read also 🧐

• How to use citrus peel
• 8 ways to use ground coffee after brewing
• 20 unusual ways to use olive oil

Non-traditional soap making: making banana soap

I propose to spend a couple of bananas, a little courage, a little imagination and time to make incredibly tasty and delicate soap from scratch.
The master class is quite detailed, designed for those who have just started their soap-making journey and want to diversify their creativity with fruit variations. I’ll answer any questions you may have right away.

1. Will bananas go bad? But they won’t make it in time, because they will boil in alkali with oils. Chemical reactions will take place, and the bananas will be saponified, that is, they will become full-fledged parts of the soap bar. For the sake of the experiment, I left organic soap for a long shelf life. It behaves the same, and sometimes a little better, than the usual, cooked without additives. The scent lasts better and doesn’t dry out as quickly. No mold or other damage was observed.
2. You have a big step, the calculation is wrong, and it’s unprofessional to do so! My soap is gentle, the skin does not dry out, friends and customers are satisfied. I propose an idea that I have been implementing for a year now (it’s been a year that I’ve been brewing such banana soap, and I don’t have it stale).
Those who don’t experiment don’t make soap either 🙂

First, let’s prepare a theoretical base. We will select the components for our magic soap.
Objective: to make a soap that is hard, long rinsing, lathers well and won’t dry out the skin.
Solution: we select oils: olive, coconut, palm, castor, stearic acid.
Olive oil – classics of the genre, gives the soap a little hardness, soft foam, washing properties, is used in almost any soap. There is a soap made from 100% olive oil – Castile.
Coconut – this oil is responsible for foaming, hardness, gives the soap the main washing properties. If you put a lot, this soap will dry the skin. There is soap made from coconut oil – Marseilles, sailors’ soap. It lathers even in salt water.
Palm oil – in my opinion, this is one of the best oils for soap making. It gives the piece smoothness, hardness, slightly softens the drying effect, lengthens the period of use.
Castor oil – softens well, while increasing foaming. The disadvantage is a high iodine number, that is, it contributes to rancidity of soap.
Stearic acid is a fatty acid widely used in soap making and cosmetics. Accelerates the onset of trace and gel, accelerates the hardening of soap, lengthens the rinsing period. Not recommended for glycerin.
We make a bookmark in grams on a soap calculator and calculate the recipe and other components.

I calculate the basic recipe for 800 grams of oils. This amount is enough to weld a brick of more than a kilogram into a standard form or into a milk carton + a couple of molds.
SF (overfat or maintenance part) I always put 0% and put it on top depending on the needs. Today, for the purity of the experiment, SF will be from bananas.
On the right you can see the preliminary properties of the future soap. As you can see, it fits well with our reference version. The iodine number let us down a little, but from practice I can say that up to 55, you don’t have to worry.
The calculator calculated the amount of water and sodium hydroxide for us.
So:

• castor oil – 100 grams;
• coconut oil – 200 grams;
• olive oil (pomas) – this is what with pomace, not the first pressing – 250 grams;
• palm oil – 200 grams;
• stearic acid – 50 grams;
• water (liquid) – 304 grams;
• sodium hydroxide – 118.8 grams.

Now let’s prepare the equipment.
We will need scales, a saucepan for a bath, a container for cooking heat-resistant soap, dishes for diluting alkali, a magic wand for stirring soap during the cooking process, an immersion blender (do not use for eating), gloves, old clothes, an apron, glasses (if necessary for eye protection), thermometer, who enjoy, good mood.
I will not dwell on the security measures and rules, without me they are written in every master class.
Let’s start the practical magic!
1. We take two ripe or very ripe magic bananas with peel and weigh them.

Since their weight exceeds the weight of the required liquid, this will suit us just fine.
Next, we cut our bananas with skin and pulp, excluding only the tough tips and roots.

Now measure out 204 grams of sliced ​​bananas. This will be a partial fluid change. That is, our soap is directly called banana, we start it on bananas 🙂

2. Now let our bananas rest a bit while we prepare the water to dissolve the alkali. We measure out 100 grams of water in a heat-resistant dish.

3. Now measure out 118.8 grams of sodium hydroxide. Since my step is grams, then I measure 119 .

4. Pour alkali into water , and not vice versa!

5. Alkali solution is very corrosive and hot. We work carefully. We stir the lye in the water with our magic wand. When all the grains disperse, we pour our bananas into this terrible solution.

They immediately begin to turn red, and then turn black. In order not to breathe alkaline fumes, I take the whole thing out onto the balcony. And the solution will cool faster.
6. We measure out the oils.

We put them in the bath and melt them. In the meantime, let’s check our bananas and stir.

When the oil mixture dissolves to a liquid state, combine the alkaline solution with the oil. With the hot method of soap making, it is not necessary to bring the oil and the alkaline solution to the same temperature. Pour the lye into the oil.
We have fiber in the solution, which has not completely dispersed. It won’t hurt, it’ll all work out.

This is how our solution of bananas with lye in oil looks like 🙂
7. Now take an immersion blender and knead until a trace appears. Stearic acid accelerates the onset of the trace. And the soap is ready for the bath in a couple of minutes.

In addition, stearic acid makes our soap more characteristic 🙂 If the temperature of the oils and alkali is high, then the soap enters the gel instantly. And downright strives to escape from the pan. For me, it usually rises like dough, about twice.

Stir to keep from running away from the apartment. As soon as the gel stage comes and the soap settles, you can close the bath with a lid and take a break. We do not forget about soap, control the fire, stir after half an hour.

8. About an hour later, our soap looks like this.

The gel stage has passed.