Activated charcoal is a powder comprised of wood, bamboo, coal or coconut shells that have been burned at a very high temperature. In contrast, regular charcoal combines coal, peat, wood pulp, petroleum and coconut shells. As the name implies, activated charcoal is charcoal that is activated by exposure to heat.
Activated charcoal is commonly used as a natural food for colouring and cleaning purposes. It has the efficacy in absorbing toxin properties. This makes it a good ingredient for creating detox food and drink. These were claims more based in marketing and advertising than in scientific evidence.
Activated charcoal is thought to offer several other benefits, including less gas flatulence, lower cholesterol levels, and improved kidney function. Some people claim that it helps whiten your teeth, filters water, and even cure hangovers.
It’s advantages when used as a domestic fuel are that it: produces less smoke while burning, requires little or no preparation before use, has a higher energy content per unit mass, can be easily transported and stored, and reused when leftover after cooking.
Some people even claim that activated charcoal can help with weight loss, though it isn’t and shouldn’t be used as a weight-loss pill. Activated charcoal has even proven effective at reducing intestinal gas, bloating and abdominal cramps.
Some people also claim that activated charcoal works to eliminate toxins and chemicals that linger in our bodies, taking a few capsules of activated charcoal per day can flush your system. It can also help to improve mental clarity, support a healthy digestive system, and can even reduce kidney and liver problems.
A Few of the Uses of Activated Charcoal Supported by Some evidence include:
* Kidney health. Activated charcoal may be able to assist kidney function by filtering out undigested toxins and drugs
* Water filtration
* Skin care
* Diarrhoea
* Teeth whitening and oral health
* Skin infection
* Deodorant
What else do you know about activated charcoal? Share with us in the comment section.
