What is Activated Charcoal?
GoodRX describes activated charcoal also known as activated carbon as a carbon material (like wood or coconut shells) that has been processed to contain many tiny pores creating a very large surface area, making it great at something called adsorption (not absorption). This adsorption function is what gives activated charcoal its “healing” or detoxification powers, but also the reason why it shouldn’t be consumed at random.
What is activated charcoal and why would you want to eat it? (You definitely do not want to eat non-activated charcoal.) To make it activated it must be processed in extremely high temperatures. This changes the structure of the charcoal and makes it digestible. Charcoal in this form is known for helping with stomach issues and kidney function. It is commonly used in the medical field in poison cases. Activated charcoal is something you might want to include in your diet on occasion because the detox properties can be powerful. You can buy activated charcoal on Amazon or at your local health food store.
How Does it Work?
When ingested, activated charcoal can trap toxic substances in the gut, and thus prevent their absorption into the body. Activated charcoal’s negatively charged, porous texture helps trap these toxins and since it can’t be absorbed in your body it works by carry itself along with the toxins out of your system.
Looking For A Way to Include it In Your Diet?
See this delicious recipe for a smoothie bowl below!
Blended:
2-3 frozen bananas
3 tbsp. cacao powde
1/4 tsp. activated charcoal powder
splash of water/milk
Topped with frozen berries & coconut flakes.
recipe by @veganmelon on Instagram
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322609
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/activated-charcoal
https://www.goodrx.com/blog/what-is-activated-charcoal-detox-medication-interactions/
