What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is not the same substance as that found in charcoal or burnt food.
Activated carbon is a porous element that traps compounds, first of all, organic, present in a gas or a liquid. It does so effectively that it is the most widely used purifier by humans.
On the other hand, organic compounds are derived from the metabolism of living beings, and their basic structure consists of chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These include all derivatives of the plant and animal world, including petroleum and the compounds obtained from it.
Activated charcoal is obtained by burning materials such as bamboo, nuts, olive pits, and coconut shells; the latter is the most widely used raw material.
There are two types of processes for obtaining this material: chemical activation or physical steam activation. Depending on the method, it will have different applications, such as for human consumption or in industrial processes.
What is activated charcoal used for?
More and more people are using activated charcoal, as it offers significant properties and benefits for the body. For example, it's widely used to treat digestive problems due to its ability to absorb certain amounts of toxins, poisons, gases, and other substances and compounds that the body doesn't need and that can even be harmful.
Activated charcoal has a large number of benefits for your body and, to take advantage of them, these are some of the most common uses of activated charcoal :
Detoxify your body: You can use it as first aid if you ingest any type of toxic or harmful substance. It's also recommended for removing residues that may remain in the liver, colon, and kidneys.
Stomach and intestinal problems: Due to its ability to absorb toxins and gases, it is a very useful option for treating diarrhea and abdominal bloating. It also promotes bowel movements to combat constipation.
Help your dental health: Thanks to its micropores, it's capable of removing tartar and other residue from teeth. It also prevents bad breath.
Helps reduce cholesterol: Consuming activated charcoal can help you regulate cholesterol, since thanks to its components, it reduces the risk of obstruction by preventing the formation of plaque on your arterial walls.
Soothes insect bites: Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, it can prevent allergic reactions and relieve itching.
Combat the hangover: Ingesting activated charcoal after drinking alcohol can improve metabolism by eliminating toxins and relieving stomach and headaches.
Fights bacteria and viruses: Thanks to its detoxifying properties, it can prevent the onset of any infection. It also strengthens the immune system, thus improving the production of antibodies, as it removes waste materials.
Prevents premature aging: By reducing the presence of toxins and other harmful compounds in the blood, it can prevent premature cellular aging. Applied externally as a mask, this natural product also cleanses the skin of toxins and slows premature aging.
Deodorizer: Charcoal can absorb harmful odors and gases, making it ideal as a deodorizer for underarms, shoes, and refrigerators.
Activated charcoal is also reported to absorb excess moisture and control humidity levels at a micro level.
How to take activated charcoal?
There are many ways to take activated charcoal. It comes in various forms, including capsules or pills, powder, cosmetics, and more. The best option for taking it, and also for external application, is to mix one or two tablespoons of charcoal powder with water. Depending on your intended use, you can apply or take activated charcoal in one form or another.
- In case of a sore throat you can gargle. To do this, dilute a little of this black powder in a large glass of water.
- For optimal dental health, you can use a mouthwash or activated charcoal toothpaste.
- It's prepared as a paste (by mixing this powdered ingredient with a little water) for topical use, for example, for insect bites or as a face mask. Ingredients can be added to this external preparation according to your skin's needs.
- For internal use for body problems, especially digestive and metabolic problems. In this case, it can be taken in pills or capsules Or, its powder can be included in a variety of dishes and drinks.
