It’s important to note that when we’re talking about charcoal for health-related purposes, we are referring to “activated charcoal,” which is an age-old material with an array of uses. “Activated charcoal” is not the charcoal you’re using to grill veggie burgers on Sunday afternoons; it’s actually made from coconut shells, olive pits, sawdust, bone char, as well as other similar materials and processed over an extreme heat that, well, “activates” it.https://www.yrdcarbon.com/products/activated-carbon/granular-activated-carbon.html
“Activated” charcoal has an electrical charge, which ultimately attracts positively charged molecules. For example, gases and toxins have a positive charge, so the “activated charcoal” in essence absorbs them. It technically can trap these unwanted toxins or free radicals in the body and push them through with excretions. Pretty incredible given our conventional understanding of charcoal for summer kebabs in backyards and rooftops, no?
Teeth Whitening
This is perhaps one of the most well known uses for activated charcoal with a variety of how-to videos all over people’s social media feeds. Charcoal can actually remove plaque and stains when applied directly to teeth, making it a great tool for teeth whitening. Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe something so black and seemingly icky can actually turn your teeth whiter, but if you do so for three minutes, the charcoal can “bind” to these stains and remove them when you rinse. Usually, we’re talking about 1-2 teaspoons of ground up charcoal, so rest assured no one’s expected to apply boatloads. It’s important to note here that charcoal technically doesn’t neutralize the toxins in your teeth, but just binds them, which is where the whiteness comes into play. Hence—don’t substitute charcoal for quality toothpaste and mouthwash!
Face Masks
Who doesn’t love a good face mask? They’re relaxing, calming, even indulgent, leaving your skin feeling great. Well, charcoal face masks are becoming the next big thing, as they can clear up blemishes, acne and even scars through extracting impurities while cleaning pores thoroughly. A charcoal face mask offers a deep cleaning that can remove toxins and even heavy metals from your face, and even take off dead, unwanted skin since it’s slightly abrasive. Furthermore, charcoal face masks can aid those with oily skin since it extracts excess oils without drying it out. And did I forget to mention they get rid of blackheads? When doing so, make sure you’re using a washcloth of a darker color, since the substance can be slightly, well, “messy.”
Hair
Thankfully, when applied to your hair, activated charcoal doesn’t add new chemicals, but simply helps you get rid of the chemicals that are already present. Shampoos with charcoal attract dirt and oil, which is then washed away, returning your hair back to its natural moisture levels. For this use, white charcoal is sometimes incorporated into shampoos, which is originally derived from binocotan oak trees, known for its soothing effects, particularly in the shower!
Charcoal Diet
Now this one’s a bit more controversial, so we’ll proceed with caution since it’s not widely accepted in the health community, but there are some weight loss effects that have been reported from consuming charcoal through powder or pill form. Technically, the “charcoal diet” requires juice fasting for up to three days while supplementing with charcoal, so the effects of weight loss may be attributed more to the fasting, but some reports have shown that it can remove toxins while also removing a few pounds. Consuming charcoal, however, must be done so carefully, as it can cause an upset stomach.
Lower Cholesterol
Well, this one is certainly a nice surprise! Charcoal is reported to lower cholesterol in patients through binding cholesterol acids in the gut, restricting the actual amount the body can absorb. Some studies show that patients have been successful in reducing their cholesterol by 20-25% this way through careful monitoring.
Kidney Function
People who suffer from renal failure may want to look into the benefits of charcoal. In several studies, it’s been revealed that older patients—over 80, in fact—who are in the final stages of renal failure can reduce their dialysis if they adhere to a low-protein diet and consume 30 grams of charcoal a day. The science is still out, but it’s nice to know charcoal might be providing a healthy alternative to dialysis, given its side effects.
Deodorant
With a wide variety of “clean” and “healthy” deodorants saturating the marketplace these days, it’s nice to know that activated charcoal can also be considered a safe deodorizing alternative. Thankfully, charcoal is so carbon-rich that it can technically extract dirt, oil, and toxins from clogged pores. Furthermore, it can absorb up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture, which can absolutely aid in underarm wetness. There’s an array of charcoal-based deodorants for sale nowadays, all of which are aluminum-free, which can put your mind at ease.
Gas/Bloating
If all of these other highly beneficial uses for charcoal wasn’t enough, there’s also one more—and that’s for bloating and gas. Activated charcoal has proven to significantly reduce gas problems while removing harmful toxins from the digestive tract. This process is really twofold: absorption, which is when atoms and molecules link themselves to a solid or liquid surface—as well as absorption, when the substance passes into another, like a sponge. Ultimately, what happens is the charcoal absorbs gas in the digestive tract, getting rid of it from the system when you use the toilet. Many recommend taking charcoal on an empty stomach with a large glass of water to help it work its magic. (Note: Charcoal supplements are widely available with specific dosage instructions, depending on need, health, and age.)https://www.coalactivatedcarbon.com/
“Activated” charcoal has an electrical charge, which ultimately attracts positively charged molecules. For example, gases and toxins have a positive charge, so the “activated charcoal” in essence absorbs them. It technically can trap these unwanted toxins or free radicals in the body and push them through with excretions. Pretty incredible given our conventional understanding of charcoal for summer kebabs in backyards and rooftops, no?
Teeth Whitening
This is perhaps one of the most well known uses for activated charcoal with a variety of how-to videos all over people’s social media feeds. Charcoal can actually remove plaque and stains when applied directly to teeth, making it a great tool for teeth whitening. Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe something so black and seemingly icky can actually turn your teeth whiter, but if you do so for three minutes, the charcoal can “bind” to these stains and remove them when you rinse. Usually, we’re talking about 1-2 teaspoons of ground up charcoal, so rest assured no one’s expected to apply boatloads. It’s important to note here that charcoal technically doesn’t neutralize the toxins in your teeth, but just binds them, which is where the whiteness comes into play. Hence—don’t substitute charcoal for quality toothpaste and mouthwash!
Face Masks
Who doesn’t love a good face mask? They’re relaxing, calming, even indulgent, leaving your skin feeling great. Well, charcoal face masks are becoming the next big thing, as they can clear up blemishes, acne and even scars through extracting impurities while cleaning pores thoroughly. A charcoal face mask offers a deep cleaning that can remove toxins and even heavy metals from your face, and even take off dead, unwanted skin since it’s slightly abrasive. Furthermore, charcoal face masks can aid those with oily skin since it extracts excess oils without drying it out. And did I forget to mention they get rid of blackheads? When doing so, make sure you’re using a washcloth of a darker color, since the substance can be slightly, well, “messy.”
Hair
Thankfully, when applied to your hair, activated charcoal doesn’t add new chemicals, but simply helps you get rid of the chemicals that are already present. Shampoos with charcoal attract dirt and oil, which is then washed away, returning your hair back to its natural moisture levels. For this use, white charcoal is sometimes incorporated into shampoos, which is originally derived from binocotan oak trees, known for its soothing effects, particularly in the shower!
Charcoal Diet
Now this one’s a bit more controversial, so we’ll proceed with caution since it’s not widely accepted in the health community, but there are some weight loss effects that have been reported from consuming charcoal through powder or pill form. Technically, the “charcoal diet” requires juice fasting for up to three days while supplementing with charcoal, so the effects of weight loss may be attributed more to the fasting, but some reports have shown that it can remove toxins while also removing a few pounds. Consuming charcoal, however, must be done so carefully, as it can cause an upset stomach.
Lower Cholesterol
Well, this one is certainly a nice surprise! Charcoal is reported to lower cholesterol in patients through binding cholesterol acids in the gut, restricting the actual amount the body can absorb. Some studies show that patients have been successful in reducing their cholesterol by 20-25% this way through careful monitoring.
Kidney Function
People who suffer from renal failure may want to look into the benefits of charcoal. In several studies, it’s been revealed that older patients—over 80, in fact—who are in the final stages of renal failure can reduce their dialysis if they adhere to a low-protein diet and consume 30 grams of charcoal a day. The science is still out, but it’s nice to know charcoal might be providing a healthy alternative to dialysis, given its side effects.
Deodorant
With a wide variety of “clean” and “healthy” deodorants saturating the marketplace these days, it’s nice to know that activated charcoal can also be considered a safe deodorizing alternative. Thankfully, charcoal is so carbon-rich that it can technically extract dirt, oil, and toxins from clogged pores. Furthermore, it can absorb up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture, which can absolutely aid in underarm wetness. There’s an array of charcoal-based deodorants for sale nowadays, all of which are aluminum-free, which can put your mind at ease.
Gas/Bloating
If all of these other highly beneficial uses for charcoal wasn’t enough, there’s also one more—and that’s for bloating and gas. Activated charcoal has proven to significantly reduce gas problems while removing harmful toxins from the digestive tract. This process is really twofold: absorption, which is when atoms and molecules link themselves to a solid or liquid surface—as well as absorption, when the substance passes into another, like a sponge. Ultimately, what happens is the charcoal absorbs gas in the digestive tract, getting rid of it from the system when you use the toilet. Many recommend taking charcoal on an empty stomach with a large glass of water to help it work its magic. (Note: Charcoal supplements are widely available with specific dosage instructions, depending on need, health, and age.)https://www.coalactivatedcarbon.com/
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