Have you ever seen super black ice cream at healthier ice cream shops? Kids love it. Activated charcoal makes for a great festive themed treat that isn’t full of toxic food coloring. It is tasteless and odorless, which makes activated charcoal ideal to add to food. Many people are starting to discover the treasure trove of health benefits of humble activated charcoal. This article will touch on 5 great benefits of this inexpensive and often understated health heavyweight. But first…

What is Activated Charcoal?

It’s not the same charcoal that you find in your BBQ, or after you have burned something. Activated charcoal used for health benefits often comes from coconut shells or other types of wood with fibrous content that have been heated to ash from high temperatures in a heating element that is airtight. The activation part comes by reheating the charcoal powder and exposing it to calcium chloride, or lemon juice. It is this process that allows the charcoal its ability to bind to unwanted toxins in the body.

Why Is the Activation Part Important?

The key to charcoal being good for your health is the “activated” part. This is the ability of the charcoal to bind to positive ions (not good for health) in unhealthy additives, heavy metals, pesticides, unhealthy preservatives and other unwanted items that you may eat or drink.

Health deteriorating items such as these are attracted to the negative charge of the activated charcoal. They bind to the charcoal and the charcoal moves through the digestive tract and is eliminated without taking beneficial nutrients with it. Beneficial nutrients carry the same charge as activated charcoal so they are left in place. Things we do not want in our body tend to have a positive charge, and activated charcoal seeks them out like a magnet.

5 Health and Beauty Benefits of Activated Charcoal

1. Filters Water Like A Pro

Activated charcoal is used heavily in water filtration. It is very effective because of its ability to draw out chemicals and items that do not belong in water to make it clean and safe to drink. You may find that your home filtration system already incorporates activated charcoal. Individual water bottles can be obtained that have these types of filters in them to ensure your water is always filtered well.

2. Bye Bye Morning Breath

Activated charcoal can take your breath away! Bad breath, that is. It has the ability to draw out all of the hidden bacteria in the gums and crevices that fester and create bad breath, especially morning breath.

Before bed, hydrate well, and then try dipping your wet toothbrush into activated charcoal and softly brushing your teeth and gums with it before bed. Do not spit it out afterwards. Instead, swallow the charcoal. You may drink water, but don’t swish it. Let charcoal residue line your teeth and gums and stay coated in your mouth. Go to sleep and wake up with noticeably better breath. Do this a few times a week. Your teeth will thank-you for removing all of the hard to reach bacteria that has the potential to cause tooth decay, worsening bad breath.

3. Hello Clear and Clean Skin

Mixed with aloe vera gel, you can form a face mask that will draw out impurities in your complexion to keep it looking glowing, clear of acne and soft. This paste can also use this paste as a spot treatment for blemishes. Follow the directions of your favorite face mask, and drink water!

4. Remove the Itch From Bug Bites

Itchy bites from mosquitos, black flies and similar will be a thing of the past. Mix activated charcoal with your favorite natural oil like coconut oil and form a paste. Spot treat bug bites with this paste. Take care not to get the paste on clothing, as it stains. It will draw out the toxin that creates the itchiness relieving you of that discomfort and reducing healing time.

5. Assists the Function of Kidneys and Liver with Filtering Assistance

Our livers store toxins like heavy metals and pesticides that it doesn’t want in our blood stream. When we eat certain foods that help the liver detoxify, the liver can release the toxins and eliminate them safely. Because of activated charcoal’s ability to bind to toxins of all kinds, the kidneys and the liver have a helping hand, as suggested by Dr. Pompa.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions and experience of Andrea Bain and associates and intended as a sharing of information tool. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Andrea Bain of The Wellthie One encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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