Activated Charcoal: 5 Main Benefits Of The Substance

How much do you know about activated charcoal? Probably that it’s great for skin or teeth whitening. But that’s it, I am assuming. But did you know there are many benefits of activated charcoal, including in medical? A popular substance in the health and beauty industry; let’s learn about this substance in detail.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Since olden times, activated charcoal has been used as an ailment to treat a number of issues that other treatments have not done well. It’s in a powder form that is black, odorless, and tasteless. However, don’t mistake it for charcoal briquettes in the barbeque, even though it looks similar.

Coconut shells, bamboo, sawdust, peat, wood, and various other products, when burned, result in charcoal. When the same charcoal is heated up to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit and treated with oxygen, it becomes porous. The chemical structure begins to differ from activated charcoal to ordinary charcoal, and it becomes safe for us to consume it. The surface area of the element increases, and the pores decrease in size.

After the whole process, it becomes a fine powder. It is either sold in the form of powder directly or capsules, pills, tablets, or liquid suspensions, before adding to other things like toothpaste for use, etc. That is why everywhere you look; activated charcoal is right there – face masks, face washes, toothpaste, teeth whitener, skin treatments, and more.

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Activated Charcoal Benefits

Skin Care

Having flawless, glowing skin is everybody’s dream, and the best part is that any gender can enjoy the benefits of activated charcoal. From the Korean beauty care range to other brands, everyone has at least one product that consists of this element. It is known to treat acne, spot treatment, allergy skin reaction, bug bites. Having deep cleansing property, it removes toxins, bacteria, and impurities from the skin, cleans and minimize pores, and prevents breakouts. It reduces excess oil and sebum production and evens the skin tone overall, improvising the skin quality.

When your skin is free of impurities, it is healthier and glows more. Hence, this amazing element also acts as an anti-aging agent. It also clears blemishes, age spots, and blackheads and also brightens the skin. Activated charcoal prevents cellular damage when consumed orally by detoxifying the kidney and liver. Another benefit it provides the skin is many traditional medical practitioners use it to treat skin infections as well. It also reduces dandruff, leaving your scalp clean and healthy.

Teeth Whitening

A bright smile takes my breath away! And a refreshing breath is a bonus on top, ooh la la. Being an excellent and strong stain remover, activated charcoal removes stubborn plaque and other stains from the teeth, leaving them clean. You may use it directly as a mouthwash or in toothpaste, whatever suits best for your teeth. Add it to your routine and keep yourself orally hygienic easily. And hey, it’s not just for whitening. It is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and detoxifying – shuu bad breath, painful cavities, and other oral diseases.

Gut Health

Apart from managing your skin and oral health, activated charcoal also takes good care of your stomach. It is responsible for reducing significant amounts of gas and bloating, treats diarrhea, and promotes digestive health. Due to its toxin-absorbing property, it absorbs the toxins, and they pass through the stool instead of spreading into the bloodstream. This results in a stronger immune system by potentially reducing allergic reactions to certain proteins like dairy products.

Now that your body is toxin free, your cholesterol is also managed to boost your heart health. This can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.

Kidney Function

By detoxifying the kidney, it filters a number of waste products consisting of heavy toxins. Healthy kidneys are responsible for filtering out the waste in the blood, which means you can have clear skin. It also filters out the drugs or heavy medication that usually have to burden effect on the kidney. Studies prove that people who consumed activated charcoal for kidney filtration experienced reduced kidney inflammation and damage.

However, if you have any severe illness, consult a doctor before consuming activated charcoal for any purpose.

Poison Treatment

Going back to the 1800s, activated charcoal was used as an emergency poison treatment. It helped reduce the effects of a variety of drugs or overdosage of any other harmful consumption. Basically, it is an antidote to certain types of harmful chemicals. However, it is to be taken within the first hour of consuming the drug as prescribed by a professional only. In some cases, activated charcoal might not work. Hence it is highly recommended to consult a professional with proper details of the consumed chemical/drug.

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Where To Buy Activated Charcoal?

While today you may find activated charcoal in most products, it is important to choose natural activated charcoal if buying separately. Coconut charcoal is the best as it’s a natural charcoal, thereby lowering the risk of consuming synthetic products. Depending on your requirement, decide what you really require. Do not entirely depend on pure activated charcoal. The products consisting of the substance also have great effects. You can go for face masks, face wash, lotions, scrubs, and toners, for glowing skin, and they will give you satisfactory results.

The best thing about this substance is that it has the least amount of side effects. While it cleanses the bowel, curing diarrhea, the result can be quite the opposite for some people. It can either trigger diarrhea or block your bowel movements. In rare cases, one can experience stomach pain and vomiting. So, think before consuming it orally.