You are reading correctly, charcoal is being touted as the next big ingredient that can improve internal health. First things first, when we refer to charcoal in this instance, we don’t mean the coals in your barbecue. Activated charcoal is made by charring a source of carbon (such as coconut shells) at a controlled temperature and activated with gas to strip toxins and unwanted compounds.

Charcoal as a substance is heavily porous, and therefore is highly absorbent. Charcoal has been used for thousands of years in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western medicines to reportedly soak up poisons and chemicals to improve inner health and intestinal troubles. These days, activated charcoal is used as a general detoxifier, prevention of flatulence and bloating, and lowering cholesterol. Not only is charcoal said to be beneficial if consumed, several forms of make up use charcoal in soaps, face scrubs and eye shadows and can help to whiten teeth.

Activated charcoal is an odourless and tasteless powder that has a variety of uses in the kitchen. You can use activated charcoal in baking, in homemade smoothies and even in your coffee. Pressed Juices also include activated charcoal powder in their Black Lemonade. Due to the absorbent nature of charcoal powder, it may render some vitamins and medications ineffective, so consult your doctor before incorporating activated charcoal into your diet.