Charcoal might seem like a strange thing to put in your food. But it’s there – from the little black specks in your water filter to trendy charcoal lemonades and juices. In fact, activated charcoal is even making its way in food as coloring for black burger buns, macarons, and ice cream. Since activated charcoal is tasteless, it doesn’t actually add any special flavors. Rather, the prevalence of activated charcoal in your food and drink is based on its rumored detoxifying properties in the ever-popular culture of health fads and diets. But can it actually to remove “toxins” and purify your body? Can an inky charcoal drink cure your hangovers or junk-food binges? With all the talk surrounding this recent health craze, let’s talk science!
Powdered activated charcoal. (Image Credit: mommyandlove/Pixabay)
What is activated charcoal?
