When you think about it, processed meats really are a huge part of any western diet. Whether it's that side of bacon with your eggs, the pepperoni on your pizza, the pastrami on your deli sandwich, or that hot dog you had to have at the game, it seems like they're almost part of every meal. And why wouldn't they be? They're absolutely delicious! Don't even get us started on salami and prosciutto.
The problem with these meats is that they're usually made with ridiculous amounts of salt, other preservatives, and chemicals. Some processed meats contain high levels of sodium nitrates, which make the meats look good, but do nothing good for your insides. They're known to cause cancer and should be avoided at all costs. Smoked meat in particular should be avoided, as the meat can absorb tar from the process.
Over the years, weve seen so many food trends come and go, such as ramen burgers, matcha, and spiked ice-cream. Nowadays, were seeing another trend making waves in the food industry. How many times today have you seen an Instagram photo of a scoop of black ice cream, or a cup of black yogurt, or hamburgers with black buns? Indeed, the charcoal trend has taken the world by storm.
So, what gives your latte that deep black shade? Activated charcoal, or coconut ash, is produced by heating coconut shells to insanely high temperatures until theyre burnt to a crisp. The ashes are then increased in size by steaming at high temperatures. Through this process, the ashes become a strong detoxifier, mostly because they become extra absorbent. This product may be purchased in pill form, and promises to alleviate hangovers, minimize the effects of food poisoning, and fight the visible signs of aging.
Activated charcoal is said to boost ones energy as a result of decreasing toxins in the body. However, no evidence proves that detoxifying can lead to increased energy. Also, while it can help cure a hangover, it doesnt necessarily remove alcohol from your blood. It is also said to aid in debloating your stomach because it cleanses your colon but again, this all anecdotal and isnt supported by scientific evidence as of yet. All we can say for sure is that it is a proven detoxifier.