Eating trendy activated charcoal could get you PREGNANT, expert warns
WITHIN a matter of months, activated charcoal has infiltrated the internet - touted as a miracle face mask, teeth whitener and detoxing food.
Feel free to continue slathering it on your face, but experts are warning against eating too much of the dark stuff - because it could get you PREGNANT.
A quick scour through social media shows dozens of ladies chowing down on activated charcoal in their ice creams, lattes, smoothies and even charcoal toast.
This isn't the same stuff you chuck on the BBQ, but charcoal which has been heated to an even higher temperature to create a porous surface.
In its more absorbent form, charcoal can catch and bind molecules like toxins and poisons and stop them from harming the body.
Hence its powers in enhancing gut health, reducing bloating and cholesterol and detoxing the body - which health nuts cite as their reasons for sticking some in their morning coffee.
But it's not all good.
, nutritionist Sophie Griffiths asked: "Has Joe Public ever stopped to consider whether such a powerful substance should be freely available to buy and take without medical supervision?
"The first safety issue with taking activated charcoal is that as well as binding to toxins, it can also absorb and inactivate regular medication and supplements – including the contraceptive pill – rendering them ineffective.
"Another risk arises if the activated charcoal ‘goes down the wrong way’ into your lungs.
"There are numerous case reports of collapsed lungs and serious lung disease occurring following such an unfortunate mistake."
She added that ingesting black charcoal could lead to a black tongue, bowel obstructions, diarrhoea, black stools and severe dehydration.
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But don't panic if you do indulge in the occasional slice of charcoal toast - or even one of Prezzo's pizzas.
Sophie stressed that activated charcoal is "generally safe to use", adding: "The above risks are only triggered when large amounts of the black stuff are consumed."
In related news, these are the best days to have sex if you want to get pregnant – and avoid if you don’t.
And, from chewing gum to eating more, here's how to kill those food cravings in 8 simple steps.