At Canape Company we have created canapes using the charcoal powder and we hear that it works well at preventing a hangover. However, if you are taking it as a hangover remedy, make sure you drink plenty of water, I’d say between 2-3 litres. This prevents dehydration and helps your body flush out the toxins more efficiently.

How often should it be taken?

Toxicology studies have shown activated charcoal to be completely harmless to human health. So in my opinion, it should be taken any time after exposure to toxins such as alcohol or heavily processed foods (but not taken unnecessarily or constantly). If you’re eating a heavy, greasy meal out or drinking on a Saturday night its great to have some activated charcoal. This will help lessen or eliminate the effects of the toxins on your body, which we all generally experience as a “hangover” or a sluggish, tired, moody feeling after eating junk food. However, it also binds to other ingested materials, as it cannot distinguish between toxins and good nutrients. So if you eat a relatively healthy wholefoods diet and don’t consume alcohol on a daily basis, I would recommend taking it about twice a week to eliminate the common toxins we encounter in our everyday lives such as herbicides, pesticides and carbon dioxide from the pollution in the air. Also, don’t take it within a few hours of taking any perscribed medication or supplements as it can prevent proper absorption.

Activated charcoal is not the same kind of charcoal that you find in your BBQ, nor the ashes from burning wood (which is full of nasty toxins and chemicals that should never be consumed!). Therefore it is important to find a high quality form of activated charcoal before consuming it. We use medical grade activated coconut shell charcoal - wood is another source of charcoal.

Our lastest Canape's on our catering menu that we are making using activated charcoal are our empanadas and our mini canape sliders and burger buns.