The new detox trend: black smoothies

They may not look really tasty, but they still taste good: the latest vitamin cocktails contain a very special ingredient alongside fruit and vegetables - activated charcoal.

Neuer Detox-Trend: Aktivkohle (links) wird mit Obst und Gemüse zum „Black Smoothie“ gemixt© picture alliance, fotolia
New detox trend: activated charcoal (left) is mixed with fruit and vegetables to make a "black smoothie"

Like a small magnet, activated charcoal absorbs toxins from the body before they enter the cells. Activated charcoal is tasteless, so the detox drink tastes the same as usual. The ingredients are exactly the same as for green or red smoothies, only activated charcoal is added. The miracle ingredient is available as a tablet from the pharmacy. Simply crush it and add one gram to the smoothie, then blend the ingredients as usual. But it is better not to take activated charcoal every day - it can remove important substances from the body and also reduce the effect of medication.