In recent months, some Mercadona supermarkets have put up for sale, although not in all of Spain, new shots made with impressive ingredients such as activated charcoal, ginger and aloe vera.
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These shots claim to have different capacities, as shown on the outer label. Activated charcoal shows detoxification, ginger shows activation and Aloe Vera purification. To find out more about these products, how they work, how they are manufactured, etc., we consulted with the Mercadona Communications Manager about the quality and characteristics of these products and we investigated what science says about it.
Focus on superfoods that eliminate toxins and rejuvenate us
Mercadona reports that the activated carbon injection consists of a single dose of a highly concentrated and slightly diluted superfood (activated carbon). In its benefits and utilities, they point out that it not only eliminates toxins, but also eliminates gases, controls diarrhea and balances the PH. The recommended daily intake is 1 bottle per day.
This product is made with 50% apple juice, 40% coconut water, 9% lime and 0.1% activated carbon according to the product label.
As for ginger shots, Mercadona, like activated charcoal, is a single dose of high concentration of the superfood in question (ginger) and teaches us to provide energy injections in addition to improving our circulation. prevents colds and throat infections.
This product is made with 70% apple juice, 20% ginger juice and 10% lemon juice. Both products have a size of 60 milliliters and cost around 1.35 euros.
Scientific evidence mentions similar products
Of course, the reaction to these products is wide and diverse. Many nutritionists and experts in the health food industry have commented on the true usefulness of these products.
activated carbon shot
The first thing to know is that activated charcoal is a product used to treat people who ingest toxic substances (really toxic, like poison).
However, this product does not have a detoxifying effect on our body and there are some risks. First of all, unless you are ingesting poisonous or toxic substances, you should seek medical attention immediately if you detoxify your body or go through the detoxification process.
Our bodies are fully prepared to purify and eliminate ingested substances from food that we do not need ourselves. What can happen with the consumption of activated charcoal is that if we overdo it, we run the risk of absorbing the necessary vitamins and beneficial bacteria. In addition, it can cause intestinal obstruction.
Of course, the amount contained in the Mercadona Shot is below the amount that can start to be dangerous (0.2 grams is the maximum recommended according to Mercadona), but because the amount is too small. It has real therapeutic utility (in the case of real addiction). This means that this product is not dangerous, but has the least possible benefit.
ginger shot
In the case of ginger, the benefits of this food have been admired in recent years. In particular, around 1 gram per day (grated or from the root itself) is especially appreciated to relieve stomach upsets such as nausea and vomiting. ).
In any case, as pointed out by the National Center for Complementary Foods, “there is growing concern that ginger may interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants.” In this sense, the research carried out by Heck or Miller and his team specifically points to possible interactions with Walfarin. These studies specifically mention when foods and supplements consume large amounts of ginger: “more than is normally found in spicy foods.”
In any case, the existence of this interaction is not entirely clear, but it is advisable to consult your GP. In addition, NCCFF mentions its use in pregnancy: “In general, it is not clear that ginger is safe in all cases during pregnancy”, and goes to the doctor for advice. I recommend that.
Studies such as Tiran and Viljoen are doing the same, showing that each particular case must be considered before recommending the use of ginger to pregnant women. In general, aspirin should avoid the use of ginger,” Tiran and his team find.
Viljoen and his team have found that the most effective and suitable dose for pregnant women who do not meet the above conditions is 1500 mg or less per day. Furthermore, Stanishieri and his team point out in a 2018 survey that our doctors must also evaluate the quality of ginger and the process it went through.
For this particular product, the amount of ginger present is minimal. It should be remembered that 60 milliliters contain only 20% ginger, and that it is ginger juice, not ginger itself, studies carried out on therapeutic doses of ginger have it specific for each one. We found that it varies between 250 mg and 4 grams daily, depending on the case.
The amount of ginger contained in these injections is not exactly known, but since ginger juice is only 20% and the injections contain 60 milliliters, the amount of ginger present is therapeutically effective. It is less than the minimum amount it appears to be. Also under anything that could harm us. In any case, if in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor.
Also, note that the product does not contain a great, but is made from a variety of juices, including apple, lemon, lime, and ginger juices. Juice is not the most appropriate way to consume fruit. Fructose acts as free sugar in our body because the fibers it contains are lost and fructose does not have the fibers that help us metabolize it correctly.
If you want to take advantage of the characteristics of apple, ginger or coconut water that contain activated charcoal injections that help hydrate, it is more effective to consume whole apples, ginger infusion and coconut water. Avoid sugar, no additives.
