Chlorophyll certainly offers numerous purported health advantages, though evidence supporting these claims is sometimes tenuous.
Consume more chlorophyll through eating green leafy vegetables and fruit; however, before increasing your consumption with liquid or capsule supplements it is wise to consult a registered dietitian first.
1. Chlorophyll Water
TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook has become home to an emerging trend: swirling liquid chlorophyll into their water for detoxification, cancer prevention, and energy boosting purposes. But is this trend real or simply hype? We interviewed experts to get their take.
Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for giving plants their green hue, and is essential to photosynthesis – the process by which sunlight is transformed into energy for plant life. Chlorophyll also plays an integral part in red blood cell production as well as supporting natural detoxification processes within the body – including decreasing aflatoxins (toxic fungi found on agricultural crops) ingestion as well as heavy metal exposure.
Liquid chlorophyll supplements may aid weight loss, prevent certain forms of cancer and treat skin concerns; however, more research needs to be conducted in support of such claims.
Chlorophyll may provide another potential advantage with its deodorizing powers, making it an excellent solution for people suffering from bad breath. Just be mindful when taking chlorophyll as too much could stain teeth; always follow the dosage instructions on its label carefully and consult your physician prior to beginning.
At the end of the day, adding one tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll per day probably won’t harm–particularly if your diet lacks leafy greens. But you might gain even greater benefits from eating a nutritious and varied diet with lots of green veggies and drinking ample water instead.
2. Chlorophyll Powder
Many of us recognize chlorophyll for its key role in photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy and food – but its green pigment is also popularly included in “greens” supplements with claims that it improves skin, aids weight loss, or detoxifies the body – claims which do not appear to have much scientific evidence supporting them.
Liquid chlorophyll has become popularized through influencers who claim that mixing a few drops with eight ounces of water improves skin conditions such as acne. Unfortunately, much of the research on liquid chlorophyll consists of animal studies or small human trials with limited evidence of benefits.
Addition of liquid chlorophyll supplements may not be a bad idea, but may not live up to expectations. Instead, head for the produce aisle and load up on green vegetables such as spinach, kale and green beans that provide essential fiber, vitamins and minerals that cannot be found in packaged chlorophyll waters or supplements.
Whenever considering taking a chlorophyll supplement, make sure it’s of high-quality and free from additives. Chlorophyll powders often include sodium copper chloride – an unnecessary additive linked with kidney stones in some people and increased risk for iron deficiency anemia. Furthermore, some studies suggest chlorophyll may actually increase your chances of iron deficiency anemia.
3. Chlorophyll Capsules
Chlorophyll supplements come in many different forms, from capsules and powders that can be mixed with beverages to tablets that must be swallowed or even liquids that dissolve directly in water.
Chlorophyll found in plants contains numerous naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals. You’ll find it in spinach, parsley and green beans as well as chlorophyll supplements available as bulk powder, liquid drops, tinctures tablets softgels or gummies containing chlorophyll. When selecting one be sure to review its label for ingredients or nutrients content; selecting one that does not include additives fillers or artificial flavors will be ideal.
As chlorophyll is often recommended as a natural way of fighting cancer and anemia, its health benefits have been touted widely; some popular claims include its ability to treat anemia and protect against cancer.
Although chlorophyll supplements don’t replace iron entirely, they can still help increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels – two indicators of how many red blood cells exist in your body – by taking one regularly. It also prevents oxidative damage while strengthening immune function; additionally it supports phase II biotransformation enzyme production that allows your liver to rid itself more effectively of toxins more quickly.
4. Chlorophyll Pills
Liquid chlorophyll has recently made waves online as influencers tout its benefits, such as body odor remediation, weight loss and cancer prevention. Unfortunately, evidence supporting these claims remains scant; more human trial research should be undertaken, according to Paula Doebrich RD founder of Happea Nutrition Private Nutrition Practice.
She recommends eating green veggies to increase your chlorophyll intake. One cup of spinach provides 24 mg, while parsley offers 19 mg per cup. You could also consider incorporating green smoothies into your daily regimen for maximum benefit.
There is some evidence that chlorophyll can aid liver health. One 1997 study revealed that participants taking 100 milligrams of sodium copper chlorophyllin before each meal experienced 55% lower aflatoxin B1 levels compared with those taking placebo; more research needs to be conducted into whether this effect persists when taken orally.
Chlorophyll may help speed wound healing and protect against infections by stimulating skin wound healing and stimulating immunity. Since about the 1940s, chlorophyll has been added to certain ointments used to treat pressure ulcers and vascular ulcers with excellent results; moreover, a 2021 study published in Dermatology demonstrated how adding chlorophyll helped full-thickness skin wounds heal faster – this is particularly relevant for vegans, who face higher risks of anemia due to not eating animal products.
