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We all know by now that we should eat our greens. But what exactly gives them their vibrant color? Chlorophyll. It turns sunlight into food for plants, so they look healthy and function properly. In other words, it's what's responsible for the brilliant green shade of some of our favorite veggies and algae. But can it also promote health in the human body? That's kind of the idea behind the chlorophyll craze, so it's no wonder the compound has gained such a big following in wellness circles.
Curious? Click on to discover if chlorophyll lives up to the hype.
Who remembers biology class? Photosynthesis might be a distant memory, but to refresh: it's how plants make energy from sunlight, so they can convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen.
Key to this process of photosynthesis is a dark green pigment found in plants and algae. This natural compound is called chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll contains vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties that have the potential to benefit the body. You can get chlorophyll from plants or supplements.
Chlorophyll is present in most green vegetables. Foods that are packed with chlorophyll include spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, parsley, broccoli, chlorella, spirulina, parsley, and matcha green tea.
Wheatgrass is particularly rich in chlorophyll. It's available for consumption as a powder, juice, or capsule.
Liquid chlorophyll, technically known as chlorophyllin, is the human-made, concentrated extract of the plant substance.
Chlorophyllin contains copper instead of the magnesium that's found in naturally occurring chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin is water-soluble, and better absorbed by the body.
In tests where doses of chlorophyllin were taken, the copper can be detected in blood plasma. This implies absorption has occurred.
Chlorophyll water gained a cult following on social media thanks to how prominently it featured in many influencers' curated 'morning routines.'
Chlorophyll has been regarded as having health benefits for decades. A variety of studies have suggested it might be helpful for a number of health issues.
Some of the claims about chlorophyll's potential benefits are associated with treating skin conditions, neutralizing body odors, and fighting certain kinds of cancer.
In some studies, chlorophyllin, the liquid form of chlorophyll, has been shown to reduce inflammation. In pilot studies, topical chlorophyllin gel use improved acne and large pores, plus sun-damaged skin, over periods of weeks.
Studies have found that chlorophyll and its derivatives act as antioxidants. These wonder compounds fight free radicals in the body, helping to prevent skin and cell damage.
Chlorophyll is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, which promote healthy-looking skin through cellular repair and skin rejuvenation. In this way, chlorophyll has potential anti-aging benefits.
It's also claimed liquid chlorophyll can improve the quality of red blood cells. In a pilot study, wheatgrass, which is very high in chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in patients taking part. However, the study's authors didn't conclude chlorophyll was the reason why.
The structure of chlorophyll in plants is very similar to hemoglobin in red blood cells, which might aid the body's natural detoxification pathways by encouraging greater circulation of oxygen and energy. However, more research must be conducted to say this definitively.
One of the biggest claims about chlorophyll is its potential to aid weight loss. Unfortunately, research is limited. The existing research suggests it can reduce harmful cholesterol levels, but more studies are needed.
In animal studies, chlorophyll has been shown to reduce the incidence of liver tumors and significantly decrease pancreatic tumor size. Trials are underway to understand how chlorophyll consumption can impact liver and colon cancer risk in humans.
Since the 1940s, chlorophyllin has been used as a natural deodorant, but studies show mixed results. Claims about its ability to reduce bad breath also aren't backed by research.
Studies from the 1940s and '50s suggested chlorophyll might help to heal surgical wounds and prevent infections. A medication containing chlorophyllin was shown to reduce odor and promote wound healing in a 2008 review.
More research is needed to investigate claims that chlorophyll consumption can help with hormonal balance, increasing energy, and providing relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Although natural chlorophyll and chlorophyllin aren't known to be toxic, their consumption does come with a risk of digestive problems, diarrhea, strange stools, or itching/burning (when topically applied).
Researchers haven't explored the risks of taking chlorophyll for pregnant or breastfeeding women, something to be aware of if you're expecting or nursing.
Chlorophyll supplements are available at most health food stores, in the form of powders, capsules, tablets, ointments, sprays, or liquids.
Generally, the recommended daily consumption of chlorophyllin supplements is between 100 mg and 300 mg per day, spaced out over three separate doses.
For liquid chlorophyll, usually it's recommended to take around 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the supplement, added to water. You can add more water to reduce the taste, if you notice one.
Ask a doctor or nutritionist for advice before taking the supplement, if you're concerned about the potential risks or are taking medication.
You can make your own liquid chlorophyll at home. Blending three ounces of parsley with water makes about 2 tablespoons of chlorophyll.
Vegetables and herbs that are green, inside and out, will provide the biggest source of chlorophyll. Most greens average between 4 mg to 15 mg per cup.
Sources: (Byrdie) (Healthline) (Forbes Health) (Medical News Today)
This dark green liquid has a cult following in the wellness world
But does chlorophyll really detox the body?
LIFESTYLE Wellness
We all know by now that we should eat our greens. But what exactly gives them their vibrant color? Chlorophyll. It turns sunlight into food for plants, so they look healthy and function properly. In other words, it's what's responsible for the brilliant green shade of some of our favorite veggies and algae. But can it also promote health in the human body? That's kind of the idea behind the chlorophyll craze, so it's no wonder the compound has gained such a big following in wellness circles.
Curious? Click on to discover if chlorophyll lives up to the hype.