Fact of fad?
Like many others who lean on the wellness-y side of things, when it comes to feeling our best, we have my tried-and-true staples, ride-or-die routines, and the healthy practices we never dare skip. But when buzzy health trends *inevitably* catch our eye, we tread lightly and approach most anything in this realm with a whole lot of skepticism. So when we started to see influencers, celebrities, and just about everyone on social media chugging glasses of water tinted a deep inky green, you can bet our interest was piqued. It was time to ask: what is chlorophyll water, anyways?
What are the benefits? Any potential downsides or side effects? Is it really as simple as diluting and stirring into a glass of water? And, of course, where things really get heated: is chlorophyll water actually worth the hype? Craving a clear breakdown of the health trend that just won’t quit my social feeds, we did the research for you, so buckle up —your expert-backed answers await.
What is chlorophyll water?
A natural place to start. After pouring over the countless Reels, imagery, and videos that populate #chlorophyllwater on Instagram, it was clear that what we were encountering was something more complex than the verdant array of content initially made it seem. Turns out, our assumption was justified.
Upon further consideration, our thoughts drifted back to elementary school, remembering that chlorophyll was what gave plants their green color. From there, my mind goes blank. Chlorophyll helps plants absorb energy and get their nutrients from sunlight in a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is found in many green vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens. Observing that chlorophyll water has risen to prominence in the wellness world because of its possible health benefits. While there are many possible benefits to consuming chlorophyll and chlorophyllin (a chemical made from chlorophyll), research is mixed and more studies are needed to confirm the potential health benefits.
What are the benefits of drinking chlorophyll water?
First, if your intake of veggies like kale, collard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli is already high, you likely don’t need to worry about taking a supplement. We always recommend starting with the real deal, as food in its pure form is often the most potent medicine.
While there’s little scientific evidence to support the following benefits, many supplements claim that chlorophyll can:
- Boost red blood cells
- Aid in weight loss
- Reduce inflammation
- Detoxify the body
- Prevent cancer
What is known? Chlorophyll is high in antioxidants, which means that it can help protect your cells against oxidative stress. These properties have been linked to potential cancer-fighting effects in humans, yet more studies are needed on chlorophyll specifically.
In addition to that, and you may have heard this if you’ve also done a chlorophyll water deep-dive on TikTok, chlorophyllin has been seen to improve skin health, which is backed up with studies that’s conducted on patients with acne, enlarged pores, and sun damage. Likewise, a few studies suggest chlorophyll may aid in alleviating body odor as well as wound healing.
How do you prepare chlorophyll water?
Despite glasses and bottles of chlorophyll water showing up in abundance, there are alternative ways to reap the benefits. You can add lemon water for a little extra flavor, and don’t worry, the color might be potent, but chlorophyll doesn’t have much taste at all. You can also add it to smoothies and juices as well if you prefer.
When should you be taking chlorophyll water?
Good news — there isn’t a right or a wrong time to be sipping on your chlorophyll water. It can make a great addition to a morning routine or whenever you’re feeling like your body could use an extra boost of nourishment.
Is it possible to consume too much chlorophyll water?
Now for the fun part, while there are no significant risks of taking liquid chlorophyll, you should always pay attention to how your body responds to any supplement you introduce to your routine. Some possible side effects include increased sensitivity to the sun, upset stomach, and discolored stools. Always consult your doctor if you are taking prescription medications to discuss potential interactions as well.
Are there any dos and don’ts for incorporating chlorophyll water into your wellness routine?
When it comes to wellness, we are in favor of keeping things as simple and accessible as possible. It’s a misnomer that drinking chlorophyll water or a greens powder negates a poor diet. We recommend that anyone and everyone increase their intake of greens, a ‘food first’ approach and let supplements help fill in the gaps.
In addition to keeping things streamlined, we emphasize that whatever you bring into your wellness routine is entirely up to you. Adding chlorophyll water to the mix is a personal choice, and it’s one that should be supported by a healthy dose of research and discussions with your healthcare provider. Chlorophyll water can certainly be a wonderful addition if it serves you and makes you feel good.
Ready to start supplementing with chlorophyll?
When purchasing a chlorophyll supplement (or any supplement), choose a brand you can trust based on the quality and purity of their products, good manufacturing practices and testing.
NOW Foods, Liquid Chlorophyll, Mint Flavor, 16 fl oz.
Reap the detoxification benefits with a liquid chlorophyll that can be taken one teaspoon at a time in either water or juice. Plus, the natural mint flavor keeps breath fresh.
Cymbiotika Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix + Chlorophyll.
Designed to protect and strengthen the body’s cells, Cymbiotika’s Liposomal Sulforaphane Matrix contains phytochemicals that work to reduce free radical damage, lower inflammation, and neutralize toxins.
Premier Research Labs Medi Chlorella FX.
Well-priced, each bottle contains 90 capsules of detoxifying chlorella —zero additives included.
Sakara Life Detox Water Drops.
Perhaps the most well-known detox supplement on the market, Sakara’s detox drops are designed to boost your hydration and keep your energy high. You can even select the monthly subscription option — so you’ll never miss a drop.
Hope after reading this, you’ll be more intrigued with this green pigment-infused water as being hailed a potent detox drink which may improve gut health, facilitate weight loss, boost complexion, and many more! There are many proposed benefits of consuming chlorophyll that may benefit athletic performance by reducing pain and fatigue, if you do give chlorophyll a try, let us know in the comments what you think — we’re excited to hear what y’all think of this latest health trend!
Messycafe 