Have you ever glanced at a verdant field or a leafy tree and wondered about its rich, green color? That's all thanks to chlorophyll, the green pigment that's as essential to plants as it is now becoming to our wellness routines.Â
With a host of benefits up its sleeve, chlorophyll is stepping out of the shadows of the plant world and into the limelight of health and wellness. One of its most popular forms? Chlorophyll water, a trend that's been making a splash all over social media platforms like TikTok.Â
In this article, we’ll uncork the bottle on chlorophyll water, pouring out insights on its making, its health attributes, and a few potential side effects to be aware of.
What Is Chlorophyll?
You might remember chlorophyll from your grade school biology class as the stuff that makes plants green — but there's so much more to this vibrant pigment. Found in all green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, chlorophyll is the lifeblood of the plant world.1
Chorlopyohll is the reason plants can bask in the sun all day, absorbing light energy and converting it into chemical energy through a process known as photosynthesis. Without chlorophyll, plants wouldn't be able to do their job of cleaning our air and providing us with oxygen.Â
How Is Chlorophyll Water Made?
Chlorophyll water is a refreshing, nutrient-packed beverage that brings the best of the plant world to your glass.
The most common way to make it is to simply add liquid chlorophyll or chlorophyll supplements to a glass of water.
The concentration of chlorophyll in the water can vary, depending on how potent you want your green drink to be. It's a bit like making a cup of tea — the more tea leaves you use, the stronger your brew. Similarly, the more chlorophyll you add, the more nutrient-rich your water becomes.
What Are the Health Benefits of Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a bit like the multi-tool of the health world, offering a range of benefits that cater to different aspects of your well-being. Here are just a few of the benefits of chlorophyll:
Detoxification Support
Chlorophyll functions like a personal detoxification agent for your body. Its unique characteristic is its ability to bind to toxins present in your body, supporting your body’s proper ability to expel them from your system. When you consume chlorophyll water, you are essentially giving your body detox support. This helps cleanse your body from within, promoting the removal of harmful substances and potentially contributing to a greater sense of overall well-being.
Support for Blood Health
One of the most fascinating aspects of chlorophyll is its molecular structure, which is remarkably similar to that of hemoglobin, the protein in our red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.2This similarity contributes to chlorophyll's potential to support the healthy production of red blood cells, thereby maintaining proper oxygen transport.
Support for Skin Healing
Chlorophyll has long been utilized in topical treatments to support the proper healing of wounds. In addition to supporting the healing process, chlorophyll is also known to help ease discomfort and provide cleansing benefits. Applying chlorophyll may help support your skin's natural healing process and promote renewal and regeneration.3
Antioxidant Properties
Chlorophyll is a rich source of antioxidants, the protective agents that support your cell health during exposure to potentially harmful free radicals in your body. Antioxidants work to keep your cell integrity strong and ensure your cells are able to continue functioning optimally for overall health.
Support for Digestion
Chlorophyll is known to have beneficial effects on gut health, which in turn can lead to support for your digestion. By acting as a soothing agent for your digestive system, chlorophyll can help maintain gut health and ensure the smooth functioning of your digestive processes.
Bad Breath and Body Odor
Chlorophyll's cleansing properties extend beyond internal detoxification — chlorophyll is also thought to be effective in neutralizing body odors, including bad breath, by targeting the toxins and bacteria that cause them. Consuming chlorophyll is like using nature's own deodorant, helping you maintain freshness naturally and boosting your confidence.
Energy Support
Chlorophyll's role in plant energy production through photosynthesis is well-known. While humans can't photosynthesize, consuming chlorophyll can still support our energy levels. By incorporating chlorophyll into your diet, you're tapping into the plant's power, harnessing a natural, plant-powered energy boost that can help you feel alert and energized.
Support for Weight Management Efforts
Research has suggested that chlorophyll can play a role in weight management by supporting a proper appetite and feelings of satiety. If you're embarking on a weight loss journey, incorporating chlorophyll into your diet may be a helpful strategy. Think of chlorophyll as your green friend, providing support and aid in your quest for healthier living.
Immune System Support
Chlorophyll's role in supporting detoxification and providing antioxidant support can contribute to maintaining your immune system health. Consuming chlorophyll can support your overall immune function, keeping your body resilient.
Is Chlorophyll Water Safe To Drink?
Chlorophyll water may be green, but is it a green light for everyone? While it offers a host of benefits, it's essential to be aware of possible side effects and considerations, just like with any wellness product.
While there's no hard and fast rule for how much chlorophyll to take per day, it's generally recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to see how your body reacts.
One potential side effect of chlorophyll is photosensitivity or increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. This doesn't mean you'll turn into a vampire and shrivel up in the sun, but you may be more prone to sunburn or skin irritation when exposed to UV rays. So, if you're sipping on your chlorophyll water, remember to slap on some sunscreen before heading out, just in case.
If you're breastfeeding or have specific health conditions, it's a good idea to have a chat with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian or nutritionist before hopping on the chlorophyll water bandwagon. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and needs.
Listen to your body, consult with professionals, and enjoy your chlorophyll water as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
What Are Some Other Ways To Get Chlorophyll in Your Diet?
While chlorophyll water is a convenient way to incorporate this green powerhouse into your diet, it's not the only method.Â
There are plenty of chlorophyll-rich foods that you can easily add to your meals:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and collard greens are some of the richest sources of chlorophyll you can find. Toss them into a salad, blend them into a smoothie, or lightly sauté them with garlic for a tasty side dish.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil are packed with chlorophyll. Sprinkle them over your dishes for a burst of flavor and a chlorophyll boost.
- Green Vegetables: Broccoli, peas, green beans, and zucchini are all excellent sources of chlorophyll. Roast them, steam them, or stir-fry them — the options are endless.
- Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is a chlorophyll powerhouse. Add a shot of wheatgrass juice to your morning routine for a quick chlorophyll boost.
- Spirulina and Chlorella:Â Spirulina and Chlorella are nutrient-dense forms of algae that are rich in chlorophyll, and they can be found in powder or tablet form. They make a great addition to smoothies or juices.
Remember, while supplements and chlorophyll water are beneficial, nothing beats getting your nutrients from whole foods. iwi life's Omega-3 AlmegaPL®, a natural source of EPA, is sunlight grown, so it provides chlorophyll through photosynthesis in the natural form. Additionally, AlmegaPL® utilizes sunlight to yield a unique molecular form of omega-3 with naturally occurring polar lipids that are readily dispersed into tiny droplets, so they are easily absorbed and utilized in the body.*
The Bottom Line
Stepping into the world of chlorophyll water is like unlocking a new level in your wellness journey. Here at iwi life, we're all about harnessing the power of plants (and algae) to enhance your health, and chlorophyll water fits perfectly into that vision.Â
There’s no denying that this vibrant, nutrient-rich beverage offers a host of benefits, but remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle. True wellness comes from a balanced diet, a mindful lifestyle, and a commitment to healthy decisions.Â
So why not choose an omega-3 sourced from sunlight-raised algae to provide the added benefit of chlorophyll?We're here to support your journey to a healthier, greener lifestyle.
References:
- Ebrahimi P, Shokramraji Z, Tavakkoli S, Mihaylova D, Lante A. Chlorophylls as Natural Bioactive Compounds Existing in Food By-Products: A Critical Review. Plants (Basel). 2023 Apr 2;12(7):1533. doi: 10.3390/plants12071533. PMID: 37050159; PMCID: PMC10096697.
- Hendry, G and Jones, O. Haems and chlorophylls: comparison of function and formation. Department of Biochemistry, The Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1048480/pdf/jmedgene00123-0008.pdf
- McCook JP, Stephens TJ, Jiang LI, Law RM, Gotz V. Ability of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to repair photoaged skin by stimulation of biomarkers in human extracellular matrix. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016 Jul 25;9:167-74. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S111139. PMID: 27524916; PMCID: PMC4966572.
Sources:
Liquid Chlorophyll: What to Know Before Buying | NBC News
Photosynthesis - The Cell | NCBI Bookshelf
Antiapoptotic and Immunomodulatory Effects of Chlorophyllin | PMC
