As you probably already know, there are many paths that you can take on the journey to optimal wellness. One such path that’s been growing in popularity is centered around chlorophyll.
That’s right — the vibrant green pigment that gives plants their emerald color has stepped into the limelight in recent years, having officially joined the conversation for effective ways to support your well-being.
In this guide, we aim to explore the science and secrets behind chlorophyll, its impact on the human body, whether you should take it on an empty stomach, and the easiest ways to weave it into your wellness regimen.
What Is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a compound found in plants that plays an essential role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into energy. Not only is this process the lifeblood of plants, but it’s also essential for life on Earth.
Oxygen is one of the key necessities of life on this planet, and it’s created as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Without chlorophyll and photosynthesis, there would be no atmosphere or oxygen on Earth.
There are two main types of chlorophyll: chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b:
- Chlorophyll-a is the more abundant type found in plants and is responsible for the bright green color we commonly associate with vegetation.
- Chlorophyll-b, on the other hand, has a slightly different structure and aids chlorophyll-a in capturing the light energy necessary for photosynthesis.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is vital for plant life. However, the plant compound can also provide a variety of health benefits for humans, including:
Detoxification and Digestion
Chlorophyll is renowned for its ability to support proper detoxifying processes — this is how the body gets rid of harmful toxins.
By helping your body properly flush out toxins, chlorophyll may work to support liver function and overall digestion. It can also aid in reducing feelings of bloating and discomfort after meals.
Blood Building
Chlorophyll possesses a unique structure closely resembling that of hemoglobin, a critical component of our red blood cells. This resemblance has led researchers to suggest that chlorophyll might be able to help support the body in properly creating and renewing blood supply.
Plus, its high magnesium content aids in the healthy formation of red blood cells and maintains their ability to carry oxygen, which is essential for overall energy and vitality.
Skin Health
Chlorophyll has shown promise in skin health as both a topical product and oral supplement. It has powerful antioxidant and soothing properties, which can help support overall skin health — it may even support the proper growth of new skin tissue.
Weight Management
Some preliminary research has suggested that chlorophyll might assist with weight management, thanks to its potential ability to support healthy levels of hunger hormones as well as healthy eating habits.
While it's not a magic bullet for weight loss (and nothing really is), it may be a helpful addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise. More research is needed to establish a firm link between chlorophyll and weight control, but it’s unlikely to hurt your overall efforts.
What Are the Main Forms of Chlorophyll?
Like many dietary supplements, chlorophyll is available in a variety of forms. While each form has unique advantages, all of them can provide great benefits — the best form for you will largely depend on personal factors like your personal preferences, lifestyle, and health goals.
These are a few of the most common ways that you can find chlorophyll:
Liquid
Chlorophyll is most commonly found in a liquid form, often referred to as chlorophyll water or liquid chlorophyll. This form of chlorophyll offers the flexibility to tweak the dosage to suit individual needs and preferences.
Many people prefer the extreme convenience of this method as it can easily be mixed with water or any other drink of your choice. Moreover, in this liquid state, chlorophyll is easily and rapidly assimilated by the body, enhancing its effectiveness.
Capsule
On the other hand, chlorophyll supplements also come in the form of tablets or capsules. These provide a pre-measured, consistent dose of chlorophyll and can be swallowed effortlessly with a glass of water.
The encapsulated form is often appreciated for its convenience, particularly by those leading a fast-paced lifestyle or those who travel frequently. Plus, with this form, there's no need to worry about taste, making it a preferred choice for some.
Diet
For those who wish to obtain chlorophyll in its most natural form, incorporating certain green foods into your diet is a great option. Foods like spinach, kale, parsley, and chlorella (a type of green algae) are rich sources of chlorophyll.
While the chlorophyll content in these foods might be less concentrated than what you would find in supplements, the benefits of consuming these foods extend beyond just chlorophyll. They're packed with a variety of nutrients, each contributing to your overall health in their unique ways.
Powder
Another increasingly popular form of chlorophyll comes as part of green superfood powders. These powders are often a mix of various nutrient-rich foods like wheatgrass, Spirulina, and more, providing a potent combination of beneficial compounds along with chlorophyll.
The powder form of chlorophyll is an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their nutrient intake while also getting a dose of chlorophyll. You can blend these powders into your smoothies or juices for a quick nutrient boost.
Can Chlorophyll Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?
As simple as this question may sound, the answer isn’t quite as straightforward as it may seem. There are various factors to consider, including personal tolerance, digestion, and absorption:
Personal Tolerance
Not everyone's body responds to supplements in the same way. Some individuals may experience discomfort, such as stomach cramps or nausea, when taking supplements on an empty stomach. This is often a personal response and can vary from person to person.
If you've encountered stomach issues or digestive discomfort previously when taking supplements without food, it's probably wise to take chlorophyll along with food. Conversely, if you've had no such issues, you could probably get away with taking chlorophyll on an empty stomach.
Digestion
There's a widely held belief that supplements taken on an empty stomach can be better absorbed. However, this isn't always the case and often hinges on the specific supplement in question.
When it comes to chlorophyll, current research does not conclusively indicate that taking it on an empty stomach significantly enhances absorption.
In fact, given chlorophyll's fat-soluble nature, it might be more readily absorbed when taken with a meal, specifically a meal containing healthy fats. This is because fat-soluble compounds require dietary fats to properly dissolve and be absorbed by the body.
Absorption
On the other hand, there could be an advantage to taking chlorophyll on an empty stomach — doing so might have a more pronounced effect on satiety and blood sugar support. This could be a significant advantage for individuals looking to manage their weight or keep their blood sugar levels regulated.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed — there have been no definitive conclusions made about the absorption rate of chlorophyll on an empty stomach, and it’s best to consult your doctor to decide the best method for your needs.
How Does Chlorophyll Fit into a Plant-Based Lifestyle?
Chlorophyll perfectly aligns with a plant-based lifestyle, and it also aligns seamlessly with iwi life's mission. Being derived from green plants, chlorophyll is a natural part of a plant-based diet and offers a range of health benefits that complement those obtained from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
In its supplement form, chlorophyll offers a concentrated source of benefits — and with iwi life's omega-3 supplements, you can enjoy the benefits of chlorophyll alongside a concentrated source of plant-based omega-3s. It's a way to amplify the power of plants to bring their health-boosting potential into your everyday life.
By incorporating chlorophyll — whether through diet or supplementation — into your routine, you're not just adding a beneficial nutrient. You're embracing the idea at the heart of iwi life's mission: that nature, particularly plant life, holds the keys to our health and well-being.
Choosing plant-based supplements like iwi life's omega-3 means you're making a choice to nourish your body and support a sustainable future for the planet!
Sources:
Chlorophyll | National Geographic Society
What is Photosynthesis | Smithsonian Science Education Center
What If Photosynthesis Stopped Happening? | HowStuffWorks
Hemoglobin: Structure, Function and Allostery | PMC
Can Chlorophyll Water Help Your Skin? Experts Weigh In | Today
Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know | NIH
Chlorophylls as Natural Bioactive Compounds Existing in Food By-Products: A Critical Review | PMC
