Chlorophyll water, a new trend sweeping across TikTok, has sparked curiosity and intrigue. But does this green-hued beverage truly offer health benefits, or is it just another fleeting fad? Let's delve into the science behind its purported advantages.
Are there real health benefits, or is it just a bunch of B.S.?
Chlorophyll water has been gaining popularity since 2016, when celebrities touted its health and beauty benefits.
- Drinking chlorophyll seems to hit on people’s intuitions about naturalness and purity, because you are taking water and adding something that comes from plants, which are instinctively viewed as pure.
- It is also easier to swallow chlorine than, say, cook green vegetables or exercise.
Is chlorophyll safe?
Chlorophyll water is safe, and doesn’t damage your skin.
- Side effects include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and an allergic reaction or anaphylactic reaction, and there is no specific risk for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Does liquid chlorophyll benefit the skin?
Chlorophyll does not have any approved medical uses and is not approved for use in the United States under any type of Food and Drug Administration approval
- To assess the true effectiveness of the product, it is important to look at chloropyllin, a semi-synthetic form of the plant material found in the product. This form allows it to be mixed into water and dissolve well.
- Better research is needed to uncover the benefits of using topical or liquid chlorophil supplements for treating acne and anti-aging.
Does liquid chlorophyll offer other health benefits?
Some viral videos claim it can do everything from reduce body odor to prevent types of cancer, but there’s no solid evidence to suggest this is true.
- A single study on mice did find that in mixed with water may regulate the gut microbiome, but this doesn’t provide enough evidence for her to recommend it to her clients to boost their gut health.