Like many others who rely on the health side of things, when it comes to feel my bestI have my tried and true staples, ride habit or dieand healthy practice I will never dare to let go. But when hot health trends *certainly* catch my eye, I tread lightly and approach most things in the field with a lot of skepticism. So when I started seeing influencers, celebrities, and just about everyone on social media chugging (roughly, mindfully sipping) glasses of dark green water, You can bet my interest was piqued. Time to ask: What is chlorophyll water?
Well, ask an expert I did — and the questions don’t stop there. What are the benefits? Any downsides or potential side effects? Is it really as simple as diluting and stirring in a glass of water? And, of course, where things really get heated: is chlorophyll water really worth the hype? Eager for a clear breakdown of health trends that won’t escape my social feeds, I hit the Integrated Nutrition Wellness Coach Georgia Perkins for instructions. Fasten your seat belts — your expert support answers await.
Featured image of Riley Reed.
What is chlorophyll water?
A natural place to start. After going through countless Stories, pictures and videos have appeared #chlorophyllwater on Instagram, it’s clear I’m running into something more complicated than the verdant array of content I initially created. Turns out, my assumption was proven.
After a closer look, my thoughts drifted back to elementary school, I remembered that chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. From there, my mind went blank (you’re reading the words of an English expert, after all). Perkins recounts my limited recollections: “Chlorophyll helps plants absorb energy and obtain nutrients from sunlight in a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is found in many green vegetables, especially Dark green.“
She continues, noticing that chlorophyll water has become well known in the wellness world for its possible health benefits. Perkins notes that “while there are many possible benefits of consuming chlorophyll and chlorophyll (a chemical made from chlorophyll), research is mixed and more research is needed to confirm potential health benefits.“
What are the benefits of drinking chlorophyll water?
Perkins first addressed this question with an important disclaimer. “If you already eat a lot of vegetables like kale, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard and broccoli, then you probably don’t need to worry about supplementing. I always recommend starting with the real deal, as food in its pure form is usually most of strong medicine.“
Although there is little scientific evidence to support the following benefits, many supplements claim that chlorophyll can:
- strengthen red blood cells
- weight loss support
- reduce inflammation
- body detox
- prevent cancer
What? To be known? Perkins notes that chlorophyll is high in antioxidants, which means it can help protect your cells against oxidative stress. “These attributes have been linked to potential anti-cancer effects in humans, but more research is still needed on chlorophyll,” said the certified health coach.
Also, and you may have heard this if you’ve also delved into chlorophyll water on TikTok, chlorophyll has been shown to improve skin health. Perkins highlighted these findings, citing studies done on patients with acne, Pore Enlargementand harmful effects of the sun. “Similarly,” she added, “a few studies showed that chlorophyll can aid in reducing body odor as well as in wound healing. “Okay, I’m here for it.
The picture of Michelle Nash
How do you prepare chlorophyll water?
While there are many glasses and bottles of chlorophyll water, there are alternative ways to reap the benefits. Perkins’ favorite way to get chlorophyll to support her skin? “Personally, I like to add it to my lemonade for a little extra flavor — and don’t worry, the color can be strong, but the chlorophyll doesn’t have much of a flavor! You can also add it to smoothies and juices if desired. ”
When should you take chlorophyll water?
Good news: there is no right or wrong time to sip your chlorophyll water. “I think it can be a great addition to a morning routine or whenever you feel like your body could use the extra supplement for a nutrient boost,” says Perkins.
Is it possible to consume too much chlorophyll water?
Now for the (less) fun part. While there are no significant risks with taking chlorophyll water, Perkins stresses that you should always pay attention to how your body reacts to any supplement you include in your routine. “Some possible side effects include increased sensitivity to the sun, abdominal pain, and discolored stools. Always consult your doctor if you are taking prescription medication to discuss potential interactions.“
Are there any dos and don’ts when it comes to incorporating chlorophyll water into your wellness routine?
When it comes to health, Perkins advocates keeping things as simple and accessible as possible. “It can be misunderstood that drinking chlorophyll water or powdered greens will negate a poor diet.” What is she advocating instead? “I SHOULD recommend anyone and everyone to increase their intake of greens! I always encourage a ‘food first’ approach and let supplements help fill in the gaps. “
In addition to keeping things streamlined, Perkins emphasizes that whatever you include in your wellness routine is entirely up to you. Adding chlorophyll water to the mix is a personal choice, and it’s a choice that should be supported by a healthy dose of research and discussion with your healthcare provider. Perkins’ final word on the matter? “Chlorophyll water can certainly be a great supplement if it serves you and makes you feel good.”
Ready to start supplementing with chlorophyll? Perkins shares her recommendations.
From Perkins: “When purchasing a chlorophyll supplement (or any supplement), choose a brand you can trust based on product quality and purity, good manufacturing practices, and experiment.”
