Overview
Chlorophyll is majorly found in all green vegetables, the reason behind for our moms telling us to include green veggies in our diet. Chlorophyll is a pigment commonly found in plants and gives them a green colour.
The pigment helps plants to make their food, and the process is called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is rich in antioxidants, and liquid chlorophyll is gaining recent attention among most people. Liquid chlorophyll contains chlorophyllin, which is a water-soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll.
These supplements are available in various forms like capsules, pills and drops. It contains various health benefits like boosting red blood cells, healing damaged skin and neutralises toxins.
Chlorophyllin can be absorbed by the body easily when compared to chlorophyll. However, more research is required. Additionally, research is also required if it is good for the body to absorb the nutrients better than the natural forms.
Health Benefits of liquid chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is present in all green veggies and even in frozen vegetables, whereas liquid chlorophyll is available in various forms like pills and capsules. There is less evidence for the claimed benefits. So, it is recommended to consume them from food sources like leafy green vegetables and sea vegetables.
Internal deodorant
Studies suggest that liquid chlorophyll may alleviate body odour. A human trial was conducted with 14 people affected with trimethylaminuria— a disorder that causes an unpleasant smell. The body will not be able to turn trimethylamine into a chemical that does not smell and result in a strong, fishy odour.
When those patients were treated with liquid chlorophyll, the level of fishy smell was reduced. The research also concluded that the use of liquid chlorophyll significantly improved the quality of life of people suffering from trimethylaminuria.
Antioxidants and anticancer properties
Chlorophyll contains antioxidant properties, which prevent oxidative cell damage. This property is linked to anticancer effects. According to an animal study conducted in 2018, chlorophyll significantly reduced pancreatic cancer cells in mice.
This concluded that people who consumed green leafy vegetables had a low incidence of cancer.
Wound healing
Liquid chlorophyll contains deodorising effect, which acts on foul-smelling wounds. So when applied topically, it aids wound healing. It is also added to ointments to fasten the healing process and for the cleaning process.
Improves liver detoxification
Liquid chlorophyll has been shown to enhance liver function and naturally has the ability to remove toxins from the body. The process is called detoxification. Animal studies were carried out with liquid chlorophyll, and it concluded that it has the ability to fight against liver damage and effectively detoxify the liver.
Treats haemoglobin deficiencies
Liquid chlorophyll has the potential to increase the count of red blood cells. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which has a similar structure to that of chlorophyll. So liquid chlorophyll can be effective for a person who has haemoglobin deficiencies.
According to a study conducted in 2016, a group of people was given liquid chlorophyll. Owing to its antioxidant property, chlorophyll helped increase the haemoglobin count.
Helps lose weight
Studies have been done to test the efficiency of weight loss. Theoretical studies support that liquid chlorophyll supports weight loss. The study also claimed that chlorophyll increases satiety and a feeling of fullness. This can reduce appetite and prevent overconsumption.
Benefits that need more research
To date, liquid chlorophyll has proved to have potent health benefits. There are animal and human studies that support this fact. However, further research is required in certain fields in the below-listed.
- Relieves constipation
- Improves digestion
- Reduces inflammation
- Prevents body odour
- Reduces yeast infection in patients with Candida.
Foods rich in chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is an important component of the plant, and it helps convert nutrients into nutrients. It is not only helpful to plants, but they also offer various health benefits to humans. Foods rich in chlorophyll are
- Kale
- Seaweed
- Spinach
- Wheatgrass
- Broccoli
- Parsley
- Alfalfa
- Kiwi
- Green grapes
- Green beans
- Romaine lettuce
- Arugula
Possible side effects
Supplements like liquid chlorophyll can have major health benefits and certain side effects. However, the side effects can be mild. The common side effect associated with liquid chlorophyll is associated with digestion.
Liquid chlorophyll is considered to be non-toxic. The digestion process starts in the mouth and travels through the digestive tract. So the side effects are commonly observed in the stomach part.
The symptoms were reported when they were taken in excess amounts. However, there is research that suggests the side effects of taking liquid chlorophyll are rare or low. Additionally, there is no evidence stating that liquid chlorophyll is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In some cases, chlorophyll can interfere with certain medications. Consuming chlorophyll supplements along with photosensitising drugs can increase the risk of sun damage and sunburn.
People taking medication for cancer, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, be watchful when taking liquid chlorophyll. These medications contain methotrexate, and chlorophyll supplements may delay the clearance or the rate at which it is removed from the body.
There is a risk of copper toxicity associated with chlorophyll supplements. One serving of liquid chlorophyll contains more than the daily recommended intake of copper.
Other side effects associated with orally taking liquid chlorophyll are green discolouration of urine or faeces, diarrhoea and black discolouration of the tongue.
Using chlorophyll supplements
Chlorophyll supplements are available in various formulations. They are available as drops that a person can add to water or in a drink and consume it. Some supplements come in capsule forms.
Most packages that contain chlorophyll supplements usually have instructions on how to use them. If it does not contain an instruction, consult your doctor or your nutritionist's advice before taking it.
The recommended dosage for liquid chlorophyll is approximately one teaspoon. When starting with it and you have an unpleasant taste, try with a smaller amount and increase the dosage gradually.
Many studies suggest that liquid chlorophyll capsule dosage is 100-300 milligrams. In most cases, these supplements are safe to consume. However, breastfeeding and pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming it.
Some common side effects of chlorophyll supplements are skin irritation and can cause stomach irritation. If you tend to experience severe symptoms, it is recommended to stop the supplements and consult your doctor.
Conclusion
Chlorophyll is considered nature’s food and contains various health benefits. Chlorophyll supplements have helped people with anaemia. A wide range of chlorophyll supplements are available online, and before taking them, consult your doctor.
Additionally, while taking liquid chlorophyll, choose the ones that are tested for purity, potency and safety. Look for the products that are FDA-regulated for supplements.
