Chlorophyll water is currently one of the most popular wellness drinks on the market. With more than 550.7 million views on TikTok and a 35% increase in searches for "benefits of chlorophyll water," according to the Pinterest Predicts 2023 Report, it's clear that people are taking an interest in this green pigment. But what are the real health benefits of chlorophyll water?
Firstly, let's understand what chlorophyll water is. Chlorophyll, a pigment found in plants, bacteria, and algae, is what gives plants their green color and is used to trap light for photosynthesis, according to Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and member of our Medical Expert Board.
Although chlorophyll is typically associated with the drops you can put in your water or smoothies, you can consume this pigment by eating certain green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and green beans. However, most people don't consume enough greens, so supplementing with chlorophyll water may be beneficial.
While further research is needed, there are some research-supported advantages to drinking chlorophyll water. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this plant-infused water and don't forget to check out 21 Superfoods That Are Surprisingly High in Protein, Say Dietitians for more health tips.
Receive an Antioxidant Boost
Chlorophyll is recognized for its antioxidant properties, as previously mentioned. However, what does this indicate for our well-being, other than the possibility of skin benefits? According to Antioxidants, a publication from the National Library of Medicine, chlorophyll's antioxidant characteristics allow it to postpone the "oxidative cell damage" triggered by free radicals.
If you're unfamiliar with free radicals, these molecules are formed as a result of consuming food or exposure to tobacco products. While having free radicals is not inherently harmful, these molecules are unstable and can contribute to quicker aging and a higher risk of chronic disease via oxidative cell damage if they are not balanced out by antioxidants. According to Pharmacognosy Reviews, it's the equilibrium between antioxidants and free radicals that maintains your body's equilibrium and stops free radicals from taking over.
Benefit Your Skin with This
Chlorophyll water offers a skin health benefit from the inside out, which is one of the many advantages of consuming it. This may explain why this water has become so popular on TikTok.
"The antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities of chlorophyll water make it an excellent beverage for promoting healthy skin," explains Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, at Balance One Supplements, in an interview with Eat This, Not That! "The antioxidants function in the body to reduce and eliminate toxins and oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Although the impact of this harm on overall health is often discussed, its impact on the skin is not. The skin is more susceptible to damage and aging, with issues such as fine lines and wrinkles, dry patches, and so on."
Best also highlights the antimicrobial effects of chlorophyll water, which means its ability to eliminate specific bacteria.
"The advantages of chlorophyll water make it uninviting to the growth of bacteria, which can help decrease acne," adds Best. "The anti-inflammatory qualities help in reducing skin inflammation, which, if not addressed, can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles."
Benefit Your Body Odor with This
Surprisingly, chlorophyll may function as a natural deodorant for certain individuals when ingested. For instance, it could be helpful for individuals with trimethylaminuria—a health issue in which an individual's body cannot transform trimethylamine (TMA) into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) effectively, leading to a fish-like odor. However, according to a study published in Life Sciences, regular intake of chlorophyllin—the water-soluble type of chlorophyll—enabled participants to raise their TMAO levels, which reportedly helped decrease their fishy odor scent.
Areas Requiring Further Research
Although there are certain potential benefits associated with chlorophyll water, further research is required to confirm some of these effects. For instance, some studies suggest that chlorophyll may have anti-cancer properties, but these conclusions are largely based on animal research. While some animal studies show promising results, it is unclear if the same effects can be seen in humans.
It is essential to note that consuming chlorophyll water is a practical way of supplementing this pigment. However, consuming green vegetables is the most effective way to benefit from the advantages of consuming chlorophyll. According to Young, fresh or frozen vegetables are the best way to increase chlorophyll intake since they contain other essential nutrients, making it a win-win.