Chlorophyll is a natural compound in plants that helps to absorb energy from sunlight and convert it into nutrients. It's also what gives plants their bright green color.
Liquid chlorophyll supplements have quickly become a trend on social media for their mesmerizing green color when added to water. It's available in different forms from topicals, capsules, and liquid drops with many health gurus claiming that it has properties that support cancer prevention, wound healing, acne treatments, weight loss, and body odor control.
In this article, we'll get to the bottom of the proven advantages of supplementing chlorophyll to your diet, how to choose a quality product, and how to use it.
TL;DR:
- Chlorophyll is a fat-soluble compound in plants responsible for the green color and supports photosynthesis function
- Pure chlorophyll is difficult for the body to absorb, so a compound made from chlorophyll called chlorophyllin is used instead because it's water-soluble and has higher bioavailability.
- Chlorophyllin may support healthy inflammation, energy levels, and skin health.
- Chlorophyllin is safe to use daily for most people and comes in many different formats. The most popular is liquid chlorophyll with natural flavorings to add to water.
What Are Chlorophyll Supplements Made From?
Mulberry leaf is a common source of chlorophyll supplements because of its high chlorophyll content and sustainability, but you can also find supplements made from algae, wheatgrass, and spirulina.
Pure chlorophyll is a fat-soluble compound and has been found to have a poor absorption rate in the digestive system, which is why chlorophyll supplements are actually made from chlorophyllin—a mixture of sodium color salts that are derived from chlorophyll.
Chlorophyllin has a much higher bioavailability in the gut because it is water-soluble.
Where Can You Find Natural Sources of Chlorophyll In Your Diet?
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, arugula, and broccoli are rich in chlorophyll and fairly easy to add to your diet, but there are other foods that are high in chlorophyll too like seaweed, wheatgrass, spirulina, green tea matcha powder, and hemp flowers.
The most convenient way to get the benefits of chlorophyll is with high-quality liquid chlorophyll supplements.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll has also been dubbed the title of "nature's lifeforce" as it helps plants absorb energy from the sun to create nutrients to support life on earth.
There are countless anecdotal reports of wellness enthusiasts and experts who claim that starting their mornings with chlorophyll water helps to make them feel more energetic, look younger, and reduce bloating. While chlorophyll supplementation does have its benefits, there's not a lot of research to substantiate all these claims, so it's important to be aware of what's actually supported by studies.
1. Support Acne & Wound Healing
Many people are turning to topical chlorophyll products to clear up their mild acne and speed the process of wound healing.
A dermatological study found that in three weeks, the ten participants that used copper chlorophyllin showed significant improvement in their mild-moderate acne without any side effects [2].
Another preclinical study found that chlorophyllin applied topically in an ointment preparation helped to speed the healing of lesions thanks to its potential anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties [3].
2. Healthy Inflammation Support
Chlorophyll is suggested to have anti-inflammatory benefits, which is perhaps why many ancient medicines often prescribed green leafy vegetables as a treatment for many ailments.
Studies have investigated the potential anti-inflammatory actions of chlorophyll supplements and found that the degradation of the green compound, pheophorbide-a, may inhibit the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine (NF-κB), an enzyme that triggers inflammation [4].
3. Antioxidant Properties
Beauty and health gurus are swearing by topical and internal supplementation of chlorophyllin for anti-aging through its antioxidant effects.
Antioxidants help to fight against free-radical damage to a cell's DNA that leads to pre-mature aging, cell death, and mutations.
Chlorophyll supplements may have these antioxidant effects when taken consistently alongside a diet that's rich in fresh green vegetables, but it's still not as potent as other natural forms of antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C [5].
4. Healthy Digestion Support
Part of maintaining good digestion is nurturing a healthy microbiome with good bacteria. Water-soluble chlorophyllin has been found to support gut health through its antibacterial properties that help to eliminate harmful bacteria while keeping good bacteria safe [6].
This can help explain some of the claims that liquid chlorophyllin supplementation helps to reduce bloating.
How To Take Liquid Chlorophyll Drops
Chlorophyll supplements come in many different forms—capsules, sprays, liquid, and powder.
Before reaching for chlorophyll supplements, we strongly recommend speaking with your doctor for advice. There aren't enough studies on the effects of supplementing chlorophyllin on pregnant women to prove its safety, so in this instance, it should be avoided.
The most popular form of chlorophyllin supplements is the liquid drops that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the gut that comes in a variety of flavor options like mint to make it taste refreshing.
We recommend taking your liquid chlorophyll in in the morning as part of your daily routine in a glass of water or smoothie and a light breakfast to improve its absorption. Make sure you follow the dosage and instructions on your product to avoid accidentally taking too much and risking adverse effects.
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Chlorophyll Supplements?
Liquid chlorophyll is found to be safe and non-toxic when used in moderation, but that doesn't mean it's completely without potential side effects. This is why it's important to choose a high-quality chlorophyll supplement made from clean sources and to follow the recommended guidelines.
Some of the reported adverse effects of chlorophyll supplementation include:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation (when applied topically)
- Discoloration in stool
Introducing Neurogan's Liquid Chlorophyll Supplements
Our brand's philosophy is centered on honesty and integrity in all our products to support our customers' well-being. We're excited to offer a liquid chlorophyll supplement that's effective and tastes great.
We source our high-grade sodium copper chlorophyllin from mulberry leaves because it's a herb that's turned to for supporting blood glucose levels and healthy inflammation.
Mulberry leaves are also much more sustainable and high in chlorophyll than many other popular sources.
Take one dropper full of our liquid chlorophyllin supplement naturally flavored with mint for a 50MG of chlorophyllin to kick-start your morning or when you need a mid-day boost of energy and focus.
The Takeaway: Health Benefits Of Chlorophyll Supplements
When any supplement becomes a health trend, you'll find yourself inundated with outrageous potential health benefits—liquid chlorophyll has become one of those compounds.
The truth is that there's limited research available on the effects of chlorophyllin supplements, but it does show a lot of potential health benefits towards supporting healthy digestion, inflammation, and improving skin complexion.
You can find natural chlorophyll in green, leafy vegetables, but when you can't seem to find time to eat a diet rich in fresh, green vegetables, supplementing chlorophyll is the next best thing you can do. What you're getting in chlorophyll supplements is not actually pure chlorophyll—and that's because its absorption rate is found to be very poor. Sodium-copper chlorophyllin is a natural derivative from chlorophyll that's been found to be much more shelf-stable and better absorbed in the gut.
You should speak with your doctor for medical advice before starting on any supplements, especially if you're on medication, are pregnant, or have an underlying health condition.
FAQ
What is Liquid Chlorophyll?
Liquid chlorophyll is a green pigment extracted from plants, primarily used as a dietary supplement. It closely resembles the structure of natural chlorophyll found in plants and is believed to provide potential health benefits, such as antioxidant and detoxifying properties.
What are the benefits of Liquid Chlorophyll?
Liquid chlorophyll is believed to boost red blood cell production, aid in weight loss, and promote skin healing. It is also thought to possess detoxifying properties, reduce inflammation, and potentially contribute to cancer prevention.
When to take Liquid Chlorophyll?
We recommend taking your liquid chlorophyll in the morning as part of your daily routine, mixed in a glass of water or smoothie, along with a light breakfast to enhance its absorption. Follow the recommended dosage and instructions provided on the product to avoid any potential risks of consuming excessive amounts.
How long does Liquid Chlorophyll last?
The shelf life of liquid chlorophyll can vary depending on the brand, storage conditions, and preservatives used. When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, liquid chlorophyll can last for several months to a year.
Does Liquid Chlorophyll work with Acne?
Due to its antimicrobial properties, liquid chlorophyll is believed to have the ability to reduce swelling associated with acne. Additionally, its green color can help mask the redness commonly observed in acne-prone skin, neutralizing its appearance.
Does Chlorophyll help with bloating?
Chlorophyll is believed to support digestion by promoting beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, potentially leading to a reduction in bloating and alleviation of IBS symptoms. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties may help eliminate harmful bacteria while maintaining the healthy ones.
Can you drink Chlorophyll while pregnant?
Using chlorophyllin is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children under 18 years of age.
Is it better to take Chlorophyll in pills or liquid?
Liquid chlorophyll supplements might be preferable over tablet form as they are more easily absorbed by the body, potentially offering better value. Both chlorophyll pills and liquid forms can be effective, the choice may vary based on the user's comfort and desired method of consumption.
What does Liquid Chlorophyll taste like?
Liquid chlorophyll is relatively tasteless but may have a plant-like, earthy undertone. Some people may find it slightly bitter or herbaceous, similar to the taste of green vegetables.
Resources:
- Stephens, T. J., McCook, J. P., & Herndon Jr, J. H. (2015). Pilot Study of Topical Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Acne and Large Pores. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 14(6), 589-592.
- Smith, L. W., & Livingston, A. E. (1945). Wound healing: an experimental study of water soluble chlorophyll derivatives in conjunction with various antibacterial agents. The American Journal of Surgery, 67(1), 30-39.
- Subramoniam, A., Asha, V. V., Nair, S. A., Sasidharan, S. P., Sureshkumar, P. K., Rajendran, K. N., ... & Ramalingam, K. (2012). Chlorophyll revisited: anti-inflammatory activities of chlorophyll a and inhibition of expression of TNF-α gene by the same. Inflammation, 35(3), 959-966.
- Pérez-Gálvez A, Viera I, Roca M. Carotenoids and Chlorophylls as Antioxidants. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(6):505. Published 2020 Jun 9. doi:10.3390/antiox9060505
- Zheng, H., You, Y., Hua, M., Wu, P., Liu, Y., Chen, Z., ... & Han, Y. P. (2018). Chlorophyllin modulates gut microbiota and inhibits intestinal inflammation to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis in mice. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 1671.
