From Liquid Chlorophyll to Proffee: The Truth About TikTok Health Hacks

The relentless cycle of viral health hacks on platforms like TikTok makes it nearly impossible to distinguish legitimate wellness strategies from expensive fads. In 2025, we have clearer scientific data on many of these trends. The core takeaway is simple: most viral hacks offer modest, supplementary benefits at best, and few are true “miracle cures.”

Here is a scientifically backed breakdown of which of the most popular TikTok health trends are worth integrating into your routine and which you can skip.

Liquid chlorophyll, often sold as a water-soluble derivative called chlorophyllin, surged in popularity with claims of detoxifying the body, increasing energy, and achieving “clear skin from within.”

• Detoxification and Energy: This is largely a myth. The human body, equipped with highly efficient organs like the liver and kidneys, does not require supplemental chlorophyll for detoxification. Claims of “boosting energy” are generally anecdotal and lack rigorous clinical backing.
• Skin Health: There is modest evidence for topical use, not ingestion. Some small, older studies suggested that applying a chlorophyllin gel to the skin, often in combination with phototherapy, might help reduce the appearance of acne lesions and improve signs of photoaging (sun damage). This effect is likely due to its antioxidant properties and mild anti-inflammatory action, but it is not a direct consequence of drinking the liquid.
• Blood-Building: Chlorophyll’s chemical structure is remarkably similar to hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells). While researchers have explored this link, often citing wheatgrass juice, which is rich in natural chlorophyll, the evidence remains insufficient to recommend chlorophyllin supplements as a proven treatment for anemia or other blood deficiencies.

Proffee, the combination of coffee and protein powder, is one of the more logical and scientifically sound trends to emerge from social media. It serves as a simple and convenient way to combine the benefits of two powerful compounds.

• Satiety and Weight Management: This hack has strong scientific grounding. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it helps you feel fuller for longer. By starting your day with a high-protein dose, Proffee helps reduce overall calorie intake later in the day, a key factor in weight management. Additionally, caffeine is a proven, albeit modest, thermogenic agent that can slightly boost metabolism and temporarily suppress appetite.
• Muscle Maintenance and Recovery: The protein component is crucial for muscle protein synthesis (repair and building muscle tissue), especially when consumed around a workout. The caffeine in the coffee enhances performance and focus, making Proffee an excellent pre- or post-workout fuel.
• Controlling Sugar Intake: By using a flavored protein powder, many people replace high-calorie, high-sugar creamers and syrups, making their morning coffee a nutrient-dense substitute for an unhealthy breakfast.

Sea moss, or Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), is a red algae that is being marketed as a superfood containing up to 92 of the 102 minerals the human body needs. It is typically consumed as a thick, gelatinous gel.

• Thyroid Health: Sea moss is naturally rich in iodine, an essential trace element required for the production of thyroid hormones. For individuals with an iodine deficiency (common in certain populations), moderate consumption can be beneficial. However, too much iodine can also cause thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism), meaning dosage must be carefully monitored.
• Gut Health and Immunity: Sea moss contains significant amounts of soluble fiber and complex carbohydrates (like carrageenans) that act as prebiotics. These compounds resist digestion in the upper gut and are fermented by beneficial colon bacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that support gut barrier integrity and immunity.
• Potential Risks (Heavy Metals and Iodine): As a marine algae, sea moss can accumulate heavy metals (such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead) from the water it grows in. The high, unregulated iodine content also poses a risk, particularly for those with pre-existing thyroid conditions.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine and the most popular adaptogen on social media. An adaptogen is a substance believed to help the body “adapt” to stress and restore normal function.

• Stress and Cortisol Reduction: Ashwagandha has strong, evidence-backed efficacy in this area. Clinical trials consistently show that supplementation can significantly reduce serum cortisol (the primary stress hormone) levels in chronically stressed adults. The active compounds, known as withanolides, help modulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body’s central stress response system.
• Anxiety and Sleep: Because it calms the stress response, Ashwagandha is often effective at reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving sleep quality (specifically, sleep onset latency and overall duration), particularly in those with stress-related insomnia. Its effects are often described as being anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and calming, unlike some other stimulants or supplements.
• Safety and Dosage: Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated when used for a few months. Standardized extracts (like KSM-66 or Sensoril) often concentrate the active withanolides, providing more reliable results than raw powder.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a fermented juice whose main active component is acetic acid. TikTok users claim it’s a cure-all for weight loss, gut health, and blood sugar control.

• Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity: This is ACV’s strongest area of support. Multiple human studies show that consuming ACV before a high-carbohydrate meal can help reduce post-meal blood glucose spikes and improve insulin sensitivity. This benefit is particularly noted in individuals with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
• Weight Loss: Modest evidence. A recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that daily ACV intake (around 2 tablespoons) could lead to small, short-term reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, primarily when consumed by adults with overweight or obesity. However, these effects are minor compared to dietary changes or exercise.
• Gut Health: ACV is a fermented product and contains probiotics (the “mother” culture). However, its primary component, acetic acid, is not known to be a significant prebiotic that selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria in the way fiber does. The gut benefits are primarily associated with the fermentation process, not the acid itself.

Before spending money on any viral trend, remember the fundamental pillars of health; sleep, nutrition, exercise, and hydration offer 90% of the benefits these supplements promise.

The hacks that prove most valuable (Proffee and Ashwagandha) simply help you achieve those fundamentals: Proffee by meeting protein needs and Ashwagandha by improving sleep and stress response. The others (Chlorophyll and ACV) offer minor, supplementary health support, but are no substitute for a balanced diet.