Benefits and Risks of Liquid Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is present in plants. It is the green pigment present in plants that helps absorb energy and produce food by the process of photosynthesis. But is it good for your health too? It is believed that consuming chlorophyll can have health benefits for us too. It is important to know the benefits and risks of liquid chlorophyll.

A lot is spoken about green drinks made of liquid chlorophyll and their health benefits. Chlorophyllin has been used as an internal deodorant to treat slow-healing or bad-smelling wounds.¹ While the benefits of liquid chlorophyll are still being investigated, some studies and reviews have shown its importance in certain areas.

Experts believe that chlorophyll is an antioxidant that helps boost your health. But when it comes to supplements, it is chlorophyllin, which is a water-soluble form of chlorophyll.² It is commonly used as a supplement or even added to medicines and food colorings. This supplement contains copper and sodium, which are added to make it easier to digest and absorb.

It is believed that chlorophyll and chlorophyllin have antioxidant properties and can have anti-cancer effects. Studies have been conducted that suggest that chlorophyll can reduce cancerous tumors in an animal model, while chlorophyllin gave the same protection. A study result published in 2009 demonstrated the chemopreventive effect of natural chlorophyll against liver and stomach carcinogenesis in trout when it was given by dietary co-exposure with the carcinogen.³

A study showed that sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) supplementation before meals substantially reduced a urinary biomarker in a Chinese population at high risk of liver cancer.⁴ It also concluded that natural chlorophylls can offer protective effects against the consequences of exposure to carcinogens in animals. Thus, supplementation of diets with chlorophyll-rich foods can be an effective approach to chemoprevention.

Green plants and vegetables are known for their beneficial properties like antioxidants and detoxification effects. These could be due to chlorophyll present in them or their metabolites. In 2016 a study was done on the model system Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects of chlorophyll in vivo. It was shown that chlorophyll significantly improves resistance to oxidative stress. and also enhances the lifespan of C. elegans by up to 25%. The study thus concludes that green vegetables may also be beneficial for humans.⁵

There is some research showing the benefits of liquid chlorophyll to fight acne. Other than that it could be related to the antioxidant properties that make it popular in skin health. Owing to these potential benefits, it is widely used in several skin care products.

Studies have reported that chlorophyll improves facial wrinkles and elasticity in women over 45 years of age, who were given chlorophyll extract supplement for 90 days. This is attributed to its antioxidant properties.⁶

As chlorophyll can help fight liver damage it is clear that it promotes the detoxification process, thus Studies have shown that chlorophyll is bioavailable as a prerequisite for antioxidants and activities that promote longevity, hence useful for detoxification activities.

Some studies have also concluded that chlorophyll extracts from mint, broccoli, thyme, and bell pepper can have influences blood sugar.⁷

While there is not much evidence, more research is warranted about the benefits of liquid chlorophyll in other areas like weight loss. One study concluded that bell pepper extracts and juice can have benefits regarding body weight and further studies are needed.⁷

To add to the benefits of liquid chlorophyll, experts suggest that liquid chlorophyll may be better than supplements in the tablet form, as that could help in easy and better absorption.²

Natural foods containing chlorophyll may not cause any harm unless you are allergic or intolerant to that particular food substance. While most of it is plant-based it can be easy on your tummy but if you have an extra sensitive tummy you may want to be more cautious.

Consuming chlorophyllin supplements or liquid chlorophyll can have some side effects, particularly tummy upset. These may be more common if taken in excess or in a way that doesn’t suit you.

Some of the common risks of liquid chlorophyll can include:

• Digestive issues
• Diarrhea
• Green or dark-colored stool
• Increased sensitivity of the skin, particularly on exposure to sunlight

The application of liquid chlorophyll can increase the risk of skin allergies or reactions. It can cause burning, itching, and redness of the skin.

There is not much information about the benefits and risks of liquid chlorophyll in pregnant or lactating women.

Ideally, chlorophyll can be obtained by consuming green vegetables as it is present in green plants. That’s the reason green and leafy vegetables always top the list of healthy foods. The antioxidant and detoxifying properties make green smoothies the best choice for your detox diet days. It is a form of liquid chlorophyll and there are easier ways of consuming it.

Apart from this, you may consider having liquid chlorophyll as a supplement. However, it is best to seek a medical opinion before consuming any supplement and liquid chlorophyll is no exception to it.

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