The supplements that were once hard to find are now readily available in the market. Which means one thing—health and wellness trends are emerging faster than ever before. And in this case, they come in little bottles with glass droppers. Meet liquid chlorophyll—the latest Gen Z health trend that’s taking over the internet. Instagrammers have been drinking glasses of water infused with the potent green liquid for alleged benefits including but not limited to clear skin, minimised body odour, and general ‘detoxification’. Let’s see what the hype is all about.

What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is most commonly known as the green pigment that allows plants to absorb energy from sunlight. It also contains vitamins A, C, K and antioxidants that have the potential to benefit your body. Over the counter chlorophyll supplements come in the form of chlorophyllin, which contains copper, and its effects can be traced in your plasma.

 

The benefits of chlorophyll

• Improves the quality of blood

According to research conducted by Dr R.K. Marwaha, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Center, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India, wheatgrass, which contains about 70 percent chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in people with thalassemia, a blood disorder. Suggesting that chlorophyll, when taken in the form of wheatgrass, can significantly improve the quality of red blood cells.

• Heals damaged skin

A study by Dr Monya L Sigler, Thomas J. Stephens & Association, Carrollton, Texas, USA found that topical formulation containing chlorophyllin was shown to be clinically effective and well tolerated for the treatment of sun-damaged skin when used for 8 weeks.

• Aids healthy weight loss

A study by Dr Caroline Montelius, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Appetite Regulation Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan, Sweden states that green-plant membrane supplementation (including chlorophyll) for 90?days induced significant weight loss in a group of 38 women.

• Neutralises body odours

A research by Dr Hiroshi Yamazaki, Laboratory of Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan found that consuming chlorophyllin significantly decreased bad body odour in a group of people suffering from trimethylaminuria.

The possible risks
When derived in their natural state, chlorophyll and chlorophyllin aren’t inherently toxic but there can be a few side effects which include:

• Diarrhoea
• Skin irritation
• Digestive problems

The Bottom Line
Although liquid chlorophyll is the most popular variant, the supplement also comes in the form of powders, tablets, ointments and sprays, and can be added to green juices, smoothies and sauces or simply consumed as detox water. The ointments and sprays can be used topically but always consult your doctor to avoid any side-effects like itching, stinging or burning. And if you don’t want to take chlorophyll in supplement form, you can easily include it in your diet by increasing your intake of vegetables like spinach, parsley, and arugula and by replacing your morning coffee with a cup of ceremonial matcha.