© Shutterstock

Photosynthesis -

Who remembers biology class? Photosynthesis might be a distant memory, but to refresh: it's how plants make energy from sunlight, so they can convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen.

© Shutterstock

Photosynthesis -

Key to this process of photosynthesis is a dark green pigment found in plants and algae. This natural compound is called chlorophyll.

© Shutterstock

Chlorophyll -

Chlorophyll contains vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties that have the potential to benefit the body. You can get chlorophyll from plants or supplements.

© Shutterstock

Chlorophyll -

Chlorophyll is present in most green vegetables. Foods that are packed with chlorophyll include spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, parsley, broccoli, chlorella, spirulina, parsley, and matcha green tea.

© Shutterstock

Chlorophyll -

Wheatgrass is particularly rich in chlorophyll. It's available for consumption as a powder, juice, or capsule.

© Shutterstock

Chlorophyllin -

Liquid chlorophyll, technically known as chlorophyllin, is the human-made, concentrated extract of the plant substance.

© Shutterstock

Chlorophyllin -

Chlorophyllin contains copper instead of the magnesium that's found in naturally occurring chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin is water-soluble, and better absorbed by the body.

© Shutterstock

Better absorption -

In tests where doses of chlorophyllin were taken, the copper can be detected in blood plasma. This implies absorption has occurred.

© Shutterstock

Popularity on social media -

Chlorophyll water gained a cult following on social media thanks to how prominently it featured in many influencers' curated 'morning routines.'

© Shutterstock

Benefits -

Chlorophyll has been regarded as having health benefits for decades. A variety of studies have suggested it might be helpful for a number of health issues.

© Shutterstock

Benefits -

Some of the claims about chlorophyll's potential benefits are associated with treating skin conditions, neutralizing body odors, and fighting certain kinds of cancer.

© Shutterstock

Skin health -

In some studies, chlorophyllin, the liquid form of chlorophyll, has been shown to reduce inflammation. In pilot studies, topical chlorophyllin gel use improved acne and large pores, plus sun-damaged skin, over periods of weeks.

© Shutterstock

Antioxidants -

Studies have found that chlorophyll and its derivatives act as antioxidants. These wonder compounds fight free radicals in the body, helping to prevent skin and cell damage.

© Shutterstock

Anti-aging -

Chlorophyll is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, which promote healthy-looking skin through cellular repair and skin rejuvenation. In this way, chlorophyll has potential anti-aging benefits.

© Shutterstock

Blood builder -

It's also claimed liquid chlorophyll can improve the quality of red blood cells. In a pilot study, wheatgrass, which is very high in chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in patients taking part. However, the study's authors didn't conclude chlorophyll was the reason why.

© Shutterstock

Detoxification -

The structure of chlorophyll in plants is very similar to hemoglobin in red blood cells, which might aid the body's natural detoxification pathways by encouraging greater circulation of oxygen and energy. However, more research must be conducted to say this definitively.

© Shutterstock

Weight management -

One of the biggest claims about chlorophyll is its potential to aid weight loss. Unfortunately, research is limited. The existing research suggests it can reduce harmful cholesterol levels, but more studies are needed.

© Shutterstock

Cancer -

In animal studies, chlorophyll has been shown to reduce the incidence of liver tumors and significantly decrease pancreatic tumor size. Trials are underway to understand how chlorophyll consumption can impact liver and colon cancer risk in humans.

© Shutterstock

Natural deodorant -

Since the 1940s, chlorophyllin has been used as a natural deodorant, but studies show mixed results. Claims about its ability to reduce bad breath also aren't backed by research.

© Shutterstock

Wound healing -

Studies from the 1940s and '50s suggested chlorophyll might help to heal surgical wounds and prevent infections. A medication containing chlorophyllin was shown to reduce odor and promote wound healing in a 2008 review.

© Shutterstock

Other claims that need more research -

More research is needed to investigate claims that chlorophyll consumption can help with hormonal balance, increasing energy, and providing relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia.

© Shutterstock

Risks -

Although natural chlorophyll and chlorophyllin aren't known to be toxic, their consumption does come with a risk of digestive problems, diarrhea, strange stools, or itching/burning (when topically applied).

© Shutterstock

Risks -

Researchers haven't explored the risks of taking chlorophyll for pregnant or breastfeeding women, something to be aware of if you're expecting or nursing.

© Shutterstock

Supplements -

Chlorophyll supplements are available at most health food stores, in the form of powders, capsules, tablets, ointments, sprays, or liquids.

© Shutterstock

Dosage -

Generally, the recommended daily consumption of chlorophyllin supplements is between 100 mg and 300 mg per day, spaced out over three separate doses.

© Shutterstock

Dosage -

For liquid chlorophyll, usually it's recommended to take around 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of the supplement, added to water. You can add more water to reduce the taste, if you notice one.

© Shutterstock

Interaction -

Ask a doctor or nutritionist for advice before taking the supplement, if you're concerned about the potential risks or are taking medication.

© Shutterstock

At home liquid chlorophyll -

You can make your own liquid chlorophyll at home. Blending three ounces of parsley with water makes about 2 tablespoons of chlorophyll.

© Shutterstock

Food sources -

Vegetables and herbs that are green, inside and out, will provide the biggest source of chlorophyll. Most greens average between 4 mg to 15 mg per cup.

Sources: (Byrdie) (Healthline) (Forbes Health) (Medical News Today)

See also: Are turmeric supplements worth the money?

© Shutterstock