With wellness trends rising and fading overnight, it’s become increasingly difficult to actually understand what is beneficial for your health. Videos of people dropping liquid chlorophyll into their water as part of their morning routines have me questioning whether this practice is just a visually appealing trend of the moment or something that can truly improve your well-being.

Benefits of Chlorophyll:

Chlorophyll has been praised for its role in antioxidant activity and has been said to possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects while also supporting metabolic regulation. The compound is believed to have detoxifying effects, with some evidence suggesting that it plays a role in removing endocrine-disruptors from the body. However, while a 2023 study cites these potential benefits, the same research also suggests that the data today is too limited to suggest that chlorophyll, when taken as a supplement, will have considerable benefits for one’s health. It is, however, suggested to increase intake of foods naturally containing chlorophyll. These include dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, etc. 

With that being said, influencer testimonies on social media have also praised chlorophyll as a supplement. Many claim it is the reason for their glowing skin, while others suggest its utility as a de-bloating mechanism. However, with actual scientific research and clinical trials on chlorophyll’s effects being limited, it’s too early to say if it’s actually the cause behind such improvements in well-being.

Who actually needs to be consuming this?

Given that, as of today, chlorophyll is not considered an essential nutrient, there is no particular recommendation or efficiency threshold for one’s intake of it. However, it could be particularly useful for those with a low fruit or vegetable intake or people in occupations that expose them to environmental toxins. On the other hand, those following a vegetarian or vegan diet / plant-based eaters are likely to not need the supplement, as those diets are generally rich in chlorophyll on their own. 

For the ordinary person, however, it’s best to increase intake of whole foods containing chlorophyll, rather than taking it as a supplement. The best way of doing so is to incorporate leafy greens like spinach into smoothies on a regular basis or by ensuring intake of salads with most meals.