You may have heard of chlorophyll, but not know exactly how it can benefit you. Chlorophyll is a pigment that is responsible for the absorption of light in a plant, according to Jillian Levy, CHHC. One of the primary ways of including chlorophyll in your diet is by eating green vegetables, like alfalfa, spinach, and wheatgrass. Other ways are through taking supplements, like drops, pills, or capsules. Why should you consider adding chlorophyll to your diet? Here are five benefits as to why you should.
Improves Liver Detoxification
Chlorophyll helps protect healthy cells and bodily tissue by increasing phase II biotransformation enzymes, according to Levy. What this does, it promotes optimal liver health which improves the body’s natural elimination of potentially harmful toxins. According to Levy, early studies involving animals show that chlorophyllin may reduce the risk for aflatoxin-induced liver damage or liver cancer by increasing the activity of these phase II enzymes and removing bodily toxins.
Acne Treatment
According to Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D., topical chlorophyll may have potential as an acne treatment. A 2015 study published in J Drugs Dermatol, found that a gel containing chlorophyllin helped reduce facial acne and large visible pores. The 10 people who completed the study had mild to moderate acne and used the chlorophyllin gel for 3 weeks.
Blood-building Properties
Chlorophyll is chemically similar to hemoglobin, a protein that is essential in red blood cells as it carries oxygen in your body. Some people suggest that liquid chlorophyll can build your blood by improving the quality of red blood cells, says Westphalen. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Chemical Studies, suggested that wheatgrass juice, which is rich in chlorophyll, may be helpful in treating hemoglobin deficiency disorders, such as anemia and thalassemia.
Improves Digestion and Weight Loss
Another way that chlorophyll improves detoxification is by speeding up waste elimination, balancing fluid levels, and reducing cases of constipation, says Levy. This can be beneficial for your metabolism and increase the likelihood of weight loss. A 2014 study conducted by the Department of Experimental Medical Science at Lund University in Sweden found that chlorophyll supplements taken along with a high-carbohydrate meal decreased feelings of hunger, elevated cholecystokinin levels, and helped prevent hypoglycemia in overweight women.
A Natural Deodorant
A 1960 study published by the American Gastroenterological Association suggested that chlorophyll may reduce odors for people who have had a colostomy. Another study published in 1980 by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted that chlorophyll improved lover body odor in older adults living in nursing homes. Westphalen says that today some deodorants and mouthwashes contain chlorophyll.
https://www.healthline.com/health/liquid-chlorophyll-benefits-risks#benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322361#benefits
https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961615P0589X
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(60)80039-X/abstract
https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1980.tb00124.x