LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL: WHAT IS IT AND DOES IT HAVE BENEFITS?

In our younger years, we learned that chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that helps turn sunlight into energy. Hello, photosynthesis! Recently this phytonutrient—in liquid supplement form—has burst onto the scene with all sorts of touted benefits. While chlorophyll is vital to plants, does it make sense for humans to take it?

Related Reading: LOOKING FOR A LIFESTYLE CHANGE? 5 TIPS TO ACHIEVE HOLISTIC HEALTH

WHAT IS LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL?

Plants absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and magnesium from the soil. Along with elements in the air (oxygen and carbon dioxide), they can then make chlorophyll. Once this compound is created, the plant’s job is to absorb light to create energy in the form of glucose (sugar).¹

Interestingly, chlorophyll absorbs all colors of light except green. The green wavelength of light is reflected back from the plant, producing the green color that we see. In fact, the leaves of many plants have all different color pigments in them: orange, red, yellow, purple, etc. Each plant contains different pigment compounds such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. Chlorophyll conceals these colors until fall, when leaves stop making food due to shorter days and drops in temperature. With chlorophyll gone, tree peeping is at its peak with all the other colors shining through!²

While chlorophyll is naturally found in plants, chlorophyllin is partly synthetic. Chlorophyllin is made in part by replacing naturally occurring magnesium with copper salts. This version is water soluble, meaning it can be dissolved in water, whereas natural chlorophyll is fat soluble.³

ANTIOXIDANT POWER

Plants are packed with phytochemicals, the biologically active, natural compounds plants create. These plant chemicals not only give fruits, veggies and other plants their color, aroma and flavor, but they also protect the plant against harm such as from insects and UV light. These phytochemicals have been studied intensely for their potential benefits in humans as well, with many wielding antioxidant powers.⁴

Antioxidants are best known most for their ability to protect cells from free radicals. Free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), are common in the body and are formed naturally during the body’s metabolic processes. The good news is that the body has built-in ways to help neutralize these harmful substances. The bad news is that sometimes ROS may accumulate faster than they can be destroyed. Scientists theorize that an overload of free radicals may damage our cells and DNA, potentially playing a role in the development of health conditions.⁵

LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL BENEFITS

Chlorophyll is a phytochemical that has been studied mostly for its antioxidant abilities. Research on cells indicates chlorophyllin may not only neutralize free radicals but may also buffer cell damage in the process.^6, 7, 8

In a small, randomized, controlled clinical trial on healthy females, researchers found that chlorophyllin’s antioxidant capabilities may be beneficial for skin health when applied topically.⁹

WHAT ELSE IS LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL USED FOR?

Liquid chlorophyll has many rumored uses as a deodorant and also potential wound-healing properties.³ Unfortunately research has not been able to prove all that this phytonutrient is touted for.

CHLOROPHYLL-FULL FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Since chlorophyll is so integral to a plant’s ability to make energy, all plants contain chlorophyll. Some are higher in this phytochemical than others. As you can imagine, the greener the fruit or vegetable, the more chlorophyll that produce contains.

Here are some of the higher chlorophyll-containing vegetables: spinach, parsley, lettuce, endive, leek, sugar peas, green beans, Chinese cabbage, zucchini and artichoke.

Interestingly, chopping foods seems to damage chlorophyll levels the most. Steaming may result in less chlorophyll loss than boiling. Thawing frozen produce may cause a significant amount of degradation of this phytochemical. This may indicate that eating fresh vegetables and fruits could provide a higher amount of chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll supplements have boomed in the last few years. Due to shelf stability, it’s often more expensive to purchase natural chlorophyll in supplement form. Green algae chlorella, wheatgrass and spirulina are often marketed as sources of chlorophyll. On the other hand, chlorophyllin is easier and cheaper to find over the counter. It can be found in both capsule as well as liquid form.

^{4. Mahan, K. and Escott-Stump, S. (2004) Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy 11th edition. Saunders.}