🌿 Liquid Gold: How Are You Taking Chlorophyll? (Either
Way, The Girls Are Glowing!)
Liquid chlorophyll is the biggest wellness trend to hit social media, promising everything from clear skin and energy to internal deodorising. We dive into the science behind 'plant blood,' explain the best ways to consume it (drops vs. capsules), discuss its actual health benefits (hint: iron and detoxification), and advise on safe dosing and what to look for on the label. Find out why 'the girls are glowing' and how to safely incorporate this green elixir into your routine.
If you’ve spent any time on social media over the past few years, you’ve
likely stumbled upon the phenomenon of liquid chlorophyll. Videos featuring
iridescent green water, glowing skin, and effusive testimonials have dominated
feeds, often accompanied by the playful declaration: "How are you
taking the chlorophyll? Either way, the girls are..." (usually
followed by a description of looking and feeling fantastic).
It's a wellness trend with serious staying power, transforming humble
kitchen glasses into emerald elixirs. But is this just another fleeting,
aesthetically pleasing fad, or is there genuine science backing up the claims
that this "plant blood" can truly revolutionise your health and
beauty routine?
The answer, as with most things in nutrition, lies somewhere in the
middle. While some promises are likely overblown by enthusiastic influencers,
liquid chlorophyll—or more accurately, chlorophyllin—does offer some
legitimate, fascinating health benefits.
Let's cut through the social media hype, look at what chlorophyll actually
is, explore the best ways to take it, and explain why 'the girls' are genuinely
glowing.
🔬 The Science of 'Plant Blood': What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in all plants, algae, and
cyanobacteria. It is absolutely essential for life on Earth, as it allows
plants to absorb energy from sunlight and perform photosynthesis—the
process that converts light, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose
(food).
Chlorophyll vs.
Chlorophyllin
The key distinction in the supplement world is between natural chlorophyll
and the product you actually buy in a bottle:
1.
Natural Chlorophyll: Found in raw green
vegetables (like spinach, parsley, and wheatgrass). It is fat-soluble and
doesn't absorb well in the human digestive system.
2.
Chlorophyllin: This is the substance in
liquid supplements. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of natural chlorophyll.
During its creation, the central magnesium atom of natural chlorophyll is
replaced with a copper atom, and it is made water-soluble.
This change is critical. The copper in chlorophyllin is what gives it
superior stability, enhanced bioavailability (meaning your body can actually
use it), and the potential to deliver its purported health benefits.
✨ The Hype & The Reality: Chlorophyll’s Main Benefits
The internet claims chlorophyll can do everything from healing cancer to
making you instantly slimmer. The scientific literature is more grounded, but
still very positive regarding certain areas.
1. Internal Deodorant
(The Most Established Benefit)
This is arguably the most well-researched and established use of
chlorophyllin, and it’s why 'the girls' often report feeling fresh and clean.
- How it Works: Chlorophyllin has long been used in clinical
settings to help manage body odour and chronic bad breath (halitosis),
especially in individuals with conditions like colostomy bags or geriatric
patients.
- The Mechanism: It appears to work by binding to volatile
odour-causing compounds in the gut, reducing their release through breath
and sweat. It’s essentially a natural, internal detox for smell.
2. Blood Building and
Iron Support
This is where the "plant blood" analogy truly comes into play.
The molecular structure of chlorophyll is remarkably similar to the structure
of haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying component in our blood), with one
key difference: chlorophyll has a magnesium atom at its core, and haemoglobin
has an iron atom.
- The Benefit: Although chlorophyllin doesn't directly become
haemoglobin, some studies suggest that the compound may assist in
increasing the count of red blood cells and improving iron status.
- The Glow: Better red blood cell counts and improved iron
absorption can lead to reduced fatigue, increased energy, and a healthier,
less pallid complexion—a key reason for the reported "glow."
3. Skin Clearing and
Anti-Inflammatory Action
The promise of clearer skin is a major driver of the liquid chlorophyll
trend.
- Acne Reduction: Topical and oral chlorophyllin has shown promise in
reducing acne lesions, particularly inflammatory acne. This is thought to
be due to its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to reduce
bacterial growth.
- Wound Healing: Historically, chlorophyll derivatives have been
used to aid in wound healing due to their ability to promote tissue growth
and reduce inflammation.
4. Antioxidant and
Detoxification Support
As a potent plant pigment, chlorophyllin is a strong antioxidant, fighting
off damaging free radicals in the body.
- Aflatoxin Binding: One of the most
promising areas of research involves chlorophyllin's ability to bind to
and block the absorption of certain environmental toxins, specifically aflatoxins
(mould-produced carcinogens often found in nuts, grains, and legumes).
This mechanism suggests a role in natural, protective detoxification.
💧 How Are You Taking the Chlorophyll?
The two main ways to consume chlorophyllin supplements are liquid drops or
capsules. Your choice often comes down to convenience, taste, and required
dosage.
1. Liquid Drops (The
Aesthetic Choice)
This is the method seen all over social media. It involves adding a few
drops of concentrated chlorophyllin to a glass of water, turning it instantly
green.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Aesthetic &
Hydration: Makes drinking water more appealing. |
Taste: While mild, it
can have an earthy, sometimes slightly metallic taste (due to the copper). |
|
Customisable
Dose: Easy to adjust the number of drops you use. |
Stains: It stains everything—clothes,
worktops, and teeth if used neat. |
|
Fast
Absorption: Liquid form means quicker entry into the bloodstream. |
Less Precise: Dosing can be
less exact than pre-measured capsules. |
Top Tip: To combat the taste, mix
your drops into a glass of cold water with a slice of lemon or cucumber.
2. Capsules or Tablets
(The Clinical Choice)
These are pre-measured doses of powdered chlorophyllin, taken like a
standard supplement.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
No Taste: Completely
bypasses the earthy or metallic flavour. |
Less Hydration: Doesn't
contribute to your daily water intake goals. |
|
Precise Dosing: Guaranteed
exact measurement per tablet. |
Slower
Absorption: Absorption may be slightly slower than liquid form. |
|
No Staining: Mess-free and
easy to take on the go. |
Higher Cost: Sometimes more
expensive than a bottle of liquid drops. |
Which is better? From a purely scientific
standpoint, both forms deliver the essential chlorophyllin. Choose the liquid
drops if you struggle to drink enough water and want a visual reminder.
Choose the capsules if you are sensitive to taste or require a high
level of dosing precision.
⚠️ Safety, Sourcing, and Side Effects
Chlorophyllin is generally considered safe when taken at the recommended
dose. However, there are important caveats.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are mild digestive issues:
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Mild stomach
cramps, nausea, or diarrhoea, especially when starting.
- Green Poop: This is the most noticeable, harmless side effect.
Chlorophyll’s pigment can turn stools green, which should not be mistaken
for a health problem.
- Photosensitivity: Rarely, high doses can make your skin more
sensitive to the sun. Always wear SPF when taking chlorophyllin,
especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Sourcing and Quality
Always buy from a reputable UK or EU supplier. Because supplements are not
as tightly regulated as medicines, quality control varies.
- Look for: "Chlorophyllin" or "Sodium Copper
Chlorophyllin" on the ingredient list.
- Avoid: Products with excessive fillers, artificial
sweeteners, or proprietary blends that hide the true dosage.
- The Magnesium Myth: Pure, unadulterated
chlorophyll should not be confused with the supplement you buy. The copper
substitution is necessary for the claimed benefits.
🌱 The Bottom Line: Why The Girls Are Glowing
The social media buzz around liquid chlorophyll isn't entirely baseless.
It's a plausible (though not a cure-all) supplement for those looking to
address two common issues:
1.
Feeling Flat: The iron-supportive
properties can subtly boost energy and improve complexion.
2.
Gut Funk: Its established role as
an internal deodoriser means less worry about body odour and halitosis, leading
to increased confidence and a feeling of internal 'cleanliness'.
Ultimately, liquid chlorophyll should be seen as a powerful adjunct
to a balanced diet—not a substitute for eating your greens. By adding this
concentrated essence of plant life, you might just find your own complexion
joining the ranks of "the glowing girls."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the chlorophyll
sold in bottles the same as the chlorophyll in spinach?
A: No. The product in bottles is called Chlorophyllin,
a semi-synthetic, water-soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll. Natural
chlorophyll is fat-soluble and poorly absorbed by the human body, which is why
it is modified for supplementation.
Q2: Can liquid
chlorophyll clear up my acne?
A: Studies suggest that both oral and topical chlorophyllin
may help reduce certain types of acne, particularly inflammatory acne, due to
its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-microbial properties. However, it
should be used alongside a good skincare routine and medical advice.
Q3: What is the risk of
having green stools after taking liquid chlorophyll?
A: Green stools are a normal, harmless side effect
of taking chlorophyllin supplements. The pigment is potent, and since the body
doesn't absorb all of it, the excess is passed in the faeces. It should not be
a cause for concern.
Q4: Does chlorophyll
actually detoxify my liver?
A: The term "detox" is often misused.
Chlorophyllin's most specific protective role involves binding to and blocking
the absorption of certain environmental toxins and carcinogens, such as
aflatoxins, in the gut, thereby reducing the toxic burden on the liver. It's
more of a protective binder than a traditional liver cleanser.
Q5: Should I stop taking
my iron supplements if I start taking chlorophyll?
A: No, you should not. Chlorophyllin is not a
substitute for prescribed iron supplements for a diagnosed iron deficiency
(anaemia). If you are iron deficient, continue your prescribed treatment and
consult your GP before adding or changing any supplements.
Keywords: Liquid Chlorophyll, Chlorophyllin, Internal Deodorant, Clear Skin,
Plant Blood,
Hashtags: #LiquidChlorophyll #ChlorophyllBenefits #WellnessTrend
#GreenJuice #TheGirlsAreGlowing.
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