Chlorophyll how does it work

If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Chlorophyll plays an important role in making plants green and healthy. It also has vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties that have the potential to benefit your body. You can get chlorophyll from either plants or supplements, although supplements may be more effective.

This is because chlorophyll may not survive digestion long enough for absorption. Chlorophyll supplements are actually chlorophyllin, which contains copper instead of magnesium. When doses of chlorophyllin are taken, the copper can be detected in plasma, which implies absorption has occurred.

Luckily, chlorophyllin has similar properties to chlorophyll. However, research results are mixed about whether chlorophyll can actually boost your health in these ways. Larger, more rigorous studies are needed to evaluate the potential health benefits of chlorophyll. Researchers continue to explore how chlorophyll may be beneficial for health and wellness.

Chlorophyllin has shown possible effects to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth in skin wounds. A review of wound care research involved several studies on ointments containing papain-urea-chlorophyllin. While individual studies found this ointment to be more effective than other treatments, the reviewers note that larger, better controlled studies are required to confirm these findings. Chlorophyllin may also be effective for other skin conditions, as evidenced by the results of two pilot studies.

A pilot study of 10 people with acne and large pores saw skin improvement when topical chlorophyllin gel was used for 3 weeks. Another pilot study , also involving 10 people, found that using topical chlorophyllin over 8 weeks improved sun-damaged skin. Some people suggest that liquid chlorophyll can build your blood by improving the quality of red blood cells. A pilot study suggested that wheatgrass , which contains about 70 percent chlorophyll, reduced the number of blood transfusions needed in people with thalassemia , a blood disorder.

Chris Reynolds, a clinical expert in wheatgrass, believes that the benefits likely come from wheatgrass itself rather than from the chlorophyll. One animal study in trout found that, depending on the dose, chlorophyll reduced the incidence of liver tumors by 29 to 63 percent and stomach tumors by 24 to 45 percent.

A study assessed the effect of chlorophyll on the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Researchers found that taking oral chlorophyll daily significantly reduced tumor size in mice that had been transplanted with human pancreatic cancer cells.

While the results of animal studies are promising, there have only recently been human trials. A small study of four volunteers found that chlorophyll may limit ingested aflatoxin, a compound known to cause cancer. This is in line with an old study from China where chlorophyllin consumption at each meal led to a 55 percent decrease in aflatoxin biomarkers compared to placebo.

Accordingly, a clinical trial in China will look at the effects of chlorophyllin on liver cancer over 20 years, per the International Business Times. Trials are also being planned to examine how a chlorophyll-rich diet could impact colon cancer risk.

Such a diet would involve increasing intake of leafy greens like spinach and parsley. However, a feasibility study found that adherence to such a diet was lower than expected, with participants meeting guidelines only One of the most popular claims associated with liquid chlorophyll is weight loss support.

However, research into this topic is currently very limited. The researchers also suggested that the supplement reduced harmful cholesterol levels.

The mechanism behind these findings, and whether it involves chlorophyll, is currently unknown. Even matcha green tea is a great source of chlorophyll, tells Aldeborgh.

Also, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. So, whether you choose to sip on chlorophyll water or not, if your diet is rich in plant-based foods including greens and limited in processed, refined ones, you should be able to reap the benefits of chlorophyll naturally," says the diet expert. Bottom line: If it helps you to drink more water—which is always beneficial—go ahead!

But following a healthy diet that's rich in plant-based foods is still your best bet. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Nov 13, , am EST. Nov 12, , am EST. Nov 11, , am EST. Nov 10, , am EST. Nutrient cycles. Plant cells and tissues. Plant growth, health and reproduction. Plant nutrition.

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