Towards the end of my pregnancy, my iron levels got a little on the low side, so I was advised to consume plenty of greens supplements and drink liquid chlorophyll. Off to the health store I went! I picked up a little vial of very dark green liquid and began adding it to my water on a daily basis. Although the taste wasn’t too strong, it took a bit of getting used to. It tasted like off water, and I couldn’t help but imagine swampy vibes… Eventually, I barely noticed it. (Adding it to sparkling water was the ticket!)
Not only did my iron levels recover during my last month of pregnancy, I also found that adding chlorophyll to my supplements regimen helped me feel like I was dragging less—which is a huge deal when you’re that far along. (Full disclosure—immediately after I gave birth, my iron dropped again, and I had postpartum anemia. As soon as I got back from the hospital, I started supplementing greens religiously!)
Of course, the beauty editor inside of me is always scheming ways to enhance beauty from the inside out (and outside in), so I had to look up the ways chlorophyl gives a beauty boost. My research did not disappoint. Not only is chlorophyl wonderful for your skin (it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-viral), it benefits seemingly everything. The following perks of taking chlorophyl will likely make you a convert, too!
What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a molecule that gives plants and algae their green pigment. It also helps plants to absorb sunlight during photosynthesis, and that sunlight is eventually converted to energy.
Whenever you consume raw (or minimally heated) green leafy veggies, you’re getting a dose of chlorophyll, so chances are you’ve probably already got chlorophyll in your diet—yay! That said, most of us aren’t eating as many greens as we’d like, making greens supplementation an attractive option. Chlorophyl is available as a supplement (in liquid, pill, or powder form). From my quick estimates, it seems like concentrated liquid drops are probably the most cost-effective option (just give yourself some time to get used to the flavor and experiment with preparation methods!).
Benefits of Chlorophyll
Chlorophyl may complement your weight loss program. LA-based holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman explains, “In addition to being nutritionally fabulous for you, chlorophyll is a detoxifier that promotes energy and weight loss. Chlorophyll binds with environmental pollutants including toxic metals, pollution, and certain carcinogens, and promotes cleansing, which in turn gives us more energy, mental clarity, and the potential for weight loss.” Furthermore, by increasing the secretion of satiety hormones, chlorophyll helps you feel fuller for longer.
Chlorophyl is not a friend of cancer. Chlorophyll is a powerful antioxidant that blocks carcinogenic effects in the body. Additionally, it protects DNA from the toxic mold aflatoxin (which may be present in many common foods like peanuts, grains, and corn).
Chlorophyl loves your skin. By slowing the rate at which harmful bacteria reproduce, chlorophyl optimizes wound healing. It also reduces oxidative damage and inflammation, meaning that regular consumption of chlorophyll may also reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Moreover, chlorophyll’s antiviral quality may help reduce the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Hear, hear!
How to Take Chlorophyl
First, make sure you’re consuming a variety of fresh greens in your diet. Greens are an important source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. I enjoy consuming green smoothies—they’re a great way to sneak in several handfuls of greens and their fiber. Green juices are also yummy, but beware of juices that contain too many fruits to avoid a blood sugar spike. (See our low-sugar green juice recipe).
Chlorophyll supplements can be taken any time of day, but you may find that taking them first thing in the morning helps you start your day on the right foot. Always follow dosage recommendations—some supplements advise starting with a low dosage and working your way up to a full dosage over the course of a week. If you’re consuming liquid chlorophyll, drink your green water slowly like regular water—no need to pound!
I found that combining my drops with plain sparkling water made a more palatable concoction. (La Croix for the win!) I also added drops to smoothies and even vegan milkshakes (this is an especially yummy option if you have mint-flavored chlorophyl drops; you can make a “grasshopper” milkshake—yum!).
If you’re drinking green water, be careful about spills to avoid green stains. And lastly, don’t freak out if you have a green poo. It happens!
Do you supplement with chlorophyll?
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