Is liquid chlorophyll right for you? 

Chlorophyll is a longtime friend of plants, making them green and helping them absorb energy from the sun. Drinking liquid chlorophyll as a supplement — by adding it to water — has now become one of the latest health trends. So can it benefit you?

 

There’s still more research to be done, but here’s what the latest studies show about the potential pros and cons of drinking liquid chlorophyll.

 

Potential health benefits

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    Boosts energy

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    Stimulates the immune system

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    Reduces acne and redness

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    Heals skin

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    Detoxifies the blood and body

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    Combats bad breath and body odor

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    Reduces inflammation, especially with arthritis

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    Fights cancer by reducing tumors

Possible side effects

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    Nausea as the chlorophyll makes its way through your digestive system

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    Vomiting, which produces stomach acids that can damage your teeth

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    Stomach cramps and other abdominal discomfort

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    Diarrhea that could last a few days

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    Itching or burning when applied to skin

 

Liquid chlorophyll can also turn your tongue, urine and stools a different color such as green, yellow or black. This is temporary and harmless. Read our article to learn more about tongue color.

 

Drinking liquid chlorophyll can pack a punch, but it isn’t the only way to reap these natural plant-based benefits. You can get plenty of chlorophyll from wheatgrass, parsley, alfalfa, arugula, seaweed and spinach — all of which can be eaten with other foods or disguised in a smoothie. Other good sources of chlorophyll include green beans, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, lettuce and cabbage. These greens are excellent for your oral health.

Our verdict: Check with your physician before trying liquid chlorophyll. While the supplement is generally considered safe and nontoxic, it is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may negatively interact with some medications, such as those that increase sensitivity to sunlight.

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