TikTok Trend Strikes Again!

A new TikTok trend has stormed over the platform as of late:

Liquid chlorophyll.

Trending videos with the tag #chlorophyll would lead one to believe that the mesmerizing liquid drops transforming clear water into a rich green solution are modernity’s panacea for illness. However, when taking a deeper look into the properties of chlorophyll, potential benefits, and possible side effects, experts would not recommend humans consume the supposed cure-all

Cholorophyll Benefits

Chlorophyll is the pigment that plants produce to synthesize sunlight into food. The name of this process is, of course, photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is the reason why plants have a green color as well.

When used in moderation, the benefits of liquid chlorophyll range from cancer prevention, expedition of wound healing, weight loss, skin and acne purification, relief of constipation and gas, and even boosting energy.

After hearing these supposed benefits from a couple of drops of liquid chlorophyll, one could be instantly swayed to purchase as many bottles of the supplement as possible. But before one runs out to take out an exorbitant stock in the liquid supplement, one should be aware that experts do not necessarily vouch for the supposed universal remedy that TikTok claims liquid chlorophyll to be.

As dietician Beth Czerwony says, “If something truly worked for all of [those benefits]. it’s safe to say it wouldn’t be a secret just exposed to the world through TikTok. There’s reason for skepticism.”

Thus, liquid chlorophyll should more than likely be only used in moderation as mentioned above, as Czerwony sees no issue with that.

Cholorophyll Side Effects

Because plants need chlorophyll far more than humans do (we produce our energy through the calories we consume rather than through photosynthesis), some side effects can occur if one consumes too much of chlorophyll to include mild stomach and/or gastrointestinal issues, discolored fecal matter, and increased susceptibility to sunburn (since chlorophyll naturally absorbs sunlight, it seems to retain this property even in the human body).

Liquid Chlorophyll v. Natural Veggies

Czerwony says that if a human wants to consume chlorophyll, it is unnecessary, but there is no real harm in taking the supplement. However, she does mention that there are better alternatives out there.

Shockingly enough, these alternatives do not require going to the local GNC,  ordering from some special site, or Amazon.

Rather, instead of dedicating ample time and research to finding a liquid chlorophyll alternative gold mine, just head to the local grocery store and head to the vegetable aisle. There lies the gold (green) mine.

Dark, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale and other green veggies such as green beans and peas offer a much more natural alternative to liquid chlorophyll. Also, with the addition of natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals, actual veggies would be far more worth one’s time and money than liquid chlorophyll.

After all, liquid chlorophyll is not an inexpensive supplement to procure. For the amount one spends on liquid chlorophyll supplements, one could easily fill a pantry with veggies that offer healthier, nutrient-dense options for weight loss, cancer prevention, and boosts in energy. A Healthy diet and exercise is always recommended for the supposed benefits liquid chlorophyll can offer.