Can Chlorophyll Water Boost Weight Loss? A Dietitian Reveals if the TikTok Trend Works
Plus see four other unexpected benefits of the emerald-green drink
What if losing weight didn’t require intense cardio or restrictive diets? What if the trick was as simple as adding a drink to your daily routine? Well, scrolling through social media, you’ve probably seen the TikTok videos: users sipping emerald-green chlorophyll water and claiming it’s their secret for weight loss. The trend has millions of views, with people swearing that chlorophyll water helped them shed pounds effortlessly. But before you add this green drink to your cart, here’s what a registered dietitian wants you to know about the benefits of chlorophyll water and what’s just hype.
Can chlorophyll water help you lose weight?
Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color, and chlorophyll water is made much like it sounds. Tara Fiano, RD, CSOWM, LDN, CDCES, clinical dietetics lead at Vida Health, explains that chlorophyll water is made by mixing chlorophyllin, a synthetic liquid derived from chlorophyll, into water. You can find chlorophyllin in most health food stores and online.
And while TikTok users claim the drink is an effective weight-loss hack, Fiano says those claims remain largely anecdotal until additional studies on chlorophyll water confirm whether or not it actually plays a role.
Woman's World Answers
“Research is limited as to whether drinking this product actually leads to weight loss,” continues Fiano. “There are benefits to chlorophyll such as reduction in inflammation, which does help with weight loss, however it is hard to know if the weight loss is attributed to drinking more water overall or in place of higher calorie beverages. More studies are needed.”
4 potential chlorophyll water benefits
While the effects of chlorophyll water on weight loss is still being studied, Fiano says there are a few potential health benefits we understand more clearly, including:
Clearer skin
While research on drinking chlorophyll is still evolving, Fiano points to emerging studies exploring its potential effects on skin health. “Some studies have shown that chlorophyll water improves acne and overall skin health, such as wound healing due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Fiano. She adds that in studies looking at skin health, topical chlorophyllin has shown stronger results than drinking chlorophyll water.
A reduced risk of chronic health issues
Another reason chlorophyll water has drawn attention is its high antioxidant content. “Chlorophyll contains antioxidants, which help to fight against chronic health conditions and even cancer,” says Fiano.
Better gut health
While some people happily sip plain water all day, others prefer drinks that add a little flavor or color. For those in the second group, chlorophyll water may be one way to help increase hydration.
“Increasing hydration overall will help aid in better digestion, and some studies in animals suggest improvement in the gut microbiome from chlorophyll,” says Fiano.
Less toxin exposure
Fiano says chlorophyll may help bind to certain toxins in the gut, making them harder for the body to absorb and easier to eliminate. By reducing exposure to some of these substances, it may also help limit contact with toxins linked to certain chronic diseases and cancers.
While chlorophyll water and supplements are generally well tolerated, Fiano says some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or notice green-colored stools. Increased sensitivity to sunlight may also occur. When starting any new supplement, she recommends checking with your doctor first.
The bottom line on the benefits of chlorophyll water
Although chlorophyll water may offer some potential benefits for weight loss, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. If green water isn’t quite your speed, Fiano notes that chlorophyll occurs naturally in leafy green vegetables, which remain the most proven way to reap its benefits.
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