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Apart from being responsible for photosynthesis in plants, what does chlorophyll do? chlorophyll (and its water-soluble derivative, chlorophyllin) benefits humans in a variety of ways. Surprising, isn’t it?

That’s what researchers have figured out. Though poorly absorbed, chlorophyll or chlorophyllin binds to or interacts with cancer-causing chemicals and prevents cancers, purifies your blood, and protects your GI tract, liver, and kidneys with its antioxidant properties.

While there is limited research specifically on liquid chlorophyll, many studies have explored the potential benefits of chlorophyll in general, which can be applied to liquid chlorophyll as well.

Here are some scientific studies and potential benefits associated with chlorophyll:

Liquid chlorophyll can be very beneficial for the appearance and health of your skin. It may help to reduce inflammation and redness, speed up the wound healing process, protect against UV damage, and could even reduce the risk of skin cancer. It may also help to kill bacteria that can cause acne and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and may even help to improve the overall appearance of aging skin.

So what is up with chlorophyll water? We have seen it all over our social media feeds, with wellness influencers like @oreo_luwa on Instagram promoting drinking it for its health benefits. In plants, chlorophyll is used to turn sunlight and food into energy, and in humans, registered dietician Trista Best exclusively tells Glam that chlorophyll can be "an easy way to detox, promote skin health, and provide the body with significant amounts of antioxidants." 

Chlorophyll water has gone viral on social media as a remedy for hangovers because these benefits can be helpful and healing after alcohol consumption, though this has not been proven through significant scientific research. "It is claimed that chlorophyll helps to eliminate toxins from the body and supports liver function," Best tells Glam.

Another reason chlorophyll can be great for a hangover is that its antioxidants can potentially oxidate stress and reduce inflammation, as Best tells Glam that "antioxidants found in chlorophyll, provided by the plant compounds, work in the body to remove and reduce toxins and free radical damage." All of these benefits combined seem promising to reduce the annoyance of a dreaded hangover significantly.

For those who haven’t caught word about this beverage, “it is purified water that is enriched with chlorophyll, a compound found in plants,” according to Yelena Wheeler, MPH, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist. It’s available in liquid or powder form, which when added to water, turns it emerald green.

The antioxidant-rich ingredient contains vitamins K, C, and E, and according to registered dietitian Lisa Samuels, RD, in an interview with Well+Good: “Chlorophyll helps with digestion by increasing the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract,” adding, “it’s also antimicrobial, so it gets rid of harmful bacteria while maintaining healthy ones.” What’s more, “Chlorophyll works to detoxify the liver, which helps digest fats,” she says.

While essential to the life of a plant, chlorophyll may also provide health benefits for humans.

Proponents of chlorophyll believe the pigment detoxes the body, strengthens the immune system, and boosts energy, among other things.