If you want to lose weight, you may have tried just about every weight loss trend under the sun, from ineffective meal replacement shakes to all of the latest TikTok wellness trends. And while there is scientific evidence to back up many of the tips and tricks you find online, it’s always important to take everything with a grain of salt and go into things with realistic expectations. There’s one weight loss trend that’s been getting a lot of buzz in recent years that we were curious about the effectiveness of, ourselves: chlorophyll water.
Many wellness gurus swear by the detoxifying properties of this green beverage to help you slim down. But can it really work? To find out, we asked health experts Lisa Richards, dietitian and creator of The Candida Diet, and Catherine Gervacio, dietitian and nutrition writer for Living.Fit. They told us that while there are several promising benefits, there’s not enough evidence to conclude that drinking chlorophyll water is a reliable method for weight loss. Read on to learn more!
Why chlorophyll might be able to help with weight loss—and why it might not
There are certainly promising benefits associated with drinking chlorophyll water, and some of those benefits may be able to help you lose weight. However, there is inconclusive evidence that consuming chlorophyll is a sure-fire way to drop pounds, and success with this method will likely vary greatly from person to person, hinging on several different factors.
What we do know is that chlorophyll is likely to help prevent and treat inflammation, and it may also help detoxify your body, both of which could contribute to weight loss.
"Chlorophyll has been studied for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties," Gervacio tells us. "It may also help in neutralizing some toxins and odors in the body. These qualities can be beneficial for general health."
She explains that since chlorophyll acts as an antioxidant, it helps neutralize the harmful free radicals in your body. If they're not neutralized, these molecules can damage your cells and contribute to a range of health issues, including potential weight gain.
Then there are the detoxifying properties of chlorophyll. "As a green pigment found in plants, chlorophyll is thought to help eliminate toxins from the body, which may contribute to improved metabolic function," Richards notes. "Detoxification is often associated with supporting the liver and promoting efficient elimination of waste products, potentially enhancing the body's natural ability to metabolize fats and carbohydrates."
All of this can also contribute to your gut health, which plays a major role in your overall wellness. "By supporting a healthier gut environment, chlorophyll water might improve digestion and nutrient absorption, which can influence the body's overall metabolic processes," Richards tells us.
However, it's important to remember that, as Gervacio stresses, "There is limited direct evidence to suggest that chlorophyll can significantly aid in weight loss on its own." According to her, "The weight loss results will depend on each individual which includes how the body responds to it and if it is in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle."
Ultimately, she reminds us, the most effective way to lose weight is by maintaining several healthy habits. This includes maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, portion control, regular physical activity, and more.
"Focus on eating whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive calorie intake," Gervacio recommends.
The bottom line
So, should you try sipping on chlorophyll water? That's entirely up to you—just don't expect miracle results.
"I recommend trying it first and see if it works for you or not," Gervacio says. "If you want to include chlorophyll in your diet, the best way to consume it is through a diet rich in green vegetables, as they naturally contain chlorophyll along with other essential nutrients."
"Drinking chlorophyll supplements or green juices containing chlorophyll is an option, but it's best to choose reputable products and avoid excessive consumption, as high doses might lead to adverse effects," she concludes.
READ MORE: Omega-3 Supplements Can Actually Lead To Weight Gain, Experts Warn
