If you’re on any social channel or follow any wellness influencers, you may have heard about the latest wellness trend: chlorophyll and green powders. A few drops here and a few scoops there is supposed to treat acne, prevent cancer, detoxify the body, and boost energy levels.
That’s a lot of power for some powder and drops.
The #chlorophyll hashtag alone has racked up more than 200 million views on TikTok. Green powders aren’t new as a concept, but they are rising in popularity. The global Green Powder market was valued at $255 million back in 2020 and is expected to reach $597.4 million by the end of 2027.
The health claims about these supplements seem impossible. But with celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Mandy Moore swearing by it, we’re all wondering, did we just find nature’s miracle? Today, we’ll find out.
Is Chlorophyll All It’s Cracked Up To Be?
After charcoal lattes and mushroom coffee, chlorophyll water is having its spotlight moment in the world of wellness. This simple ingredient is being hailed as a potent detox drink that can improve gut health, facilitate fat loss, and clear complexion.
The list of possible benefits continues. People claim that consuming chlorophyll helps with fast weight loss, detoxification, cancer prevention, and blood-building. Some even say it may increase platelet-related measures in the blood, which may benefit athletic performance by reducing pain and fatigue.
Claims about chlorophyll reach to wound healing, treating acne and skin inflammation and neutralizing odors. And, since this ingredient is a potent antioxidant, it also may clear free radicals in the body which are responsible for causing oxidative stress and cell damage. One study found that chlorophyll may improve the gut microbiomes of mice.
So, Should You Start Consuming Chlorophyll?
While there are several potential health benefits of consuming chlorophyll, the scientific evidence for these claims is mixed and limited. Most studies on the supplement test its benefits in animals. Only a few recent and small studies have looked at how chlorophyll affects humans.
For the average person, chlorophyll won’t hurt your health. That said, you can reap the same benefits by eating fresh, chlorophyll-rich veggies. Try foods like arugula, spinach, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, peas, wheatgrass, and matcha to give your diet a natural chlorophyll boost.
Are Green Powders All That Powerful?
Green powder users are playing a similar game. Many claim these powders, which include dehydrated green vegetables, help reduce bloating, improve gut health, clear acne and more.
Here’s the catch. Not all green powders are created equal.
In general, green powders include dehydrated green vegetables and often other substances such as vitamins, minerals or even digestive enzymes and probiotics.
You’ll find powders with 20 ingredients or 40 ingredients. Some add sugar and flavors, some stick with simple whole foods.
Most claim to add needed nutrients to your diet if you don’t have the time or mental energy to count all your vitamins and minerals. Athletic Greens, for example, claims on its website its product can “fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, and support whole-body vitality.”
The research to back these claims is limited and inconclusive, though. Some studies have shown that specific powders could potentially be beneficial. For example, a 2011 study completed on Greens+ suggested that “greens+ might play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.” A 2004 study on the same product had results that “were positive but not conclusive that greens+ increases vitality and energy.” But the 2011 study was financially supported by the brand Genuine Health, which also provided the Greens+ for the study, so the results could show a bias.
Should Green Powders Be Part of Your Routine?
In short, these powders aren’t likely to serve as a source of nutritional magic.
Greens powders aren’t the quick fix or magic bullet like some claim. When it comes to taking care of our bodies and our health, a balanced diet and regular exercise really is the best route.
Green powders may contain some important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But this supplement won’t change how you feel or look overnight.
Additionally, you shouldn’t use them in place of eating vegetables. In fact, you could risk being undernourished if you use green powders as a replacement instead of a supplement to an already balanced diet.
You Already Have What You Need to Thrive!
You don’t need to buy expensive supplements to reach your health goals. While chlorophyll and green powders are most likely safe, they’re also unnecessary.
Don’t break the bank buying these supplements. You can easily reach your nutritional needs, feel your best, and lose weight by eating a balanced whole-food diet.
In my LEAN program, I make sure healthy eating is as simple as sipping a supplement. When you sign up, you get over 6 months worth of healthy meal ideas with calories and macros already calculated for you. Join today to see your new menu!
