Latest news with #chlorophyll
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Do chlorophyll and collagen really work? Here's what the evidence says
Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Walk into any health store, scroll through TikTok, or browse the shelves of your favourite beauty retailer, and you'll be met with a familiar promise: that a pill, powder or potion could be the secret to glowing skin, boosted energy, or even inner 'detoxification.' Among the most hyped are chlorophyll – the green pigment in plants now found in trendy waters and tinctures – and collagen, the protein hailed as the holy grail for youthful skin and strong joints. But how much of the buzz is backed by science? And how much is just clever marketing dressed up in green juice and glossy packaging? Let's take a closer look to explore what they actually do, what the evidence says, and whether your money (and hopes) might be better spent elsewhere. Chlorophyll Dark leafy greens like kale and cavolo nero are well known for boosting levels of essential nutrients such as iron, folate and beta-carotene. They're also rich in chlorophyll – the pigment that plays a key role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. Some wellness influencers, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian-Barker, have popularised chlorophyll water as part of their daily health routines. Both promote it through their respective wellness brands – Goop and Poosh – touting a range of supposed benefits, from reducing body odour to supporting detoxification. One of the more persistent claims is that chlorophyll – in water or supplement form – can 'oxygenate' the blood. But as Ben Goldacre – physician, academic and prominent critic of pseudoscience – has pointed out, that claim doesn't quite hold up. The human body, unlike a plant leaf, isn't flooded with sunlight. And without light, chlorophyll simply can't perform photosynthesis in the gut or bloodstream. It can't generate oxygen internally – no matter how green your smoothie. So what does chlorophyll actually do? Aside from turning plants (and your poo) a vivid shade of green, its core function is to trap sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Cast your mind back to GCSE biology and the familiar photosynthesis equation scribbled across the whiteboard. open image in gallery Chlorophyll's core function is to trap sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. ( Getty/iStock ) Through this process, plants generate food for themselves and for animals – while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It's a pathway fundamental to life on Earth. But since we breathe in oxygen and eat carbohydrates, we've managed to thrive without chlorophyll. And for it to work in humans the way it does in plants, it would surely need to be present in our skin – effectively turning us into the Wicked Witch of the West. So what about those wider health claims? Supplement packaging for chlorophyllin – a semi-synthetic, water-soluble form of chlorophyll thought to be more active – often promises detoxification, glowing skin, improved wound healing and even better body odour. The suggested mechanisms? Chlorophyll may inhibit bacterial growth or neutralise foul-smelling compounds in the gut. It's also been proposed as a free radical scavenger – mopping up the unstable molecules generated by toxins or metabolism that can damage tissues. The evidence is mixed. A few (much older) studies suggest chlorophyllin can reduce the odour of faeces and flatulence, although it might also turn them green. There's weaker evidence when it comes to halitosis or body odour. Research supporting its role as an antioxidant is limited, and the buzz around weight loss is largely anecdotal. Realistically, any benefit in that department likely comes from a diet rich in greens – low in fat and high in fibre – rather than chlorophyll alone. Where things get more promising is in wound care. Chlorophyll-based dressings have been investigated for their ability to accelerate healing and reduce odours from infected wounds. Collagen But chlorophyll isn't the only so-called 'miracle' substance being sold to the wellness crowd. Take collagen – arguably even more popular than any green powder or superfood pill. Collagen is a protein and a natural component of connective tissue found throughout the body. It gives strength and structure to the skin, bones, ligaments, blood vessels – even the heart and lungs. Without enough collagen – or in conditions where collagen production is impaired, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – tissues can become fragile, prone to damage or slow to heal. All the more reason, then, to make sure our bodies can produce it. Collagen is made from amino acids – the building blocks of protein – so eating enough protein is essential. Vitamin C also plays a vital role, helping the body synthesise collagen from those amino acids. But do we really need to supplement it? What does the evidence say? Some studies suggest oral collagen supplements may help improve skin appearance, support joint health, increase bone strength, and enhance muscle mass. But there's no convincing evidence that they promote weight loss or treat cardiovascular or autoimmune conditions – despite the lofty promises made by some brands. open image in gallery Topical collagen products are even more widespread, but their scientific backing is thinner ( Alamy/PA ) Topical collagen products are even more widespread, but their scientific backing is thinner. Collagen molecules are generally too large to be absorbed through the skin, meaning they're unlikely to have any meaningful impact on wrinkles. At best, they may hydrate the surface and offer a temporary plumping effect. In short, the research is patchy – encouraging in some areas, inconclusive in others. And when it comes to supporting your body's natural collagen production, there may be more effective (and less expensive) options. Foods such as chicken, fish, eggs and bone broth ensure a good protein intake. So too are collagen-supporting micronutrients, including vitamin C, copper and zinc. So unless you're Poison Ivy from Batman (who, to be fair, looks fantastic), you probably don't need to load up on chlorophyll. And unless your diet is lacking, you don't need to shell out for collagen powders or creams either. Love the skin you're in. It's better than turning green like Elphaba from Wicked. Dan Baumgardt is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bristol. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
From clear skin to detoxing, chlorophyll and collagen supplements promise a lot, but what does the science say?
Walk into any health store, scroll through TikTok, or browse the shelves of your favourite beauty retailer, and you'll be met with a familiar promise: that a pill, powder or potion could be the secret to glowing skin, boosted energy, or even inner 'detoxification.' Among the most hyped are chlorophyll – the green pigment in plants now found in trendy waters and tinctures – and collagen, the protein hailed as the holy grail for youthful skin and strong joints. But how much of the buzz is backed by science? And how much is just clever marketing dressed up in green juice and glossy packaging? Let's take a closer look to explore what they actually do, what the evidence says, and whether your money (and hopes) might be better spent elsewhere. Chlorophyll Dark leafy greens like kale and cavolo nero are well known for boosting levels of essential nutrients such as iron, folate and beta-carotene. They're also rich in chlorophyll – the pigment that plays a key role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants use sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. Some wellness influencers, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian-Barker, have popularised chlorophyll water as part of their daily health routines. Both promote it through their respective wellness brands – Goop and Poosh – touting a range of supposed benefits, from reducing body odour to supporting detoxification. One of the more persistent claims is that chlorophyll – in water or supplement form – can 'oxygenate' the blood. But as Ben Goldacre – physician, academic and prominent critic of pseudoscience – has pointed out, that claim doesn't quite hold up. The human body, unlike a plant leaf, isn't flooded with sunlight. And without light, chlorophyll simply can't perform photosynthesis in the gut or bloodstream. It can't generate oxygen internally – no matter how green your smoothie. So what does chlorophyll actually do? Aside from turning plants (and your poo) a vivid shade of green, its core function is to trap sunlight and convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Cast your mind back to GCSE biology and the familiar photosynthesis equation scribbled across the whiteboard. Through this process, plants generate food for themselves and for animals – while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It's a pathway fundamental to life on Earth. But since we breathe in oxygen and eat carbohydrates, we've managed to thrive without chlorophyll. And for it to work in humans the way it does in plants, it would surely need to be present in our skin – effectively turning us into the Wicked Witch of the West. So what about those wider health claims? Supplement packaging for chlorophyllin – a semi-synthetic, water-soluble form of chlorophyll thought to be more active – often promises detoxification, glowing skin, improved wound healing and even better body odour. The suggested mechanisms? Chlorophyll may inhibit bacterial growth or neutralise foul-smelling compounds in the gut. It's also been proposed as a free radical scavenger – mopping up the unstable molecules generated by toxins or metabolism that can damage tissues. The evidence is mixed. A few (much older) studies suggest chlorophyllin can reduce the odour of faeces and flatulence, although it might also turn them green. There's weaker evidence when it comes to halitosis or body odour. Research supporting its role as an antioxidant is limited, and the buzz around weight loss is largely anecdotal. Realistically, any benefit in that department likely comes from a diet rich in greens – low in fat and high in fibre – rather than chlorophyll alone. Where things get more promising is in wound care. Chlorophyll-based dressings have been investigated for their ability to accelerate healing and reduce odours from infected wounds. Read more: Collagen But chlorophyll isn't the only so-called 'miracle' substance being sold to the wellness crowd. Take collagen – arguably even more popular than any green powder or superfood pill. Collagen is a protein and a natural component of connective tissue found throughout the body. It gives strength and structure to the skin, bones, ligaments, blood vessels – even the heart and lungs. Without enough collagen – or in conditions where collagen production is impaired, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – tissues can become fragile, prone to damage or slow to heal. All the more reason, then, to make sure our bodies can produce it. Collagen is made from amino acids – the building blocks of protein – so eating enough protein is essential. Vitamin C also plays a vital role, helping the body synthesise collagen from those amino acids. But do we really need to supplement it? What does the evidence say? Some studies suggest oral collagen supplements may help improve skin appearance, support joint health, increase bone strength, and enhance muscle mass. But there's no convincing evidence that they promote weight loss or treat cardiovascular or autoimmune conditions – despite the lofty promises made by some brands. Topical collagen products are even more widespread, but their scientific backing is thinner. Collagen molecules are generally too large to be absorbed through the skin, meaning they're unlikely to have any meaningful impact on wrinkles. At best, they may hydrate the surface and offer a temporary plumping effect. In short, the research is patchy – encouraging in some areas, inconclusive in others. And when it comes to supporting your body's natural collagen production, there may be more effective (and less expensive) options. Foods such as chicken, fish, eggs and bone broth ensure a good protein intake. So too are collagen-supporting micronutrients, including vitamin C, copper and zinc. Read more: So unless you're Poison Ivy from Batman (who, to be fair, looks fantastic), you probably don't need to load up on chlorophyll. And unless your diet is lacking, you don't need to shell out for collagen powders or creams either. Love the skin you're in. It's better than turning green like Elphaba from Wicked. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Dan Baumgardt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Vogue
07-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Should You Be Spiking Your Water With Chlorophyll?
After one week of drinking chlorophyll in an effort to treat her acne, TikTok user @Ellietaylor929 reported a host of benefits, documenting them in daily videos and garnering a cool 3.3 million likes in the process. She is just one among many users on the platform creating #chlorophyll content—a hashtag that has racked up over 250 million views and counting. According to the e-commerce site Victoria Health, interest is booming: it reported that sales of the liquid supplement rose by 500% in one week. So, what is chlorophyll, and should we all be drinking it? TikTok content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. What is chlorophyll? 'Chlorophyll is the green pigment that gives leaves, seaweed, algae, and vegetables their green color,' explains Shabir Daya, a pharmacist and the co-founder of Victoria Health. 'It absorbs sunlight and changes it into energy via photosynthesis. At a molecular level, it is almost identical to haemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in our blood. Some people refer to it as the 'blood' of plants.' As it turns out, chlorophyll is really nothing new in the health and wellness space. Daya explains that it was actually considered important to remedy a number of different health concerns back in the early 1900s, long before the days of TikTok. Used to treat ulcers, for pain relief and skin disorders, and even as a breath freshener, it was soon replaced by drugs and chemical antiseptics. But its myriad benefits never went away. What are the benefits of taking chlorophyll? Chlorophyll truly is a powerhouse ingredient. Here are the chlorophyll benefits you should know about now. 1. Reduces inflammation 'Chlorophyll neutralizes free radicals (in the body) and enhances their excretion, supporting optimal liver health,' Rhian Stephenson, nutritionist, naturopath, and founder of Artah, explains. 'This reduces inflammation and potentially lowers the risk of chronic disease.' 2. Supports happy skin 'Chlorophyll accelerates wound repair, reduces acne, and combats signs of aging by promoting collagen and reducing inflammation,' says Stephenson. A good way to think about chlorophyll, according to functional medicine practitioner, Ayurvedic doctor, and founder of The Murthy Clinic, Dr. Vijay Murthy, is as a gentle internal deodorizer and sponge. 'It's not an essential nutrient, but many people report better digestion, improved body odor, and clearer skin,' he says. 'However, more research is needed in humans to confirm these effects long term.' 3. Helps with oxygen delivery In our bodies, it works as a great oxygenator, helping our red blood cells take up oxygen, which makes them work more effectively and energetically, for overall good health (and all the good things that come with it, including radiant skin). 4. Promotes good liver function Chlorophyll has also been shown to prevent the absorption of dioxins—the pollutants found in many of the foods we eat, thanks to the use of herbicides—while helping the body to get rid of these toxins too. 'It promotes the liver's cleansing and detoxification process by its action on the detoxification enzymes produced by the liver,' says Daya.
Gizmodo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Edible Microlasers Could Revolutionize Food Tracking and Safety
In a delicious turn of events, scientists succeeded in taking the optics of olive oil to create the first-ever microlaser made entirely from edible materials. If commercialized, they could offer an easy and safe way to monitor food or medications from inside your body. The technology, introduced earlier this month in the journal Advanced Optical Materials, exploits an interesting tendency for droplets of common cooking oils, which emit a photon of light when subjected to a certain amount of energy. Arrange multiple droplets in a room full of mirrors, and together they shine more brightly—like a concentrated beam of light. The researchers tested more than a dozen different types of materials—sunflower oil, cooked butter, plain water, and more—to see which would generate the cleanest laser. And the winner was olive oil. One prominent component of olive oil is chlorophyll, the molecule most commonly known to make plants green. In this case, the chlorophyll molecules, trapped in the sticky surface of olive oils, generated photons in a chain reaction of sorts, transforming the droplet of olive oil into a laser. The brightness of the chlorophyll changes in accordance with the size and density of the oil droplets, making the laser highly sensitive to environmental conditions, according to the study. For example, adding it to different dishes of food and observing changes in the laser allowed the researchers to measure things such as sugar concentration or acidity What's more, the researchers were able to encode data within the droplets akin to the lines of a barcode, into a peach compote. Surprisingly, the data—the specific date of April 26, 2017, which happens to be the first international Stop Food Waste Date—remained intact for over a year, demonstrating the microlaser's potential to safely carry information, such as the identity of a manufacturer or an expiration date. 'Since this is the first such study, there are many possibilities for developing various edible lasers and their applications, which could ultimately find their way to everyday use,' the study authors concluded.
