The benefits of taking chlorophyll – that dark green liquid gracing your social media feed – have long been celebrated in the wellness community. Now, chlorophyll is trending on TikTok due to claims that it can also eliminate body odor.
What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the assortment of green pigments found in the chloroplasts of plants and algae. As you learned in middle school biology, these green light-absorbing pigments allow plants and algae to perform photosynthesis, which converts the sun’s rays into energy for the organism.
Benefits and Studies
Taking chlorophyll is associated with a host of health benefits, including detoxification and blood building. Doula Amanda Gloria Valdes discussed using chlorophyll for blood building in our Youtube interview as part of her recommendations for expectant mothers. A 2004 pilot study involving wheatgrass suggested that the high amount of chlorophyll present in the wheatgrass may have improved the quality of red blood cells (link). The study theorized that the similarity of the atomic structures of chlorophyll and hemoglobin led to an increase in hemoglobin production. Chlorophyll has also been found to be helpful for skin healing in a handful of small studies.
TikTok Hype
The recent TikTok hype surrounding chlorophyll as a cure for less-than-pleasant body odors originates from studies dating back to the 1940s. In those studies, chlorophyll was used as a treatment for body odors associated with colostomies and trimethylaminuria (a rare genetic condition which makes the subject smell like fish). TikTokers @suedebrooks and @chelsando recently posted viral videos claiming that drinking chlorophyll has helped them eliminate their BO. To clarify: I didn’t post the same vid twice. @chelsando’s vid is a stitch of Suede’s vid:
@suedebrooks putting y’all on right quick
♬ original sound – Suede Brooks
@chelsando #stitch with @suedebrooks
♬ original sound – chelsando
I have been drinking chlorophyll somewhat consistently over the past few years. However, I wasn’t on the lookout for improved B.O. After seeing these TikToks, I will definitely make a point to drink it consistently for at least a week. As a fellow natural deodorant user, I know the B.O. struggle (although I’ve had a lot of success with Kosasport AHA Serum Deodorant).
Off-Label Usage
For the past few years, I have been using Sakara Life’s Detox Drops as my chlorophyll supplement. It works great as a sort of natural Gatorade, maximizing my hydration. Perfect for a workout, a hot day, or – occasionally – a evening of enjoying adult bevs. Truth be told, this hack has kept me from suffering nary a hangover since I started using it.
Chlorophyll comes in pill form and in liquid form. Although, let’s be honest: dripping that inky, deep-green goodness into an ice-filled glass of water is very visually satisfying. And like the French say, you eat (or in this case, drink) with the eyes first.
In conclusion, there are plenty of great reasons to add chlorophyll to your rotation, B.O.-related or otherwise. My favorite chlorophyll supplement is the Sakara Life Detox Drops. I have also used the World Organics Chlorophyll Supplement in the past with no complaints.
Sakara Life Detox Drops
This chlorophyll supplement boasts incredible health benefits including blood-building and detoxification (see my chlorophyll post for more info).
Have you used chlorophyll as a health supplement? Did you notice a change in your body odor as a result? Let us know in the comments!
