Detox Limeade + Benefits of Chlorophyll
WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE ROME | FEATURED ON:
Move over green juice…chlorophyll has taken the spotlight in the world of wellness beverages. You’ll find this plant-powered ingredient at juice bars, hip cafes, cocktail bars, beauty boutiques and, of course, in wellness bloggers’ pantries. Chlorophyll may not be as sexy as matcha or acai, but its detox and healing powers plus emerald-green good looks elevate it to superfood status.
So what is chlorophyll, anyway?
Chlorophyll is a pigment that gives plants their green color and is responsible for the absorption of light in the process of photosynthesis (5th grade biology, anyone?). It’s also chock full of vitamins and minerals and has tons of health benefits! It’s also my go-to hangover cure…
Chlorophyll’s body benefits:
Promotes production of liver enzymes to improve detoxification
Bind to toxins / carcinogens and transports them safely out of the body
Cleanses elimination systems (bowels, liver, blood)
Reduces bad breath and body odor
Helps build red blood cells which improves transport of oxygen throughout the body
Boosts energy
Lowers inflammation
Has strong antioxidant effects
Supports immunity
Decreases hunger and aids weight loss
You can up your chlorophyll intake by consuming more green, leafy vegetables. The deeper, darker the green, the more chlorophyll the plant contains. Think: spinach, arugula, collard greens, swiss chard, kale, etc. Fresh herbs are also wonderful sources of chlorophyll so add parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, etc. liberally to your meals to boost flavor and nutrition. You’re also getting heaps of chlorophyll if you’re including blue-green algae and green algae, like spirulina and chlorella, to your smoothies, lattes and popsicles.
If you (or your kids!) struggle to get in a few servings of leafy greens each day, not to worry – you can sneak ‘em in with a chlorophyll supplement! Chlorophyllin, a semi-synthetic sodium copper salt derived from chlorophyll, is found in health food stores as liquid chlorophyll. It comes in a dropper so you can easily add drops of liquid chlorophyll to any drink as it doesn’t taste like much! Chlorophyll water is like a green juice without the $9 price tag. Winning!
Make your own chlorophyll detox limeade at home with the recipe below. Sip it pre- or post-workout, after a big night out, when you need to beat the 3pm slump, or any other time of day you need an energy boost.
Photo by Ana-Maria Stanciu for Hello Glow
Chlorophyll Detox Limeade
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
8 ounces filtered water
30 drops liquid chlorophyll (I use this one)
Juice of 1 lime
5 fresh mint leaves
tiny pinch of salt*
*Salt helps to soften the mild “earthy” flavor of the chlorophyll.
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients together in a blender. Blend on high for 10 seconds.
Top with ice and drink up!