You may have heard of the potential benefits of taking chlorophyll supplements, but what exactly is the hype all about? What is it, and why do we even need it? As most of us have learned in biology class, natural chlorophyll is a plant pigment.
Just as chlorophyll helps plants to absorb energy from the sun as they undergo the process of photosynthesis it can also benefit you in many ways.
Annie Dillard expertly expressed the complexity and importance of chlorophyll:
“If you analyze a molecule of chlorophyll itself, what you get is one hundred thirty-six atoms of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen arranged in an exact and complex relationship around a central ring. At the ring’s center is a single atom of magnesium. Now: If you remove the atom of magnesium and in its exact place put an atom of iron, you get a molecule of hemoglobin. The iron atom combines with all the other atoms to make red blood,”
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the surprising health benefits of chlorophyll – from reducing inflammation to improving brain function. Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!
What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a natural pigment that’s present in a wide variety of plants. Essentially, it is what gives plants their green color. It was also found that chlorophyll offers a plethora of health benefits.
Chlorophyll is a molecule found in plants that helps them to absorb and use light to create energy and is essential for photosynthesis – the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll also contributes to plant growth and the overall production of oxygen in the air.
Though the main source of chlorophyll is mainly in plants, it’s also present in some animals, like shrimp and fish. In humans, chlorophyll can help protect against cancer, heart disease, anxiety disorders, and other illnesses.
How and Why Is Chlorophyll Important for Us?
Other than chlorophyll’s effect on plant growth and protection against UV, it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage (that leads to premature aging). It also helps us absorb nutrients from food and prevents inflammation.
In addition, chlorophyll has been shown to have several other beneficial effects on our health, such as reducing the risk of cancer, improving heart health, and promoting better, more radiant skin.
The best way to get the most out of chlorophyll is to eat plenty of healthy foods that contain it. You can also take supplements if you’re not getting enough in your diet. Liquid chlorophyll, like infused water, is also carving its place in the market as we speak.
8 Surprising Benefits of Chlorophyll
Experts on the matter believe that we can benefit from chlorophyll in several ways – it can help to improve general health, increase resistance to infections, and improve our moods and well-being. Additionally, chlorophyll has been shown to help eliminate toxins from the body, and protect us against certain cancers.
It is worth mentioning that while there is evidence to support that chlorophyll can have potent health benefits, there is still much research that needs to be done in this area. Until then, it’s advisable to stay well-informed and up-to-date about the latest studies.
A Potent Antioxidative Agent
Studies suggest that chlorophyll is a potent antioxidant agent that’s present in many plants, including leaves, stems, and roots. It helps protect against damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can cause cancer and other diseases.
Stimulates Weight Loss
This plant-based nutrient helps the body to burn calories more easily. It’s been shown to stimulate weight loss by increasing the amount of energy that the body uses during digestion. This is because chlorophyll breaks down food into its basic nutrients, which makes it easier for your digestive system to extract all the necessary goodies from the food.
Chlorophyll helps to increase your metabolic rate and burn off calories faster. It also helps you absorb more vitamins and minerals from the food you eat, which can contribute to your overall health and weight loss goals.
Can Aid In Reducing Symptoms of Indigestion And Constipation
Chlorophyll is often used as a dietary supplement to help reduce symptoms of indigestion and constipation. It also works by absorbing food and liquids, which helps to cleanse the stomach and intestines.
Additionally, it helps to increase the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which helps to break down food.
Chlorophyll is thought to work by boosting the production of gut bacteria. These are the good guys which help to digest food properly. It also helps to limit gassiness or flatulence, which can lead to reduced symptoms of indigestion and constipation.
Chlorophyll is also known to improve overall digestive health, and it is effective in treating a wide range of other conditions, like heartburn, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and asthma.
So, if you’re looking for a way to reduce your symptoms related to digestion, chlorophyll may be just what you’re looking for!
A Natural Deodorant
Who knew – when you apply chlorophyll to your skin, it can help eliminate sweat and odors by absorbing moisture and oil. As an extra boon, it also helps improve circulation, which helps reduce cellulite and other cellulite-causing problems.
In addition, chlorophyll can help protect the skin against sun damage and other environmental factors.
It works by breaking down the chemicals that cause body odor. This process neutralizes the smell and eliminates the need for any other deodorant products.
There are several benefits of using chlorophyll as a deodorant:
- It’s non-toxic and safe to use.
- It’s effective in controlling body odor without causing any irritation or dryness.
- It’s easy to apply and doesn’t require any special preparation or ingredients.
Treats Anaemia and Bleeding Disorders
Anaemia is a condition that affects the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood. It occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells (erythrocytes) or when the red blood cells that are present are not able to carry enough oxygen.
Chlorophyll contains magnesium in abundance, as we’ve seen in our intro. This is essential for the body to produce red blood cells. When these red blood cells are destroyed, it results in anemia – a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Chlorophyll can increase the production of white blood cells, which helps to fight against infections.
Manages and Prevents Cancers
Chlorophyll may help in managing and reducing the risk of cancers. Studies have shown that chlorophyll supplements may help reduce the risk of cancer cell growth and invasion, as well as improve chemotherapy response rates. In addition, chlorophyll can also block the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
So what does this mean for us? If you’re looking for a way to reduce your cancer risk, including lung, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, then you should include some chlorophyll-rich foods in your diet.
You can find chlorophyll-rich vegetables and fruits in most grocery stores, or you can make your own chlorophyll supplements using leafy greens or vegetable juice concentrate.
So far, research has shown that chlorophyll is effective at killing both colorectal (bowel) cancer cells and pancreatic cancer cells. However, more studies are needed to confirm its full potential for preventing cancers overall.
Has an Anti – Inflammatory Effect on Organs
Chlorophyll can regulate the immune system by fighting off harmful bacteria and fungi. It also supports the liver in expelling toxins from the body. This in turn will help prevent chronic inflammation. In addition, chlorophyll can help improve blood cholesterol levels and promote a healthy appetite.
It was recently discovered that chlorophyll has an anti-inflammatory effect on organs. In studies, chlorophyll was found to reduce the levels of inflammation in various organs, including the lungs, heart, and colon. It was also found to improve the function of these organs by increasing their ability to resist damage from oxidative stress and inflammation.
So far, few studies have examined the effects of chlorophyll on humans in detail, but these studies suggest that it may be useful for reducing inflammation and improving overall health. If you’re looking for a healthy way to boost your immune system, then upping your chlorophyll intake is a good start!
Improves Bone and Muscle Health
Chlorophyll is a natural source of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A. This nutrient is important for both bone and muscle health because it helps to build new cells and protect them from damage.
The nutrient also helps to increase the absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium from the digestive system. This means that it can help to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis or muscle weakness.
So why is chlorophyll so good for bone and muscle health? Well, apart from an increase in the absorption of minerals. Its anti-inflammatory aid also assists in muscle and bone diseases such as arthritis and joint pain. This makes it a perfect supplement for people who are struggling with these conditions.
What Are the Foods Rich in Chlorophyll
Foods high in chlorophyll are also rich in antioxidants – which can help protect against disease – and vitamins A, C, E, and K.
So, what foods contain chlorophyll? Some of the most common include leafy greens.
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Watercress
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Romaine lettuce
- Avocado
Drinks that are high in chlorophyll include
- Cranberry juice
- Green tea
- Fermented soy beverages
- Chia seeds.
Chlorophyllin supplements:
It is worth mentioning that natural chlorophyll does not have a long shelf life. Instead, green algae are frequently used to make chlorophyllin. Oral doses can vary between 100 to 300 milligrams per day.
Liquid chlorophyll is also an excellent option. It is extracted from certain plants like alfalfa. Simply add a few drops to your water. Sure, your water will turn an unappetizing green, but it doesn’t taste at all as it looks.
Keep it Green
With these surprising benefits of chlorophyll, it’s little wonder that you can find a variety of supplements as well as fresh products to assist you in a healthier diet and lifestyle.
The main attraction to chlorophyll is its high rank as a superfood with potent antioxidant and anticancer properties. Considering all the potential health benefits, get crunching on some leafy greens we’ve mentioned above.
Supplements are readily available at most health food or drug stores, but a word of caution; as with any supplements, be sure to consult your medical professional first if you are suffering from any underlying conditions.
Reinette Robbertze is a highly qualified professional in the health and nutrition industry, having completed both Journalism and Nutrition diplomas. With a remarkable portfolio of health blogs and magazine articles to her name, Reinette’s writing is fueled by her genuine passion for healthy living. Drawing on her academic background, Reinette delivers authentic and insightful information to her readers. Her engaging writing style, blended with personal anecdotes, creates an immersive experience that keeps readers engaged and informed. Keep following her work for the latest updates and informative articles on health and nutrition.