Health benefits of leafy green vegetables are generating a lot of buzz these days. These jewel toned gems are rich in nutrients and are regarded as super foods. This deep, rich color is due to the presence of chlorophyll, and the benefits of chlorophyll are supported by latest research. This green pigment found in plants facilitates the absorption of sunlight and plays a vital role in promoting good health.
Sources of Chlorophyll
All green leafy vegetables are rich in chlorophyll; it is found in abundance in spinach, broccoli, kale, wheat grass, peas, asparagus and many other vegetables and herbs. Chlorophyll supplements are also available in the form of pills, powders and liquids. These are dietary supplements and the dosage varies, so it is advisable to confirm with your doctor whether you need it or not and is also important to discuss regarding the dosage before you start taking the supplement.
Recommended Daily Intake
Chlorophyll is not classified as an essential nutrient, but people who do not take enough greens lack chlorophyll in their diet and are advised to have it. Most nutritionists recommend taking 200-300 mg of chlorophyll daily (100 mg, 2-3 times a day)
10 Amazing Benefits of Chlorophyll
Help with Weight Loss
Chlorophyll acts as a natural hunger suppressant and people are likely to feel less hungry after having a meal rich in chlorophyll. This quality is supported by scientific research, making it an excellent choice for people struggling with hunger issues and weight loss.
Decrease Body Odor
Another one of the benefits of chlorophyll is its effectiveness in controlling body odors. A study was conducted to prove this effect and the results supported that people who had adequate quantities of chlorophyll experienced a reduction in foul body smells.
Accelerate Healing
The healing ability of chlorophyll is known since a very long time. It speeds up the healing process of wounds. This effect was documented by a study conducted in 1950 at Butler University. A recent study also confirmed that when chlorophyll was sprayed on wounds, they got better in less time.
Encourage Cleansing
There are a lot of toxic metals and carcinogens in the environment and they can have a detrimental effect on your overall health and wellbeing. Chlorophyll binds with these toxic metals and slows down their absorption. It also helps to eliminate them from the body quickly and effectively.
Contain Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidant ability is among the benefits of chlorophyll. Free radicals cause oxidative damage to cells. Antioxidants substances can combat these free radicals and prevent cell damage. Chlorophyll has achieved the status of a “super food” due to its potent antioxidant properties. These powerful antioxidant properties are well supported by scientific studies.
Relieve Swelling and Redness
The usage of greens in treating infections has been a common practice in traditional medicine. These are associated with very few side effects and are gaining popularity again. The active ingredient is chlorophyll and it helps to reduce redness and swelling.
Improve Digestive Health
Chlorophyll regulates bowel movements and improves digestion. It also helps to reduce constipation and flatulence and contributes to overall improvement of gastrointestinal health. Its healing properties help to repair small gut wounds, and also protects against the detrimental and cytotoxic effects of dietary heme. This effect is achieved through promoting colon cleansing, and prevents the production of colonocytes as well.
Maintain Acid-Alkali Ratio
It is essential to have a balanced acid/alkaline ratio in your body for optimal health. This balance prevents pathogen growth and improves the function of kidneys, brain, liver and heart greatly. Chlorophyll contains magnesium that is highly alkaline and balances the harmful effects of acids by neutralizing them, making this function one of the benefits of chlorophyll.
Build Red Blood Cells
Chlorophyll is structurally identical to human hemoglobin, but instead of iron, it contains magnesium in its center. Due to this similarity, it helps to increase red cell mass and is an excellent “blood builder”. The effect is similar and comparable to altitude training.
Have Potential for Cancer Treatment
Though there is no concrete evidence of chlorophyll being an effective cure for cancer, some studies have indicated promising results and researchers are excited about its potential. A study concluded that men who took a diet low in chlorophyll were at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Another study indicated that it stimulates the liver enzymes leading to effective detoxification and elimination of carcinogens.
Potential Risks of Taking Chlorophyll
Despite the various benefits of chlorophyll mentioned above, there are also some potential risks to be careful about. The side effects associated with liquid chlorophyll are very few and none of them is dangerous. It can increase the skin sensitivity towards sunlight, so using a good sun block is advisable while taking it. If applied topically, it can cause some skin irritation and itching and its oral consumption can result in discoloration of tongue and body excretions. It can cause mild gastric discomfort and should not be taken if you have to get a stool test for occult blood, as it can lead to false positive results.
Furthermore, it can interact with some medications and should be used with caution by people who are on any long-term medication. The safety of oral chlorophyll and the supplement Chlorophyllin is not established during lactation and pregnancy, so pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid taking them.