Chlorophyll. You may have heard of it, you may have not, but either way I am going to let you in on the multitude of health benefits this magical product of nature possesses.
I can almost guarantee that everyone reading this has consumed chlorophyll countless times and never even thought about it. In simplest terms, chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants. Chlorophyll is a critical component to the photosynthesis of plants, which allows them to absorb energy from light. When leaves or plants begin to age or lose their delightful green color (this is called plant senescence or ya know, life) the chlorophyll transforms into a group of colorless compounds called tetrapyrroles.
chlorophyll-rich green smoothie!
Now that the science lesson has ended, let’s talk about how incredibly amazing chlorophyll is for your body and health. Chlorophyll can be consumed in small doses (e.g. eating greens) or it can be taken in concentrated form for a more powerful impact (this is what I do and recommend doing). Lo and behold, here are the benefits of chlorophyll:
1. It is great for digestion.
Chlorophyll fights the growth of “bad” bacteria, stimulates healthy bowel movements, and repairs intestinal tissue. Chlorophyll also contains magnesium, which has been shown to help keep your digestive tract healthy. Plus, chlorophyll naturally helps restrain cravings and hunger (*bonus*).
2. It is a natural deodorizer.
This is my favorite gift from chlorophyll. From experience, it is also the one I find to be most prominent. Chlorophyll naturally eliminates odor from the inside. It’s like a breath mint for your entire body. Internal scents are washed away resulting in better breath, better body odor and well, less potent bodily waste. This incredible attribute directly correlates with the positive effects on our digestive system. Good, good things.
3. It is a natural healing agent.
Chlorophyll’s benefits are most pronounced when ingested, but it can also be used to heal external wounds and injuries. You can put the liquid form of chlorophyll into a spray bottle or apply it with a tissue to the wound.
4. It is a super duper antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
We all flock to anything that claims to be an anti-oxidant and justifiably so. Antioxidants fight against free radicals, which sound like some sort of protest group, but really are evil molecules that damage our cells. Along with preventing the invasion of free radicals, chlorophyll is also an anti-inflammatory. With ample dose of vitamins A,C,E, iron and potassium, it can effectively diminish redness and swelling.
5. Detoxifies and restores red blood cells
Chlorophyll contains a fierce amount of magnesium due to its magnesium ion. Magnesium, along with the dozens of positive components of chlorophyll, plays a major part in a natural and healthy detox. It effectively decreases the binding of carcinogenic molecules which are prime cancer causing agents. Chlorophyll assists in an elevated intake of oxygen, causing a regeneration of red blood cells.
6. ENERGY
Chlorophyll gives us a natural dose of that thing we love the most–energy! Since taking chlorophyll, I definitely have more energy–not the sort of six-cups-of-coffee-I’m-out-of-my-mind-energy but a healthy, totally awesome and very clear kind of energy.
You can buy chlorophyll in a few different forms (liquid, pill, powder, etc). I started drinking a daily dose of 2 tsp liquid chlorophyll in 8 oz glass of water, twice a day. I recommend a serving in the morning and once in the evening, before 8 pm (since it really does give you energy!) Make sure to get pure liquid chlorophyll. I use the brand Nature’s Sunshine, which also contains a small amount of spearmint oil, giving it a refreshing, minty taste.
Notes: It is always a smart move to consult your doctor before incorporating anything new into your diet. And like I said a few times, chlorophyll is VERY GREEN, i.e. it WILL stain whatever it comes into contact with.
Share your feelings about chlorophyll in the comment section below!
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Photo: Elisabeth D’Orcy via Flickr; Mary Hood
