10 Proven Health Benefits of Chlorophyll

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Health Benefits of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll can do a lot more than make plants look green. Packed with nutrition and antioxidants, chlorophyll has an abundance of health benefits ranging from blood and bone health to potential cancer prevention.

It is a great source of beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E and K as well as essential minerals like calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. With that incredible nutritional value, it is hardly surprising that getting enough chlorophyll into your diet can benefit your health in so many ways.

1. Antioxidant

By now we are familiar with the importance of antioxidants in disease prevention and cellular protection. Chlorophyll is a rich source of these important antioxidants which protect against free radical damage and keep us healthy and stronger.

2. Healthy Bones

Chlorophyll molecules contain a magnesium atom and magnesium is essential to bone and muscle strength. Not only that, but chlorophyll also contains Vitamin D and calcium which help maintain bone health and strength.

3. Blood Health

When it comes to your blood, chlorophyll has a number of applications. Enzymes present in chlorophyll aid blood cleansing and oxygen circulation. Possessing vitamin K, it helps blood clotting which makes it an important ally against anemia, wounds, nosebleeds and heavy menstruation.

4. Cancer Prevention

Researchers have discovered that chlorophyll might prevent the development of colon cancer by stimulating apoptosis and further protecting the colon from carcinogens absorbed through the environment and food. Other studies indicate that chlorophyll may inhibit tumor growth and the advancement of cancer cells.

5. Respiratory Conditions

Conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis and rhinitis can be eased by taking chlorophyll supplements.

6. Digestive Complaints

Chlorophyll promotes regular bowel movement, eases constipation and bloating. It can also heal damaged bowel tissue and according to research clean the colon by preventing colonocyte growth.

7. Detox

Chlorophyll can help your body’s detoxification process by cleaning and oxygenating the blood. It also helps to eliminate heavy metals and other harmful chemical from the system ensuring that your liver remains healthy and we all know that a healthy liver is essential to a healthy you.

8. Immune System

Chlorophyll boosts the overall health of your immune system by prompting the growth of cell walls. Being alkaline rich, chlorophyll also guards against the growth and development of dangerous pathogens and improves the function of vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

9. Healing Properties

Chlorophyll can be applied topically to minor wounds or burns; it reduces inflammation and helps the body fight infection by killing germs.

10. Oral Health

Chlorophyll can help eliminate bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene or poor digestive health. It is used in many commercial mouthwashes and as well as keeping your breath smelling fresh, it can be used to combat gum disease and other mouth infections.

How to get more Chlorophyll

It is possible to buy chlorophyll supplements but there is some concern over copper content so it is better to try and get your chlorophyll intake from your diet when possible. It should not be difficult for most people to get sufficient chlorophyll through their diets as nearly every green plant or vegetable is a good source of chlorophyll as well as being an important part of a healthy diet.

Dark leafy greens like broccoli, spinach, kale and Swiss chard are especially rich in chlorophyll but it is also present in leaks, green beans, wheatgrass and sprouts. Wheatgrass juice is the best way to get chlorophyll naturally.

Try steaming your vegetables rather than boiling them as cooking for too long might destroy or at least reduce the nutritional content.
If you find raw or slightly cooked veggies difficult to take, then consider adding the same vegetables to your juices or smoothie recipes. If the taste is too strong don’t worry about adding some fruit into the mix to make give it a better taste.

Sources:

https://healthyfocus.org/chlorophyll-health-benefits/

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/chlorophyll-chlorophyllin

Andrew