Adding Chlorophyll to Your Daily Diet
WHAT IS CHLOROPHYLL?
Chlorophyll is a natural pigment that provides the green color in plants. It is also responsible for absorbing the energy from sunlight and converting it into food for the plant. Chlorophyll has shown many benefits to the body already, with many more being researched. Even though chlorophyll is present in all plants, it is found in the highest amounts in green fruits and vegetables. Most common, but not always, dark, leafy green vegetables. A few foods with the highest concentrations of chlorophyll are: Wheatgrass, Green beans, Spinach, Parsley, Arugula, Broccoli, Peas, Leeks, Asparagus, Matcha green tea and Mulberry.
Also, chlorophyll is becoming increasingly popular in supplement form, either as a powder, juice, capsule, or liquid chlorophyll supplement. Many health professionals recommend consuming chlorophyll supplements over food sources, because they contain chlorophyllin. Chlorophyllin is still a natural compound, but is a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll that is better absorbed by the body.
ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND MINERALS IN CHLOROPHYLL
Chlorophyll and chlorophyll supplements contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that provide its many benefits in the body.
Essential vitamins in chlorophyll:
A – Is a fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid that keeps tissues and skin healthy.
C – Is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals and oxidative stress. It also reduces inflammation.
K – Benefits the circulatory system and red blood cells.
E – Is also an antioxidant with oxidative stress and inflammation reduction power.
Essential minerals in chlorophyll:
Calcium – Supports the circulatory system.
Magnesium – Works with calcium to support the circulatory system. Only found in plant-based sources of chlorophyll.
Iron – Benefits red blood cells and increases their ability to carry oxygen.
Potassium – Balances fluid in the body and maintains the circulatory system.
Copper – Found in chlorophyllin and plays an important role in the immune system. Only in chlorophyll supplements (in place of magnesium).
BENEFITS OF CHLOROPHYLL IN THE BODY
As stated above, chlorophyll has shown potential to be a very beneficial aid when added to your daily diet. With its plethora of powerful vitamins and minerals, adding chlorophyll may be a great option for you to boost your health outcomes, primarily through its four main benefits – Detoxification and immune system support, improving skin healing, boosting blood quality, and natural deodorizing.Aids detoxification and boost the immune systemThe liver is the primary location of detoxification in the body. The liver’s main function is to remove toxins and waste from the body via the blood. This is a natural process called detoxification (2). The liver is responsible for regulating the immune system, fighting pathogens and toxicants, and preventing illnesses.Supplement with chlorophyll has shown positive results in supporting the liver and its functions, making the detoxification process more effective and supporting a healthy immune system. Improved tissue and wound healing Chlorophyllin has been shown to support healthy inflammation response and harmful bacterial growth associated with tissue wounds to promote proper healing. It’s also shown effectiveness at reducing irritation associated with wounds. Additionally, chlorophyll has shown potential for its ability to treat/reduce acne and large pores, support healthy inflammatory response and antibacterial properties. Boosting blood quality and RBC health. Chlorophyll has scientifically been called a “blood builder,” which means it has the potential to increase the red blood cell count in blood and also improve their quality. Chemically, chlorophyll is a similar structure to hemoglobin (an essential protein component of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body), allowing them to improve red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen. May function as a natural deodorizer. Since the 1940’s, chlorophyllin has been used to neutralize odors. Usually, these odors may associated with irregular body functions that may cause the body to emit unpleasant smells (ex: trimethylaminuria, a condition that causes fishy odors). However, it’s important to note that more research needs to be done to prove chlorophyll supplements are as effective at deodorizing as marketing claims suggest when it comes to bad breath.
DOSAGE AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHLOROPHYLL
There is currently no specific, research-backed recommendations for chlorophyll dosage. However, best practices from most medical professionals recommend an average maximum dose of 100 – 300 mg three times per day. The side effects of a chlorophyll supplement are normally digestive discomfort issues and may include any of the following: Nausea Vomiting, Diarrhea, Discolored (yellow, green, or black) stools, Stomach cramps, Skin irritation is also a possible side effect of too much chlorophyll. It’s important to seek advice from a medical professional if you experience any of these side effects when adding a new supplement to your daily routine.
