Healing Properties Of Chlorophyll

- What Is Chlorophyll? -

Chlorophyll is the pigment that lends plants and algae their vibrant green colour. It is vital in the process by which plants are able to absorb energy from light by photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll gets its name from the Greek words “chloros”, which means pale green and “fyllo”, which means leaf.

Chlorophyll has been used as a healing remedy for hundreds of years. Today, there are numerous medical studies which suggest that chlorophyll’s healing properties are quite admirable and can help with various ailments and conditions, while promoting good health and longevity.

- Healing Properties Of Chlorophyll -

Cancer 

Chlorophyll is very potent in anti-oxidant, antigenotoxic and anticancer properties. Numerous experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that dietary consumption of chlorophyll lowers the risk of cancer and inhibits cancer initiation and progression. It targets multiple molecules and pathways involved in the metabolism of carcinogens and in the processes of cell cycle progression and apoptosis (the process by which the body eliminates cancer cells).

A variety of animal and human studies have shown chlorophyll can reduce the risk of colon cancer and slow the progression of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Blood Health

Chlorophyll has shown to be helpful in the treatment of certain blood disorders, such as anaemia and thalassaemia. These disorders are linked to a haemoglobin deficiency. Haemoglobin is an essential protein found in our red blood cells, which carries oxygen around our body. Chlorophyll is chemically very similar to haemoglobin and scientists have found that chlorophyll (in the form of wheatgrass juice, which is 70% chlorophyll), helps keep our blood cells oxygenated and healthy.

Digestion 

Chlorophyll is impressively supportive of digestion. Apart from the fact that it helps flush heavy metals and cancer causing chemicals from the body, it increases the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, while as an anti microbial substance, it rids the body of harmful bacteria. This results in a healthy microbiome, which in turn promotes the healthy absorption of all the important nutrients that our bodies require to thrive. As a powerful antioxidant, chlorophyll aids important organs such as the liver in the digestive process, thus contributing to overall health.

Skin Conditions

Chlorophyll is high in vitamins C, A, E and K and it has powerful antioxidant properties, according to Dr. Purvisha Patel (a board certified dermatologist, MOHS and cosmetic surgeon, and the founder/owner of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee).

This means it helps fight free radicals that occur when the skin is damaged or breaking down. The consumption of liquid chlorophyll is helpful in the treatment of inflammatory acne that is red and inflamed. 

Topical ointments containing chlorophyll are also used as skin treatments, and have shown to be effective in reducing signs of photo ageing, reducing inflammation, and healing wounds, however more controlled studies are needed to confirm this evidence.

Natural Deodorant

There have been several studies through the years suggesting that the consumption of chlorophyll may neutralise various bodily odours, the results however have been mixed.

A recent study of people with trimethylaminuria, (a condition that causes a fishy odour), found that chlorophyllin significantly decreased the amount of trimethylamines, the compounds that cause the unpleasant odour.

There are other possible chlorophyll health benefits that require more research and these include effects on weight loss, hormonal balance, and relief from arthritis and fibromyalgia.

- Where Can We Find Chlorophyll? -

Chlorophyll is readily available to us through whole plant foods. Some of the best sources are fresh spinach, parsley, kale, wheatgrass, chlorella, spirulina, alfalfa, broccoli,asparagus, green beans, arugula, collard greens, matcha tea and other vegetables, herbs and fruits.

Such whole foods also offer other amazing nutrients, such as fibre, proteins, vitamins and minerals, all magical for our health and should be included in abundance in our daily food choices.

The absorption of chlorophyll however, is somewhat compromised during the digestive process of these foods and can also be affected by cooking.

Chlorophyll is also available as a supplement in the form of chlorophyllin and it comes in liquid, pills, or gel capsules. Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble derivative of natural chlorophyll that is potentially better absorbed by the body than other forms of chlorophyll. It can be diluted in fresh water, or included in smoothies. Some brands have a very pleasant and refreshing taste. Our favourite one is Lab One Chlorophyll Liquid 500ml

- Are There Any Risks? -

Chlorophyll has not been found to have any toxic effects. It can however cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, therefore it is advised to start with a small dose and gradually increase to the recommended daily amount. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements, including chlorophyll.

Resources

NCBI / OXFORD ACADEMIC / SCIENCE DIRECT / TAYLOR & FRANCIS / SS / RESEARCH GATE / PUB MED