Chlorophyll
What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is actually responsible for the green pigmentationin plants. What does chlorophyll do? Chlorophyll is what absorbs energy from the sun to facilitate photosynthesis in plants. Chlorophyll to plants is like blood to humans. It is important in many plant metabolic functions such as growth and respiration.
3. Chlorophyll may help improve red blood cell quality
Chlorophyll is considered to be the blood of plants and has benefits for human blood as well. An interesting study found that mammalian mitochondrial cells were able to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) when exposed to chlorophyll and sunlight.ATP provides mammals with the energy they need. This shows that animals can also produce energy from sunlight by consuming chlorophyll.
Another study looked at the effects of taking wheatgrass on people with thalassaemia. Thalassaemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough haemoglobin, the protein inside red blood cells that transports oxygen. Studies have found that people taking wheatgrass supplements have fewer cases of needing blood transfusions.
Although about 70 per cent of wheatgrass is chlorophyll, researchers have not yet concluded whether chlorophyll causes fewer blood transfusions to be needed. Some researchers believe it is the chlorophyll, but others, in explaining the reduced need for blood transfusions, attribute it to the wheatgrass itself.
The benefits of optimising red blood cell quality are numerous and can significantly affect your health, energy and sense of well-being. Elevated haemoglobin levels increase oxygen circulation levels, which optimises energy and cellular function throughout the body.
4. Chlorophyll May Support Healthy Skin
In two pilot studies conducted over eight and three weeks respectively, chlorophyll was found to optimise sun-damaged skin, acne and enlarged pores when applied topically.
The studies also showed that chlorophyllic acid has the potential to reduce bacterial growth and inflammatory reactions in skin wounds. This helps wounds heal faster and reduces the risk of infection. Chlorophyll may help manage burns and ulcers and stimulate the production of new tissue.
Due to its anti-oxidant properties, topical chlorophyll may have a slowing down effect on ageing. By supporting healthy mitochondria, which play a key role in disease formation and premature aging, chlorophyll has the potential to help us maintain a youthful appearance and healthier cells as we age.
5. Chlorophyll may help with weight loss
A small study of 38 women found that those who took a chlorophyll-containing supplement once a day lost more weight than those who did not take a green plant cell membrane supplement. The study also found that cholesterol levels were also reduced in the supplement group. The researchers have not yet concluded which ingredient in the supplement caused these results.
In animal studies, chlorophyll has also been shown to reduce appetite and food intake. This effect, combined with chlorophyll’s ability to increase satiety, helps prevent weight gain. Considering these physiological benefits, chlorophyll is an ideal natural green supplement to support weight loss.
6. Chlorophyll may help neutralise body odour
For people suffering from trimethylaminuria, a disease that causes the body to smell like fish, chlorophyll may be just the solution they’re looking for. One study found that chlorophyll significantly reduced the amount of trimethylamine, the molecule responsible for smelling like fish.
Chlorophyll has also been shown to reduce odours caused by bacteria. This property has led to chlorophyll being used as a breath freshener and natural odour purifier.
7. Chlorophyll has the potential to increase energy
Taking chlorophyll may help to increase energy levels due to a possible increase in the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen for energy production, allowing the body to maintain optimal cellular function. As oxygen circulation levels increase, energy levels are optimised and physical endurance increases.
Studies have shown that animals eating a chlorophyll-rich diet accumulate chlorophyll in the mitochondria, the power stations of the cell. Inside the cell, chlorophyll provides electrons to Coenzyme Q-10, which significantly increases ATP production, meaning more energy is available for use throughout the body.
