In many ways, leafy green vegetables with deep, rich colour tones are perfect foods — and part of the credit is owed to the chlorophyll they contain. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is instrumental in photosynthesis. Research also suggests it’s instrumental in promoting good health.
THE BENEFITS OF CHLOROPHYLL
1. Helps Control Hunger and Cravings
A study released in September of 2013 determined that compounds containing chlorophyll might help suppress hunger. Twenty moderately overweight women were given test meals on three separate occasions one week apart — two meals with chlorophyll, one without. They reported reduced hunger following the meals containing the chlorophyll and blood tests showed stable blood sugar levels. These results suggest chlorophyll should be considered as an effective way to manage hunger and promote weight loss.
2. Controls Body Odour
Chlorophyll is good for your body from the inside out, literally. This includes body and faecal odours. When tested in a nursing home with 62 patients, one study reported improvements in the odours emanating from the test subjects. In addition to odour reduction, it also alleviated constipation and gas.
3. Encourages Healing
The use of chlorophyll to promote the healing process was first reported nearly 100 years ago. One report published by Butler University (in 1950!) discussed its use for improving healing times. A more recent study found that, when used as a spray, chlorophyll significantly helped wound therapy. The research clearly backs its effectiveness in this area.
4. Promotes Cleansing
Environmental pollutants such as toxic metals can quickly destroy health. Chlorophyll binds with toxic metals to hamper absorption, and research has shown it can do the same with some carcinogens. A crossover study with 4 human volunteers tested chlorophyll’s ability to remove ingested aflatoxin, a known carcinogen. Each volunteer received three servings of the aflatoxin, followed with a meal. The latter two included a tablet of chlorophyll. Results showed rapid elimination with 95% evacuated within 24 hours.
5. Protects DNA Against Fried Foods
Fried foods aren’t just bad for your waistline, they also contain chemicals known to damage colon tissue and the DNA of colon cells. In one study, participants who ate fried foods coupled with protective foods, including chlorophyll, were observed to have less DNA damage of colon cells.
6. Super Potent Antioxidant Action
Chlorophyll’s status as a superfood is due to its nutritional and potent antioxidant properties. It protects cells from oxidative damage by eliminating free radicals. One plant known for its high chlorophyll levels, Conyza triloba, showed very active superoxide scavenging behaviour. An in-vitro study found it capable of reducing free radicals while reducing cell damage.
7. Promising Potential for Cancer Therapy
Although the research doesn’t currently show that chlorophyll is an ‘all-out’ cancer cure, researchers are excited about its potential as a therapy. One study found men with lower levels of dietary chlorophyll had higher risks of colon cancer. Another study noted it effective at stimulating liver detoxifying enzymes and may protect against other carcinogens.
8. Effective Against Candida albicans
Candida infection is a big problem for many individuals and can lead to fatigue, depression, and digestive problems; just to name a few. Research has shown that isolated chlorophyll solutions stop Candida albicans growth.
9. Relieves Systemic Redness and Swelling
Traditional medicine has long used green leaves for infections. With modern approaches that have limited effectiveness and a long list of side effects, natural remedies are getting another look. Animal studies have found that green leaves help to reduce swelling and redness!
10. Promotes Healthy Iron Levels
A modified form of chlorophyll known as chlorophyllin may be highly effective for anaemia. By swapping iron for magnesium at the centre of the molecule, it provides a bioavailable form of iron the body can use.
CHOROPHYLL: AN EXCELLENT DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
Chlorophyll possesses an amazing range of benefits and is readily available to everyone. Chlorophyll-rich foods are also healthy in their own right and contain essential vitamins and nutrients needed for cardiovascular, muscular, and neural health. Consume foods containing chlorophyll or take a dietary supplement for best effect. Blue-green algae is one of my favourites.
*For full references, please visit the below website.
www.wakeup-world.com
