Chlorophyll is a pigment present in all green plants and a few other organisms. It is required for photosynthesis, which is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy. According to health experts, chlorophyll should be part of our daily lives and with the numerous health benefits it’s easy to see why.
Chlorophyll contains vitamins, antioxidants, and therapeutic properties that all majorly benefit the body.
Dr Keith Kantor, nutritionist and dietician and CEO of the Nutritional Addiction Mitigation Eating and Drinking program said: “Chlorophyll suppresses appetite, aids in weight loss, decreases spikes in insulin which lessens cravings, helps with skin healing, helps in detoxifying the blood, reduces the risk for cancer, increases energy, helps in eliminating odours (as a natural deodorant), and helps in boosting the immune system.”
People have used chlorophyll as a health supplement for many years.
A variety of medical studies have suggested that it may be helpful for skin conditions, body odours, and fighting certain kinds of cancer.
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In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, chlorophyll’s ability to extend lifespan was investigated. .
“Results of the study indicate that chlorophyll is absorbed by worms and is thus bioavailable, constituting an important prerequisite for antioxidant and longevity-promoting activities inside the body,” noted the study.
It continued: “Our study thereby supports the view that green vegetables may also be beneficial for humans.
“In conclusion, our experiments demonstrate that chlorophyll exhibits substantial antioxidant activity and significantly improves antioxidant resistance of C. elegans.
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“Therefore, dietary chlorophyll derivatives support the recommendation of nutritionists to eat green vegetables and salads containing high contents of chlorophyll, as this could also help to improve human health and prevent diseases.”
In another study published in Science Alert, the effects of chlorophyll on body functioning and blood glucose levels were analysed.
The study noted: “Blood glucose levels can be affected by the various types of chlorophyll.
“Experiments have proven that chlorophyll has antioxidant activities that are present in various foods.
“A diet rich in chlorophyll led to a slight decrease in the number of white blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin and an increase in red blood cells compared with control.
“It is concluded that chlorophyll is likely to have important implications regarding blood sugar and has benefits in body weight with further studies being warranted.”
In addition to its neuroprotective and appetite-suppressing effects, chlorophyll promotes liver health and balances the gut flora.
A recent study posted in Frontiers in Physiology in 2018 has found that chlorophyllin may help relieve hepatic fibrosis symptoms by reducing harmful gut bacteria.
The study also indicates that chlorophyllin may reduce liver inflammation and protect the small intestine in mice with hepatic fibrosis.
Its beneficial effects on the gut microbiota hold promise for future research.
Source: Daily Express
