When you read the word Chlorophyll in this title, you may have taken a trip down memory lane back to your high school biology lessons about plants and photosynthesis! Chlorophyll is the molecule which gives plants and algae their vibrant green colour. It absorbs sunlight and combined with carbon dioxide and water is able to miraculously synthesise glucose in a process called photosynthesis. I know, it's all coming back to you now isn't it? But chlorophyll is not just essential for plants, it is greatly beneficial to humans as well!
One of the most interesting facts about chlorophyll is how closely it resembles haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the molecule which gives our red blood cells their vibrant colour as well as their oxygen carrying capacity. The only difference between chlorophyll and haemoglobin is the centre atom of the molecule. In haemoglobin it is iron and in chlorophyll it is magnesium. This makes chlorophyll a powerful blood cleanser, helping to replenish and even increase red blood cell count.
Chlorophyll also helps to alkalise the blood, creating an undesirable environment for infection and disease and helping to strengthen the immune system and give energy levels a boost!
Chlorophyll boasts amino acids, vitamins and minerals and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Other health benefits associated with chlorophyll include enhanced recovery from injury and illness, detoxification, enhanced digestive transit and gut flora health, improved skin, teeth and gum health and it is even attributed with helping addicts to quit bad habits – ie smoking!
You can ensure that you include chlorophyll in your diet by consuming dark leafy greens (the darker, the better), blue-green algae such as spirulina and chlorella, sprouts and wheatgrass. These foods must be eaten raw or slightly steamed. Alternatively, you can supplement with LifeStream Organic Wheatgrass Powder which can be added to smoothies or protein shakes.
