Eating enough fruits and vegetables is imperative for good health. It can be hard to get all of the necessary nutrients in your daily diet if you don't consume enough of these foods, but a busy life sometimes equals a less than stellar diet. Adding a nutrient-rich superfood such as chlorophyll is one way to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, though it is not a substitute for a proper diet. Chlorophyll comes in several forms that can be safely added to water, smoothies, soups and warm cereals.
Identification
Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and green vegetables. According to pharmacist Donald P. Goldberg in his book, "The Best Supplements for Your Health" chlorophyll is involved with photosynthesis, the process in which a plant converts light and carbon dioxide to carbohydrates and oxygen. Because it is similar to hemoglobin in its chemical structure, chlorophyll is purported to help build the blood if taken as a supplement or by focusing on consuming "green" foods.
Forms
Chlorophyll comes in several forms, including liquid form. Goldberg notes common supplemental forms of chlorophyll include spirulina, wheat grass, barley grass, chlorella and blue green algae. Chlorophyll in liquid form can also come from juicing vegetables such as cucumbers, spinach, kale and celery.
Benefits
Increasing chlorophyll in your diet seems to have beneficial effects when it comes to blood health and cancer prevention. According to Janet Zand, N.D., and Allan Spreen, M.D., in their book, "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living," chlorophyll detoxifies the blood, is high in micronutrients and can help with cardiovascular issues related to blood toxicity. Zand and Spreen also note an Oregon State University animal study in which subjects were given a chlorophyll supplement before exposure to a cancer-causing substance; those given chlorophyll developed far fewer tumors than animals not given the supplement.
Considerations
Chlorophyll is generally considered safe, especially in moderate amounts. If consumed in large quantities, runny stool or diarrhea may develop, according to Editor Yi-Zhun Zhu in the book "Natural Products: Essential Resources for Human Survival." Do not use chlorophyll as primary treatment for any ailment, including heart disease and cancer. Before adding a liquid chlorophyll supplement to your daily routine, check with your doctor.
References
- "The Best Supplements for Your Health"; Donald P. Goldberg, RPh; 2002
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, N.D., and Allan N. Spreen, M.D.; 1999
- "Natural Products: Essential Resources for Human Survival"; Yi-Zhun Zhu, et. al; 2007
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