Chlorophyll Assists in Repair and Growth of Tissues

• Chlorophyll is similar in chemical form to hemoglobin. It cleanses the blood during the production of red blood cells
• Chlorophyll is also used as a dietary supplement to increase immune function, treat wounds and slow the aging process

Chlorophyll is found in most plants, cyanobacteria and algae. It is the substance responsible for giving plants their green pigment and for photosynthesis (the absorption of sunlight, water and CO2, leading to the synthesis of carbohydrate). It is a critical element in plant life. It is rich in the magnesium which is vital in all living cells.

Chlorophyll is similar in chemical form to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a metalloprotein which is used to transport oxygen in the red blood cells. The difference between a chlorophyll and hemoglobin is that the central atom in hemoglobin is iron, whereas magnesium is the central atom in chlorophyll. It is therefore thought that chlorophyll helps to build our own blood naturally. It cleanses the blood whilst building red blood cells. It also decreases toxins in blood tissues, intestines and bones and helps to strengthen and thicken the walls of cells. It is also used as a supplement to increase immune function.

Studies have shown that chlorophyll, and substances derived from it, have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals are known to damage cell proteins and genetic material and leave the cell vulnerable to cancer. Free radicals are also thought to be partly responsible for the aging process as well as a variety of illnesses and conditions. Antioxidant enzymes can help to neutralize free radicals, and in doing so may limit or stop some of the damage they cause.

Some of the claimed health benefits of chlorophyll are:

• It assists in the repair and growth of tissues.
• It assists in neutralizing the toxins that we breathe in everyday. It is therefore thought to be a good dietary supplement suitable for smokers.
• Chlorophyll provides magnesium and assists the blood to carry essential oxygen to tissues and cells. It helps to detoxify the liver.
• It is can help with chelating and assimilating calcium as well as and other heavy minerals and nutrients.
• It is said to have the beneficial effect of stimulating the red blood cells, thereby improving oxygen supply.
• Chlorophyll helps to neutralize free radicals which can damage healthy cells.
• Chlorophyll can be an effective deodorizer, reducing bad breath, body odor and odor from urine and feces.
• Chlorophyll might reduce the propensity of carcinogens to bind with DNA contained in a variety of organs in the body.
• Chlorophyll is thought to be helpful in treating conditions involving calcium oxalate stones (known as kidney stones).
• It is thought to have an anti-atherogenic effect which prevents the build-up of atheromas (or plaques) in arteries.
• It used to treat wounds and infections.
• Chlorophyll has anti-carcinogenic and is used in cancer therapy. It also has antimutagenic properties (inhibits mutations).

Although chlorophyll occurs naturally, especially in leafy plants and vegetables, the cooking process destroys many of the nutritional benefits. A chlorophyll dietary supplement is therefore an effective way to increase intake. It is available in the form of a tablet or in liquid form.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.