People have been reaping the benefits of superfoods like bok choy, kale, mustard greens, and broccoli for some time now. They provide the body with high amounts of fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, but could they be doing more than you think? Yes, and this is all due to chlorophyll.
Remember when you learned about chlorophyll and the process of photosynthesis in science class? Let’s give a quick recap so you don’t have to dig through your mental archives. Chlorophyll, which is formed in the cells of leaves and other parts of the plant, makes plants and leaves green. The process of photosynthesis allows plants to take sunlight, convert it to energy, and emit oxygen into the environment. Plants are like nature’s solar panels.
It gets interesting when we take a look at the fact that chlorophyll and hemoglobin are nearly identical. The subtle difference is that hemoglobin has an iron molecule and chlorophyll has a magnesium molecule. According to a recent study, scientists examined mammalian mitochondria (those things in cells responsible for energy production) under a chlorophyll-rich diet and saw that they could also use sunlight to create Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which supplies cells with the energy. This means that those green veggies your mom always told you to eat can power your body and boost heart health. You can also take herbal supplements that give your body chlorophyll.
What Does Chlorophyll Do for the Body?
Chlorophyll is a killer of bacteria, especially in the GI tract, and helps to remedy strep throat and staph infections. When a person maintains a chlorophyll-rich diet, e.g. microgreens or dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, or chard, they have an increased number of red blood cells. This means that the body has more oxygen to use. If you have kidney stones, chlorophyll helps to break down calcium oxalate for easier elimination. Due to the antioxidant properties in chlorophyll, it can decrease and absorb mold toxins, for example aflatoxin B, which can cause liver complications and cancer. Additionally, chlorophyll helps to:
- Boost Immunity
- Promote Healthy Circulation
- Reduce Inflammation
- Help Increase Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney Function
- Clear the Sinuses
- Help Purify the Blood
- Control Body Odor
- Promote Healthy Iron Levels
Vegetables That Are High in Chlorophyll
Be like Popeye and eat spinach for high amounts of chlorophyll. While it may not give you the strength he had to beat Bluto, chlorophyll will definitely bring you a sense of vitality. Vegetables with chlorophyll include:
- Bok Choy
- Kale
- Spinach (don’t overeat because of high oxilic acid content)
- Broccoli
- Watercress
- Mustard Greens
- Beet Greens (don’t overeat because of high oxilic acid content)
- Green Cabbage
- Swiss Chard (don’t overeat because of high oxilic acid content)
- Dandelion Greens
- Arugula
- Endive
Those who say that vegetables don’t provide you with energy need to do a little reading up on chlorophyll. Your body is like a science experiment that works really well when you ingest veggies that are high in chlorophyll. Give your cells a hand by providing them with chlorophyll, which can actually power you!
