In 1913, Dr Richard Willstatter, a German chemist found that the chlorophyll molecule is chemically similar to human haemoglobin – the red pigment found in blood cells, except that its central atom is magnesium, whereas that of human blood is iron. Chlorophyll has an affinity for blood; indeed chlorophyll has been shown to increase oxygen uptake in the blood which can increase energy, relieve fatigue and improve many blood disorders.
Importantly, chlorophyll also supplies our bodies with the much-needed micronutrient magnesium which is essential to how our body produces energy. More than 300 enzymes in our body require the presence of magnesium. In fact 70% of magnesium is found in the bones and the rest is found mainly in the soft tissues and in the blood.
Magnesium is also necessary for the metabolism of vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. It’s also important to the nervous system, to aid restful sleep and for the synthesis of certain proteins. It also governs how our calcium is used in the body and helps to relax our muscles and prevent muscle cramps and spasms. Unfortunately, because of the lack of fresh green plant-food in what we eat these days, magnesium is all too often lacking in today’s daily diet.
Many health specialists use chlorophyll as a tonic for the blood. Scientists are only recently beginning to realise then importance of chlorophyll in our daily diets and the benefits that they bring to our health.
Such benefits include:
1. Enhances the immune function: Chlorophyll contains a derivative called chlorophyllin which has been shown to increase the number and activity of various dominant immune cells including B cells, T cells and macrophages which are each crucial to our health. Chlorophyll also helps support the healthy flora in the bowels which also help improve our immunity function.
2. Powerful antioxidant: Chlorophyll has great antioxidant capacity and therefore it helps neutralise free radicals and limit oxidative damage within the body.
3. Anti-carcinogenic properties: From several animal and in vitro research studies, chlorophyll and its derivatives have been shown to possess anti-carcinogenic properties which mean they have the ability to help prevent or slow down cancer. Chlorophyll was shown to slow down cancer activity by inhibiting the activation of carcinogens and also by neutralising free radical oxidants. These studies from researchers at Yonsei University in Korea have primarily focused on liver, stomach and colon cancers.
4. Helps minimise the side effects of chemotherapy: Chlorophyllin has been shown to successfully halt the undesired side effects of the chemotherapeutic agent ‘cyclophosphamide’ which helps patients feel a little better during chemo than they would have felt previously.
5. Supports healthy blood cells: Studies have also found that chlorophyll also improves the health of blood cells by increasing the uptake of oxygen in the blood.
6. Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease: Austrian scientists have found that chlorophyll and its derivatives successfully slow down the oxidation of LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) which is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.
7. Supports the body’s detoxification processes and protects against toxins: Chlorophyll has been shown to have a cleansing effect on the blood and so can help support the body during a detoxification programme. This also can help optimise the body’s energy production by freeing up vital energy stores and increasing energy levels. In addition, researchers from Oregon State University have found that chlorophyll can protect several organs from the effects of a common toxin, known as ‘aflatoxin’ which is often associated with cancer and other serious health conditions.
8. May reduce risk of kidney stones: From studies, chlorophyll has been shown to help protect against calcium oxalate build-up which can lead to this form of kidney stone disease.
9. Helps eliminate body odour: Chlorophyll may help eliminate or reduce odours associated with urinary disorders and flatulence in the colon.
The alfalfa plant is an excellent source of chlorophyll. One teaspoon of Liquid Chlorophyll can be taken in water twice a day to help encourage proper bowel movement, improve liver function, and act as a rejuvenative tonic, improve circulation, reduce inflammation and help balance the pH of the body.
Liquid Chlorophyll is non-toxic, soothing to body tissues and safe for use by people of all ages and can only be purchased from this website if you live in the UK and in Europe.
http://www.naturalbodyhealing.com/importance_of_chlorophyll.html
