What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the compound that imparts green color in plants. Chlorophyll makes it possible for the plant to absorb energy from sunlight. The more green a plant is, the more chlorophyll it contains. It is fat-soluble, therefore, having a small amount of healthy fat along with green vegetables helps your body to process chlorophyll consumed in meals (Health Benefits of Chlorophyll, 2020).
Are chlorophyllin and chlorophyll the same?
1. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Chlorophyll is a natural compound that is fat-soluble, while chlorophyllin is the semi-synthetic form of chlorophyll when you intend to take it in the supplement form, and is water-soluble. You will notice copper and sodium along with chlorophyllin on the supplement label as these minerals enhance the absorption of chlorophyllin in the body (Alexander, 2021).
Two Common Chlorophyll containing products: Spirulina and Chlorella.
Spirulina is spiral in shape with a blue green appearance. It is often grown in fresh water lakes and rivers and requires a significant amount of sunlight. It can however be grown in salt water. Spirulina is easily digestible. It contains high amount of protein, iron, beta carotene fatty acids (DHA/EPA), minerals, as well as vitamins B, C, D, and E.
Chlorella on the other hand is spherical in shape with overall green appearance and is considered to be a dietary fiber with really complex carbohydrates. It is grown in freshwater. Chlorella requires mechanical processing for it to be in edible form. For this reason Chlorella is usually more expensive but is very high in protein and vitamins. Chlorella is sometimes used to treat menstrual cramps and fibromyalgia.
What are the benefits of chlorophyll-containing products?
• Prevents cancer, by neutralizing the effect of cancer-causing agents such as aflatoxins in the body.
• Has an antioxidant effect, although not as strong as that found in vitamins E and C.
• Helps in the detoxification of harmful substances such as heavy metals and helps in eliminating them from the body (Biggins, 2021).
• Helps in neutralizing body odor produced by odor-causing bacteria and can be used as a natural breath freshener or deodorant (Biggins, 2021).
• May enhance energy because of triggering the mitochondria to produce more ATP. This however happens in presence of both chlorophyll and sunlight (Biggins, 2021).
• Promotes skin health because of improving sun-induced damage on the skin, acne, and large pores. Chlorophyll may also reduce bacterial growth and inflammation in wounds (Biggins, 2021).
• May aid in weight loss, and this effect might be attributed to improving the gut microbiome (Heger, 2022).
Side effects:
Headache
Gas
Sweating
Trouble sleeping
Diarrhea
Allergic reaction
Precautions:
May cause blood thinning
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker . All Rights Reserved