Chlorophyll
What Is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a plant pigment that gives most plants their characteristic green colour. They help plants in photosynthesis which is the process by which green plants use sunlight to manufacture carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. Chlorophyll is capable of converting light energy which can be stored and used by the plants when needed. This process is known as photosynthesis and is the basis for sustaining almost all life on the planet. Since animals and humans obtain their food supply by eating plants, photosynthesis can be said to be the source of our life also.
Why Is Chlorophyll Important For Me? The molecular structure of chlorophyll is similar to that of haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout our body. Chlorophyll happens to be central molecule for increasing oxygen availability in our system. It is also vital for the body’s rapid assimilation of amino acids. The way to tell if a vegetable has enough chlorophyll content is by looking at its leaves. Algae is the highest know source of chlorophyll. Dark green veggies like spinach, Spirulina, wheat grass, broccoli and alfa alfa are also very rich in chlorophyll content. These vividly coloured plants not only brighten your plate but also add a lot of nourishment to your diet. They are also a rich source of antioxidants and studies have shown that they go a long way towards preventing liver cancer, skin cancer, colon cancers and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Can I Include The Big C In My Diet?
Eat greens ! This is the easiest way to make sure that you are getting plenty of chlorophyll in your diet. Dark greens like spinach, chard, collard, broccoli, green beans, peas, celery, parsley are some of the chlorophyll rich foods which you should put on your table. You can have them cooked, steamed or raw.
Will Cooking Decrease The Chlorophyll Content In My Veggies?
Prolonged cooking of vegetables does decrease the chlorophyll content in the food. However, studies also show that steaming vegetables like spinach for a few minutes can actually increase the amount of chlorophyll that can be absorbed into our body. So eat raw veggies as much as you can and those that can’t be eaten raw can always be steamed. Don’t over cook the vegetables till they lose their bright green colour and become olive green instead. Then you know that you surely have destroyed all the chlorophyll content in that veggie.
Is Chlorophyll Juice The Way To Go?
Although you can have green vegetable juice any time, you must remember that the juice starts oxidizing immediately. So it is most beneficial when you have it immediately after juicing it. Eating the whole green vegetable also gives you your much needed roughage.
Any Other Benefits?
Chlorophyll or chlorophyllin (a derivative of chlorophyll) supplements are also available in the market. Both have a deodorizing activity which makes them useful for patients who have had a colostomy or ileostomy. A topical ointment of chlorophyllin is used to reduce malodors in wounds and surface ulcers.
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