Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is essential for plant life. Chlorophyll, in fact, captures sunlight and uses it to produce nourishment for the plant through chlorophyll photosynthesis. But, as with plants, we too can use chlorophyll to regenerate and gain health. Several studies have in fact demonstrated the important beneficial properties of chlorophyll for us humans as well. So, let's take a closer look at this very interesting topic.
Chlorophyll against toxins
Chlorophyll stimulates purification and detoxification processes and supports the work of the liver (Ulbricht et al, J Diet Suppl, 2014). Studies have shown that the intake of chlorophyll is also able to protect against the action of aflatoxins, which are mycotoxins with a carcinogenic action and which can develop on vegetables, cereals but also dried fruit and nuts. Not only that, chlorophyll also reduces the intestinal absorption of dioxin taken with food (Ulbricht et al, J Diet Suppl, 2014 - Morita et al, Environ Health Perspect, 2001).
Chlorophyll for a long life
Chlorophyll helps reduce levels of chronic inflammation that, if not properly treated, can weaken the immune system over the long term and increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and cancer. Not only that, chlorophyll is an antioxidant and counteracts aging processes, free radical damage and cellular degeneration (Ulbricht et al, J Diet Suppl, 2014). Animal studies have shown that the intake of chlorophyll, thanks to the properties just seen, helps to lengthen life span (Wang et al, Peer J, 2016).
Chlorophyll for pancreatic health
Scientific studies have demonstrated the beneficial action of chlorophyll for pancreatic health. In fact, chlorophyll counteracts pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, and the cellular degeneration that can affect this gland (Vankova et al, Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2018).
Chlorophyll, how to take it and warnings
Chlorophyll can be taken in the form of a supplement, available in chemist's and herbalist's shops. In general the dosage is 100-300mg of chlorophyll every day for treatment cycles of 3-4 months. In any case, always ask your doctor for advice before starting any treatment to check possible interactions with medications already in use. Be especially careful if you are taking medications to control diabetes or immunosuppressants (Ulbricht et al, J Diet Suppl, 2014). In reality, however, we can also take chlorophyll every day, without resorting to supplements. In fact, chlorophyll is contained in some foods, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, spinach but also algae, such as chlorella and spirulina, in green tea and in some herbs, such as nettle, alfalfa and parsley (Ulbricht et al , J Diet Suppl, 2014). For example, 30 grams of spinach correspond to about 24 mg of chlorophyll, while 30 grams of parsley contain 19 mg of chlorophyll and 20 grams of rocket salad arrive at 8 mg of chlorophyll (Oregon State University source). When it comes to dietary chlorophyll intake, it's important to pay attention to salt. In fact, a high salt content not only risks increasing blood pressure but also degrades chlorophyll and prevents its absorption (Viera et al, Food Chemistry, 2022).
Chlorophyll for external applications
Chlorophyll is not only beneficial when taken orally. Even its topical applications, in the form of ointments, creams or gels containing it, have shown interesting properties. For example, a chlorophyll-based gel used for three weeks led to significant improvements in mild to moderate acne and enlarged pores (Stephens et al, J Drugs Dermatol, 2015). Not only that, regularly applying creams containing chlorophyll made it possible to improve photoaging, with dehydrated skin, wrinkles and dark spots in 2 months (Sigler et al, J Drugs Dermatol, 2015).
