Types of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll itself is actually not a single molecule but a family of related molecules, designated chlorophyll a, b, c, and d. Chlorophyll a is the molecule found in all plant cells. Chlorophyll d is found only in marine red algae, but chlorophylls b and c are common in fresh water algae.

Sources of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is present in all plants, most of the algae and cyanobacteria. Chlorophyll is abundant in leafy vegetables and generally to a lesser extent in fruits. For example in spinach, chlorophyll can be as high as 1% on a dry weight basis. Chlorophyll a, due to its stability properties, has been widely used as a coloring substance and is conventionally obtained from higher plants.

Benefits of Chlorophyll

1. Promotes strong immune response
2. Strengthens cells
3. Detoxifies Liver: A powerful detoxifying agent for the liver
4. Can prevent Liver Cancer
5. Used in Cancer Therapy
6. Cleans Digestive Tract: Acts as a strong internal deodorizer for the entire digestive tract.
7. Has an anti-inflammatory property
8. Cuts excess cholesterol, triglycerides and other blood lipids (fats)
9. Has antioxidant properties
10. Supports the production of hemoglobin: Chlorophyll has nearly identical chemical structure to hemoglobin, the body's critical oxygen and iron-carrying blood protein; stimulates haemoglobin production, which oxygenates and energizes the entire body
11. Have wound-healing properties
12. Chlorophyll has been studied for its potential in stimulating tissue growth, in stimulating red blood cells in connection with oxygen supply
13. Scientific research has shown that Wheatgrass has antibiotic properties. It has been proven that chlorophyll will arrest growth and development of unfriendly bacteria
14. Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) aids in the rebuilding the blood stream
15. Eliminates Body Odor: it reduces or eliminates offensive body and breath odors
16. The bland soothing effects of chlorophyll (wheatgrass) ointments are very beneficial to the treatment of various skin diseases
17. Chlorophyll can also reduce or eliminate foul odor associated with burns
18. The ability of chlorophyll to combine with oxygen and its cleansing ability contributes much to the removal of foreign matter from the walls of the blood vessels thus bringing the desired relief

Recommended Dosage

100 mg two or three times daily

Side effects

Chlorophyll is mostly safe for people when taken through mouth. It should not be used by injection (intravenously) without the supervision of a medical professional.

In some cases, adverse effects may be seen such as gastrointestinal or dermatologic problems. Common gastrointestinal problems include nausea, diarrhoea, green stools, and abdominal cramping. When taken by mouth, chlorophyll may cause green discoloration of the urine.

Warnings

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to chlorophyll or any of its metabolites; contact may result in a photosensitive rash. Copper chlorophyll (E141) could be a pseudo allergen.

Use cautiously in patients with compromised liver function (jaundice), diabetes, and those taking immunosuppressant agents.

Chlorophyll is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.