As you will recall from science class, chlorophyll is the green pigment in green plants which is a vital part of photosynthesis, the process whereby plants convert sunlight, gases and water into energy/food for the plant. This magical green pigment is much more than just “blood” for the plants, however. Chlorophyll possesses a host of therapeutic applications for human health as well.

Similar to Hemoglobin

The chlorophyll molecule very closely resembles hemin, the red pigment in blood which when combined with protein forms hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells and transports oxygen to tissues, essentially giving energy. The major difference between the two is that chlorophyll contains magnesium at its center while hemin (hemoglobin) contains iron. Owing to their close molecular structure, early 20th century scientists theorized that chlorophyll is the natural blood-building element for all plant-eaters and humans, and has the same fast blood-building effect as iron in animals made experimentally anemic.

Oxygenating, Antiseptic, Deodorizing & More

While eating lots of green vegetables is certainly healthy, the chlorophyll itself in them is bound to a fatty sheath which impairs intestinal absorption in animals and humans. For this reason, chlorophyll in supplement form has been altered to make it water soluble. This involves removing the central magnesium atom and replacing it with copper and sodium to form copper chlorophyllin. Much of the power of this pigment is due to its ability to oxygenate. It improves the absorption of iron, further increasing oxygen-carrying properties. It may be said that chlorophyll truly “builds blood” in that it beneficially influences anemia, acting much like hemoglobin as we have discussed earlier.

These tissue-oxygenating benefits extend to a myriad of external applications as well. Chlorophyll promotes rapid healing of skin lesions and ulcers. It has been shown to be bacteriostatic, rendering bacteria unable to multiply. It is a natural deodorizer reducing foul-smelling wounds, and healing with increased granulation of tissues. These properties made it a valuble antiseptic substance in World War II. Dentists have found it to be beneficial for pyorrhea and trenchmouth. Dermatologists have used it with great success in chronic ulcers and impetigo.

One of the most well-known applications of chlorophyll is as an internal deodorizer. It may be used to neutralize odors from colostomy, ileostomy or incontinence. It is a mild bowel detoxifier and laxative, stimulating peristalsis, helpful for irritable bowel and cramping pains. Both fat-soluble and water-soluble forms of chlorophyll have been shown to be antioxidant and antimutagenic, inhibiting the effect of potent carcinogenic chemicals such as heterocyclic aromatic amines. This effect may help in prevention of colon cancer. The magnesium in fat-soluble chlorophyll benefits the heart, improving blood pressure and acting as an anti-platelet aggregation substance (reducing the stickiness of blood cells).

Another of the main attributes of chlorophyll is that it is highly alkalizing to the system, thereby improving inflammation and health in general.

Available in Several Forms

If drinking wheatgrass juice or the like is unpalatable, liquid chlorophyll will do the job nicely and is very convenient to add to water or smoothies. Liquids are generally available unflavored or mint flavored as an option, and softgels are available as well. Add some green to your life today, and increase your energy and health. It turns out that Kermit the frog was wrong: It is easy being green!

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