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Green Foods – The Magic of Chlorophyll

The healing benefits of green foods have been recognized throughout history. Many indigenous peoples and all mammals (except humans) live primarily on grasses and green plants in times of disease. To better understand this healing power, we need to understand how chlorophyll affects the body. Let’s begin with the history surrounding the use of chlorophyll.

Studies back in 1911 discovered that there was a similarity between chlorophyll and hemoglobin (red blood cells) in human blood. Their molecular structure is identical except that hemoglobin is attached to the metallic ion of iron, and with chlorophyll the metallic ion is magnesium. This structural similarity explains why these two vital substances are at the center of life. Chlorophyll is the blood of the plant. The therapeutic uses of chlorophyll are unknown, but man’s observation of animals has been instrumental in the use of many medicinal plants. One example is your cat or dog eating grass.

Some of the properties and actions of chlorophyll include:

  • Purification: Stops bacterial growth in wounds and the growth of fungi and yeasts in the intestinal tract.
  • Deodorizes: Eliminates bad breath and body odor.
  • Cleanses: Removes drug deposits and counteracts all toxins-deactivates many known carcinogens.
  • Preventive: Halts tooth decay and gum infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Counteracts the following: Sore throat, pyorrhea, gingivitis, ulcers, inflammatory bowel, skin inflammations, arthritis, and pancreatitis.
  • Renewal: Builds blood, renews tissues, promotes healthy intestinal flora, improves liver function, activates enzymes to produce vitamins E, K and A.

Chlorophyll has also been beneficial in treating anemia, high blood pressure, relieving nervousness and as a mild diuretic. This is mainly due to its magnesium content.

Let’s look at some food sources of chlorophyll. Of course, all green leafy vegetables like chard, kale, collard, mustard, spinach, alfalfa, and sea vegetables. Leaf lettuce, broccoli, green beans are also good sources. However, over the years there have been other sources that are now available that you might not recognize.

Let’s begin with the micro algae. These would include Spirulina, chlorella, and blue green algae. These are primitive organisms that were among the first life forms on the planet. Encoded in their RNA/DNA are over 3-1/2 billion years of life. Micro algae exist on the edge of the plant and animal kingdom. They not only contain chlorophyll but proteins, beta-carotene, and nucleic acids. These nucleic acids are known to benefit cellular renewal and to reverse aging.

Spirulina is nurturing, tonifying, and helpful in overcoming deficiencies. It also offers cleansing action on the body. It is a complete source of protein and is rich in the essential fatty acid GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid). Its properties include: slightly salty flavor, cooling, nutritive, detoxifies the kidneys and liver, builds blood, cleanses arteries, enhances intestinal flora; and inhibits opportunistic bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Spirulina has been used in the treatment of: anemia, hepatitis, gastritis, diabetes, obesity, hypoglycemia, malnourishment, and skin conditions.

Chlorella is another well-known algae but has a much different nutrient profile than Spirulina. Its uses are similar to Spirulina, but there are some differences. Chlorella has the ability to bind with heavy metals, pesticides and known carcinogens like (PCBs) and carry them safely out of the body. The cell walls have the ability to activate the immune system and shows anti-tumor properties. Some of the major uses of chlorella are for improving growth patterns in children, healing injuries, chemical sensitivities, nervousness, seizures, multiple sclerosis, immune deficiency, and all blood sugar disorders.

Blue green algae are another popular form of chlorophyll. This is found usually in the wild, and one source is the Klamath Lake in Oregon. Wild blue green algae are bitter, cooling, mildly diuretic, a neurostimulant, an antidepressant and a relaxant. It has been used to treat obesity, drug addiction, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and similar conditions mentioned above.

One other algae worth mentioning is Dunaliella. This alga is the source of many beta-carotene products currently on the market.

Another source of chlorophyll would be cereal grasses. Mainly, wheat grass and barley grass being the most popular. Let’s examine these two grasses. They are both similar in action except that barley grass is easier to digest. These are made by extracting the juice of the wheat and barley grass and then freeze drying into a powder. In addition to their high nutrient content, they offer unique digestive enzymes not available in other foods. The anti-oxidant enzyme sod (super oxide dismutase) is present and is used by the body to slow aging and to promote cellular regeneration. Cereal grasses have been shown to benefit the following conditions: Arthritis, burns, cancer, constipation, emphysema, gangrene, hypertension, hemorrhoids, ulcers, PMS, and heavy metal toxicity.

As you can see, there are numerous ways to get chlorophyll into your body. Liquid chlorophyll is usually made from organic alfalfa. This form is usually diluted with water and drank once or twice a day. It has a pleasant taste.

If you are considering the use of chlorophyll, it is important to assess your body. Many of these chlorophyll rich substances come in formulas or by themselves. They can be taken for preventive measures and therapeutically. Be sure to consult with an authoritative source or heath care practitioner. There is not much in the literature about toxicity of too much chlorophyll. However, with observation of the use with animals and humans, there have not been any reported cases of toxicity. Be sure the source is clean and chemical free.

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