Chlorophyll Supports the Body’s Detox Pathways
The wonderful deep green hues of plants and vegetables comes from a pigment known as chlorophyll. Plants use this deep green pigment along with sunlight to obtain nutrients. In many cultures, it has been used as a supplement for healthy aging, acne treatment, wound healing, and supporting detoxification. In holistic medicine, chlorophyll is recognized for its many protective properties, particularly against the accumulation of pollutants in the body, such as dioxins and PCBs.
Some of the many foods that are abundant in chlorophyll, include but are not limited to:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale
- Herbs such as parsley, nettle, alfalfa
- Green tea leaves
- Wheatgrass
Algae (e.g., chlorella and spirulina) is dense in chlorophyll. Blue-green algae in particular has been used in traditional and holistic medicine to provide foundational nutritional support for organs involved in elimination and detoxification. Chlorophyll seems to promote the excretion of toxins from the body’s essential detox organs and pathways such as the liver and intestines.
Supplements are available in different forms: drops, pills, capsules, powder, juice, or concentrated liquid. Depending upon the form used, research has identified the following health effects of this green pigment: antioxidant, antiseptic, and antiviral.
Much of the clinical research on chlorophyll is “early stage” and has been done on animals, as well as people who are receiving chemotherapy treatment. It is not known if it’s safe for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. It also may not be suitable for people with an autoimmune disorder. If you have concerns about toxicity stemming from unsafe drinking water, occupational exposure, soil, mold or other environmental pollutants, speak to a holistic practitioner about supplementation.
REFERENCES
- Natural Standard Monograph: “Chlorophyll.” (2014) print.
- Medical News Today eNewsletter: “What are the benefits of chlorophyll?”
- Chauhan, M. (2014). A pilot study on wheat grass juice for its phytochemical, nutritional and therapeutic potential on chronic diseases. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 2(4), 27–34
