By Samantha H., and Ella O., Nutrition Advisor
Discover the nutritionist-recommended sources of this healing superfood.
Chlorophyll is naturally produced within plants and algae, it is a pigment that gives them their beautiful green colour. Sometimes referred to as the life blood of plants, chlorophyll absorbs sunlight needed for photosynthesis, which is how they transform this light into useable energy.
Interestingly, chlorophyll has a very similar chemical structure to that of haemoglobin in our red blood cells. Within its complex chemical structure, the only element in chlorophyll that differs from haemoglobin is the mineral magnesium. (Whereas haemoglobin in our blood contains iron, chlorophyll contains magnesium). Chlorophyll-rich green plant foods are seen as an excellent nutritional tonic for the blood.
The Healing Power of Chlorophyll:
Chlorophyll is thought to support the body’s natural detoxification processes. A cleanse integrating the use of chlorophyll rich foods such as blue green algae and wheatgrass, may support the body in detoxing heavy metals, environmental toxins and other substances that accumulate in the body, as a result of our modern lifestyles.
As well as a blood purifier, chlorophyll is traditionally thought to be a cleansing and healing aid for the whole digestive system. This may be especially helpful for those with a tendency towards constipation. Through its cleansing actions, it has also reported to be an effective natural internal deodoriser.
With our modern diets that are high in refined and processed foods, our body Ph can potentially become too acidic, it can lead to symptoms such as reduced energy or lethargy. Chlorophyll rich foods are naturally alkaline and may help neutralise this excessive acidity and support our vital energy levels.
Moreover, chlorophyll is seen as a natural ‘anti-oxidant’ in its ability to bind free radicals and protect the body’s cells from free radical damage – and it is therefore thought to have cell regenerating, anti-aging and protective properties. So how do we make sure we are getting enough of this vital substance?
Are you getting enough Chlorophyll?
Best way to include chlorophyll in your diet is by eating real food that is naturally rich in chlorophyll. We are talking about dark green vegetables such as raw leafy greens, wheatgrass, and blue green algae. These are the very best sources of chlorophyll on the planet. There is a difference between natural plant chlorophyll and the liquid chlorophyll seen frequently on social media, which is most likely to be chlorophyllin. Chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic mixture of water-soluble sodium copper salts derived from chlorophyll. Many nutrition experts believe that nutrients are better absorbed and utilized by the body when they are present in their natural food source.
Klamath Blue Green Algae is the richest known source of chlorophyll. Wild and certified organic, this blue green algae is harvested from the high-mineral crystal waters of Upper Klamath Lake, in the North-Western American state of Oregon. It not only provides chlorophyll, but a rich array of vitamins, minerals, proteins and phytonutrients. It is cool-dried to retain enzymatic and nutritional integrity. This also serves to highly concentrate its goodness, increasing its nutritional value by as much as 20 times.
Klamath Blue Green Algae comes in both powder and capsules for convenience. Each capsule contains 500mg of pure Klamath Blue Green Algae and can be taken with water or juice.
Wheat grass is the most famous of chlorophyll providers than grows on land rather than in water. Organic Traditions Wheat Grass Juice Powder is made from young, nutrient-dense organic wheat grass and is sustainably grown outdoors in mineral rich ancient soil beds in sunlight. Providing a vibrant nutrient dense green drink – you can add it to water, coconut water, juices and smoothies.
Revered for its natural alkalising properties, barley grass contains an abundance of nutrients including chlorophyll. As with wheat grass juice powder, Organic Traditions Barley Grass Juice Powder dissolves easily in cold drinks and can also be added to pesto, raw vegetable soups, salad dressings, dips and more.
Go all the way with the Organic Traditions Super 5 Grass Juice Blend. Sourced from chlorophyll nutrient rich grasses: alfalfa, barley, kamut, oat and wheat, for an instant potent green juice boost!
Organic Traditions Greens with Tumeric is the ultimate alkalizing, nutrient-dense, high chlorophyll, green blend. The formula is made from the young, juiced grasses of Alfalfa, Barley, Kamut, Oat and Wheat - combined with the fresh water green microalgae, Spirulina and broken cell wall Chlorella. This super blend is enhanced with moringa, matcha green tea and turmeric root extract for optimal benefits, and 1 billion beneficial probiotics per 1 tbsp. serving to promote digestive health. It is also Vegan, Paleo-friendly and Gluten-free!
One last tip: Chlorophyll is water soluble and can be lost when green veggies are cooked in water – so it’s best to eat your super greens in salads, smoothies or green juices. Many nutritionists praise the healing and cleansing powers of green juices. They are really a powerhouse of chlorophyll goodness!
