When most people hear the word “chlorophyll,” they think of what plants need to absorb light and supply energy for photosynthesis. Plants use chlorophyll to make food and to get their nutrients along with sunlight. But did you know that chlorophyll isn’t just beneficial for plants and can provide nutrition for humans too?
Here’s how chlorophyll can benefit your health and the types of food sources that you can get it from.
Is Chlorophyll Healthy?
Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties, and antioxidants support healthy cells and overall resilience in the body. Some natural health practitioners recommend chlorophyll for certain conditions, although more research is needed to understand how this substance relates to medical treatment. For example, studies have been already done about chlorophyll’s effects on the skin, wound treatment, detox potential, and supporting red blood cells. Yet there is no denying that chlorophyll is present in many green vegetables and that it contributes to the nutritional benefits that these foods provide.
Foods That Contain Chlorophyll
Many dark green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are rich in chlorophyll. But lots of other foods that you already eat contain it as well, such as asparagus, broccoli, kiwi, green apples, and collard greens. You can even get natural chlorophyll by drinking matcha tea, snacking on pistachios, or topping your favorite dishes with basil or cilantro.
How to Safely Consume Chlorophyll Supplements
To get the potential health benefits of chlorophyll beyond these food sources, many people take chlorophyll supplements in pill or liquid forms. Many of the nutritional supplements that contain chlorophyll come from spirulina, chlorella, or wheatgrass.
Seaweed is a great source of chlorophyll, as well as iodine, protein, fiber, and minerals. Seagate’s Seaweed Powder is useful as a cleanser, detox supplement, and digestive aid. Our seaweed is harvested by divers from an isolated bay along the central Pacific coast of Baja California. It is flavorful and can be used to enhance many different foods. But if you don’t like the taste, freeze-dried Seaweed Capsules are also available as a supplement that contains chlorophyll.
Take seaweed and other supplements containing chlorophyll as directed on the label. Some people who take liquid chlorophyll supplements have experienced increased sensitivity to the sun and stomach upset. But in general, chlorophyll is believed to be safe when taken in small amounts and with the advice of a health professional.
But as you can see, what’s good for plants can be good for us humans too!
