Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll and Human Health

Chlorophyll is easy to recognize—any plant that is green contains chlorophyll. It is the pigment that allows plants to capture sunlight and convert it into energy through photosynthesis, forming the foundation of nearly all life on Earth.

For humans, the health benefits of chlorophyll are substantial. Chlorophyll-rich foods are associated with fresher breath, improved digestion, detoxification support, reduced inflammation, and protection against oxidative damage. Research also suggests chlorophyll and its derivatives may help reduce cancer risk by binding to certain carcinogens and limiting their absorption.

Foods especially high in chlorophyll include leafy greens and fresh herbs such as onion greens, spinach, parsley, basil, kale, wheatgrass, and chives.

Despite its importance to human health, chlorophyll receives relatively little public attention. This is largely due to economics:

  1. Chlorophyll has not been duplicated in the laboratory with the same biological effectiveness.
  2. Chlorophyll is best grown close to home and consumed fresh, making it difficult to commercialize.

Because chlorophyll cannot easily be patented or mass-marketed, there is little financial incentive to promote it. However, the social and public health benefits of widespread chlorophyll consumption are considerable. Fresh greens support nutrition, resilience, and long-term wellness.

Why not grow some today?


Freshness Matters.
The shelf life of chlorophyll is short. Cooking—especially prolonged cooking— alters and reduces chlorophyll content. Light steaming preserves more than boiling, but the greatest benefits come from consuming chlorophyll-rich foods raw or minimally cooked.
WARNING:
Do not confuse healthy chlorophyll with toxic green plant matter found under the skin of certain vegetables. Green patches on potatoes (especially around the “eyes”) and excessive greening in cucumbers indicate the presence of solanine, a natural poison. These portions should not be eaten.