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About the Function of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll provides plants and algae with green color. Chlorophyll is a molecule that absorbs light and synthesizes that light into the energy that in turn gives plants life. Chlorophyll is primarily responsible for the photosynthesis process and thus performs as the basic building block of all life.

  1. Function

    • The primary function of chlorophyll is photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a photoreceptor found in the chloroplasts of plants. This process essentially makes energy out of light. All green plants and most vegetables contain chlorophyll. Dark green leafy vegetable, especially spinach, are packed with chlorophyll.

    Significance

    • Along with making photosynthesis possible, chlorophyll also gives plants their green color. As the provider of the green color, chlorophyll is also used in food preparation to color otherwise colorless foods, such as pasta. Recent studies have shown promise incorporating chlorophyll into the treatments of many different kinds of cancers.

    Types

    • Chlorophyll is consumed by eating vegetables, but can also be added to your dietary regime as a supplement. Chlorophyll can be found in soft gel capsules, tablets, powder and liquid forms. The average cost of a monthly supply of chlorophyll as a supplement is relatively inexpensive. Most products cost under $10.

    Benefits

    • More importantly, research shows that gene damage caused by aflotoxins can be decreased by the intake of chlorophyllin, which is derived from chlorophyll. Research is fairly new, but treatments that use chlorophyll are being studied to treat many types of cancer. The amount used in treatment is actually rather small. It can be found in the portion of only 1/2 cup of raw spinach. The benefits of chlorophyll also extend to the healing of wounds, improving the oxygen supply in the blood and improving the health of damaged cells.

    Expert Insight

    • Many experts suggest chlorophyll as a supplement for smokers. It can help protect against the carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Chlorophyll is also packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E. Furthermore chlorophyll has long been used to improve bad breath and reduce body odor.

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