Chlorophyll is considered to be the “plant's blood”, the chief element that carries out the healthy function of plant cells. It is also the substance that makes the leaves and other parts of the plant green. This element is comparable to the human hemoglobin and the only variation is the magnesium in the central atom of the chlorophyll. Hemoglobin contains an iron molecule. So, one of the health benefits of chlorophyll is its being rich in magnesium. And since its molecular structure is the same as that of human hemoglobin, the body can transform the chlorophyll molecule into hemoglobin by just altering one atom: magnesium to iron. This is the reason why our circulation improves and the hemoglobin count is increased when we take in chlorophyll (like eating leafy green vegetables).

The best sources of chlorophyll are, of course, the green leafy vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, alfalfa, beet greens, broccoli, kale, green peppers, turnip greens, leeks and anything green. However, the most excellent sources are barley grass and wheat grass. So maybe its not a happenstance that the strongest animals are those that consume grass as their main staple like the elephants, cows and even gorillas.

Being strong like the gorillas is not the only health benefits of chlorophyll that we can enjoy. It has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and anti-oxidant properties. Here are a few of the identified benefits of chlorophyll: 

• It aids in improving the functions of the heart and vascular system, removing toxins and prevents formation of plaques in the arteries (anti-atherogenic property)
• Chlorophyll purifies the liver of chemical toxins and heavy metals; chelates and assimilates calcium and other heavy minerals
• The intestines, lungs and uterus are cleansed and their functions improved.
• It acts as a organic deodorizer and breath freshener because of the magnesium present
• Chlorophyll helps thwart cancer because of its anti-oxidant property and lessen the capacity of carcinogens to combine with DNA in several major organs of the body. It is now included in the cancer therapy.
• It helps prevent anemia as chlorophyll and hemoglobin have almost the same molecular structure, it would be easy to convert chlorophyll to hemoglobin.
• Helps to revitalize and strengthen the body
• It stimulates the immune system thus helpful against skin rashes, fluid build up and sinusitis
• It helps in the repair and growth of tissues.

These are only a few of the health benefits of chlorophyll. There are also some supplements developed that can readily be consumed. Just ask your local health store or buy it online.