Those who value a healthy diet generally eat plenty of leafy greens and thus consume the plant pigment chlorophyll. This substance not only provides us with oxygen but also does a number of other things for us. The plant pigment is said to have numerous positive effects on the human body and can easily be consumed daily through a proper diet. Here you'll learn where leafy greens are found and what effect they have on the body.
What is chlorophyll?
Anyone who paid attention in biology class back in school might remember chlorophyll. If not, no worries, listen up: Chlorophyll is the natural pigment without which plants wouldn't be green and couldn't photosynthesize. The term comes from ancient Greek and means something like "fresh green leaf." Therefore, it's no surprise that chlorophyll is also called leaf green and belongs to the class of natural pigments. It's important to note that this natural pigment is not classified as a secondary plant compound. Secondary plant compounds are called that because they are not essential for the plant's survival. Examples include carotenoids, which give carrots their orange color. Chlorophyll, on the other hand, is essential for the plant's survival. Plants can only perform photosynthesis with the help of chlorophyll. In simple terms, this is what happens: Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and transfers the light energy within the plant. The green pigment ultimately converts the absorbed sunlight into chemical energy, and at the end of the conversion process, the plant releases oxygen. This process, through the by-product production of O2, is what makes it possible. Life on Earth. But this green plant substance not only provides us with breathable air, it can do much more.
Fuel for energy and vitality
Chlorophyll not only provides energy and vitality to plants – we humans can also benefit from this remarkable substance. We ingest this green pigment through our food. Once in the body, it can support cell formation. This plant compound is a molecular building block for various proteins in the body and can serve as a fundamental basis for blood formation and purification. For this reason, chlorophyll can also be considered the fuel of all life.
How does chlorophyll work in the body?
The effects are multifaceted, and chlorophyll is predominantly attributed with positive properties. For example, it can help combat free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of our metabolism that are highly aggressive and can cause damage in the body. Chlorophyll, on the other hand, has an antioxidant effect and can thus fight free radicals. Furthermore, it can support the establishment of a balanced acid-base balance and help to bring the body back into equilibrium. It quickly becomes clear that reaching for greens can definitely be worthwhile. But where exactly do we find this substance?
Which foods contain a lot of chlorophyll?
As a general rule: the greener the food, the more chlorophyll it contains. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts, as well as the popular celery, are particularly rich in chlorophyll. This valuable pigment is also found in peas, broccoli, and cucumbers. Herbs like basil, coriander, and parsley are also excellent sources of chlorophyll. Among fruits, green varieties are the clear winners, with kiwifruit leading the pack in terms of chlorophyll content.
Green, green, green
Chlorophyll is essential for life on Earth. Primarily, this green pigment plays a crucial role in plant photosynthesis, releasing oxygen in the process. But it doesn't just allow us to breathe; we can also directly benefit from it by consuming fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it's important to eat plenty of greens every day to ensure an adequate supply. If you're short on time or simply looking for a healthy and tasty snack, a cold-pressed juice is a great option – preferably green, of course.
