Wheatgrass is one of the richest foods in chlorophyll. Actually, 70% of wheatgrass is chlorophyll. However, wheatgrass has many health benefits because it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds!
Health benefits of chlorophyll
Chlorophyll has a structural similarity to hemoglobin; a red protein that transports oxygen in the blood. Chlorophyll is identical to hemoglobin. The only difference is the central metal atom. Chlorophyll has magnesium. Hemoglobin has iron. Chlorophyll can increase oxygen supply to all tissues (1).
Also, chlorophyll fights oxidative stress and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Many health claims have been made about chlorophyll. It may help the body detox, protect the liver, increase energy levels, boost the immune system, support weight loss, have anti-aging properties, help with acne problems, and help prevent certain types of cancer.[1,2,3]
We can get high doses of chlorophyll from foods or dietary supplements.
You can find a wide variety of chlorophyll supplements (liquid or capsules) on iHerb.
Wheatgrass is called “green blood”, and for good reason. It’s one of the richest foods in chlorophyll.
Wheatgrass is more than chlorophyll
Chlorophyll, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in wheatgrass may:
- detoxify the body
- alkalize the body
- treat anemia
- protect from low-grade chronic inflammations
Wheatgrass detoxifies the body
Chlorophyll may help the liver function better. The liver detoxifies the body.
Moreover, wheatgrass is also rich in choline. It seems that choline prevents the deposition of fat in the liver. Fatty liver is common to high cholesterol diets. Furthermore, the liver is stressed when we consume high amounts of alcohol or foods rich in fructose, such as agave nectar and high fructose corn syrup (2).
In addition, wheatgrass is particularly rich in amino acids. It contains 17 amino acids. Studies have shown that sulfur-containing amino acids have high anti-oxidant activity. Therefore, wheatgrass has powerful antioxidant properties.
Also, wheatgrass is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. These phytochemicals help the human body to get rid of free radicals and protect DNA.
Moreover, wheatgrass is high in beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C, which also have powerful antioxidant properties.
Chlorophyll & minerals in wheatgrass alkalize the body & may help with anemia
Also, wheatgrass has beneficial effects on anemia. Above all, chlorophyll in wheatgrass can increase the hemoglobin levels. Furthermore, wheatgrass is rich in iron.
In addition, wheatgrass can restore blood pH, as it’s high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can inhibit the acidosis of blood pH.
Wheatgrass is also a good dietary source of phosphorus, boron, manganese, selenium, copper, and zinc.
Wheatgrass & chlorophyll may reduce the rick of certain cancers
Studies have shown that wheatgrass can help fight certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, in numerous ways (1,2).
First, wheatgrass is pretty rich in chlorophyll, which inhibits the activation of carcinogens. A 2014 study showed that wheatgrass could decrease the ability of carcinogens to cause cancer by 99% (2).
Actually, as wheatgrass alkalizes the blood, it’s good for people who having chemotherapy. Furthermore, an alkaline diet may help reduce the infections, as plant-based diets have lower amounts of microbes. Most noteworthy, cancer cells can’t survive in a highly alkaline environment (2).
Furthermore, chlorophyll may protect us against oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammations.
Also, wheatgrass may protect from cancer due to an enzyme, called superoxide dismutase. According to research, superoxide dismutase may protect from cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and premature aging.
Certainly, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking wheatgrass powder, or any chlorophyll supplement. Wheatgrass is considered pretty safe, though. It’s unlikely to cause any side effects.
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