By David Hawkins
The healing benefits of green foods have been recognized throughout
history. Many indigenous peoples, and all mammals except humans, live
primarily on grasses and green plants in times of disease. To better
understand this healing power, it is important to understand how chlorophyll
affects the body.
Studies in 1911 discovered a similarity between chlorophyll and hemoglobin
(red blood cells) in human blood. Their molecular structure is identical
except that hemoglobin is attached to the metallic ion of iron, and
with chlorophyll the metallic ion is magnesium. This structural similarity
explains why the two vital substances are at the center of life.
Chlorophyll is the blood of the plant.
Some of the properties and actions of chlorophyll include:
Purification: Stops bacterial growth in wounds and the growth of
fungi and yeasts in the intestinal tract.
Deodorizes: Eliminates bad breath and body odor.
Cleanses: Removes drug deposits and counteracts all toxins-deactivates
many known carcinogens.
Preventive: Halts tooth decay and gum infections.
Anti-inflammatory: Counteracts sore throat, pyorrhea, gingivitis,
ulcers, inflammatory bowel, skin inflammations, arthritis, and pancreatitis.
Renewal: Builds blood, renews tissues, promotes healthy intestinal
flora, improves liver function, and activates enzymes to produce vitamins
E, K and A.
Chlorophyll has been beneficial in treating anemia, high blood pressure,
relieving nervousness and as a mild diuretic due mainly to its magnesium
content.
Sources of chlorophyll include all green leafy vegetables like chard,
kale, collard, mustard, spinach, alfalfa, and sea vegetables. Leaf
lettuce, broccoli and green beans are also good sources. However,
there are other sources now available that you might not recognize.
Micro algae, including Spirulina, chlorella, and blue green algae,
are primitive organisms among the first life forms on the planet.
Encoded in their RNA/DNA are over 3-1/2 billion years of life. Micro
algae exist on the edge of the plant and animal kingdom. They contain
chlorophyll plus proteins, beta-carotene, and nucleic acids. These
nucleic acids are known to benefit cellular renewal and to reverse
aging.
Spirulina is nurturing and helpful in overcoming deficiencies. It
also offers cleansing action on the body. It’s a complete source
of protein rich in the essential fatty acid GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid)
and has a slightly salty flavor. It is cooling, nutritive, detoxifies
the kidneys and liver, builds blood, cleanses arteries, enhances intestinal
flora; and inhibits opportunistic bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Spirulina
has been used in the treatment of: anemia, hepatitis, gastritis, diabetes,
obesity, hypoglycemia, malnourishment, and skin conditions.
Chlorella is another well-known algae with uses similar to Spirulina
but with a much different nutrient profile. Also, Chlorella has the
ability to bind with heavy metals, pesticides and known carcinogens
like (PCBs) and carry them safely out of the body. The cell walls
have the ability to activate the immune system and show anti-tumor
properties. Some major uses of chlorella include improving growth
patterns in children, healing injuries, chemical sensitivities, nervousness,
seizures, multiple sclerosis, immune deficiency, and blood sugar disorders.
Blue green algae are another popular form of chlorophyll, usually
found in the wild. One source is Klamath Lake in Oregon. Wild blue
green algae are bitter, cooling, mildly diuretic, a neurostimulant,
an antidepressant and a relaxant. It has been used to treat obesity,
drug addiction, Alzheimer's, arthritis, and conditions mentioned above.
One other significant alga is Dunaliella, the source of many beta-carotene
products currently on the market.
Another source of chlorophyll is cereal grasses, wheat grass and
barley grass being the most popular. They are similar in action except
that barley grass is easier to digest. Juices of the wheat or barley
grasses are extracted and then freeze dried into a powder. In addition
to high nutrient content, they offer unique digestive enzymes not
available in other foods. The anti-oxidant enzyme sod (super oxide
dismutase) is present and is used by the body to slow aging and promote
cellular regeneration. Cereal grasses have been shown to benefit arthritis,
burns, cancer, constipation, emphysema, gangrene, hypertension, hemorrhoids,
ulcers, PMS, and heavy metal toxicity.
Clearly there are numerous ways to get chlorophyll into your body.
Pleasant tasting, liquid chlorophyll is usually made from organic
alfalfa, usually diluted with water and drank once or twice a day.
It’s important to assess your body when considering the use
of chlorophyll. Many chlorophyll rich substances come in formulas
or by themselves and can be taken for preventive measures or therapeutically.
Be sure to consult with an authoritative source or heath care practitioner.
There’s little in the literature about toxicity of chlorophyll.
However, there have not been any reported cases of toxicity observed
in the use with animals and humans. The source should be clean and
chemical free.
David Hawkins is owner of Mother Earth Foods and has been a practicing
herbalist for over 20 years. He is the new president elect of the
West Virginia Herb Association and is available as a lecturer and
for private consultations at the clinic of Therapy, Health, and Fitness.
Send comments and questions to David Hawkins, 1638 19th St., Parkersburg,
WV. 26101 or email www.motherearthworks.com.
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