Contents:
- Medical Video: Health Benefits of Spirulina
- Revealing the content of chlorophyll supplements
- Benefits of chlorophyll according to expert research
- 1. Lose weight
- 2. Reducing body odor
- 3. Treating wounds
- 4. Detox blood
- 5. Prevent cancer
- Chlorophyll supplements should not be taken carelessly
Medical Video: Health Benefits of Spirulina
The chlorophyll supplement was popular some time ago thanks to its fantastic health claims. Actually, what is the content of the supplement that is identical to the green thick liquid? Are the benefits correct as advertised? What about the side effects?Let's dig together.
Revealing the content of chlorophyll supplements
Although holding the name "chlorophyll", the content in this supplement is actually not chlorophyll that you know so far fromschool biology lessons - but it is chlorophyllin.
If chlorophyll is a natural molecule in plants to help photosynthesis, chlorophyllin is a chemical mixture of sodium, copper and magnesium made from chlorophyll.However, chlorophyllin is not much different from its functional chlorophyll.
Benefits of chlorophyll according to expert research
Until now, studies and research on the benefits of chlorophyll supplements for health are still very limited. But here are some of the benefits of chlorophyll supplements circulating in the community:
1. Lose weight
One of the most popular claims related to the benefits of liquid chlorophyll is supporting weight loss. A study found that people who took this supplement had a more drastic weight loss than those who did not take the supplement. The researchers, reported from Science Direct also found that these supplements can reduce LDL bad cholesterol within 3 weeks.
2. Reducing body odor
This supplement is also proven to reduce body odor, especially in people with trimethylaminuria disorders - a condition of the body's inability to digest and oxidize trimethylamine. A study conducted in Japan in 2004 by Yamazaki and his team found that people who consumed 1.5 g of a dose of chlorophyllin in 10 days and 180 mg in 3 weeks could reduce the amount of trimethylamine concentration and reduce body odor.
3. Treating wounds
Chlorophyllin is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial which can kill bacteria on injured skin. Based on research by Telgenhoff et al published in the Wound Repair Regen, treatment of burns, surgery scars, and diabetic wounds using ointment papain urea-chlorophyllin can speed up the healing process.
Miller also conducted a series of cases on 39 patients with pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcer or bedsore is a pressure wound because there is too much pressure on certain parts of the body and is common in patients in hospitals that have bed rest. Those who use the papain-urea-chlorophyllin ointment can recover completely within 3 months.
4. Detox blood
Chlorophyll can improve the quality of red blood cells. In research published in 2005 in Indian Pediatrics, wheatgrass or wheat grass containing about 70% of chlorophyll was able to reduce the need for a number of blood transfusions in people with thalassemia, a disorder that causes the body to be unable to produce enough hemoglobin properly. Therefore, people with thalassemia need continuous blood transfusion.
5. Prevent cancer
Chlorophyll supplements are reported to prevent cancer growth. A research published in 2013 at the NHS Food Chem Toxicol Public Access showed that consumption of chloropholine extract can improve protection against cancer. Chlorophyll can also fight free radicals that can cause genetic mutations in the body. However, this finding is still limited to lab animal testing.
There is a study in humans regarding the anticancer benefits of this supplement in 2009, published in the American Association for Cancer Research Journal. The study found that chlorophyll and chlorophyllin were able to inhibit the entry of aflatoxin, a substance capable of causing cancer to grow. However, this study is a small research that only involves 4 volunteers.
In a big picture, further studies and tests are needed regarding the benefits of this liquid supplement for overall body health.
Chlorophyll supplements should not be taken carelessly
Seeing the potential benefits that are tempting, no wonder many people are complacent with these healthy drinks and drink them regularly. Though Basically chlorophyll and chlorophyllin are not toxic substances, but careless use of large quantities does not rule out the possibility of side effects. For example:
- Digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Stool or stool is green, yellow or black
- Skin itching or burning if exposed to sunlight (Chlorophyll can make the skin more susceptible to sunburn. Wear appropriate clothing and use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors)
In addition to the above side effects, allergic reactions can also occur. This reaction arises if it turns out you have an allergic substance chlorophyll or other components of the supplement. Symptoms that can arise include hives, the appearance of a rash, swelling of the face, hands and neck, sore throat, difficulty breathing and an itchy sensation in the mouth. If this allergic reaction occurs, stop taking chlorophyll supplements. You can consult further with your doctor to be safer before taking this supplement.
