Chlorophyll and Magnesium
Chlorophyll is good for organs, cells, blood health, and the immune system.
Hemoglobin and chlorophyll have similar structures. The main difference is that the porphyrin ring of hemoglobin is built around iron (Fe), where as the porphyrin ring of chlorophyll is built around magnesium, (Mg). It is interesting that humans inhale oxygen and expel carbon dioxide and plants do the opposite. Our survival seems uniquely dependent upon one another. It isn’t surprising to think that the consumption of chlorophyll would benefit our own bodies. Chlorophyll is necessary for plant photosynthesis. One of chlorophyll’s main functions is to absorb light and transfer that energy to a specific chlorophyll pair. That is why plants are considered primary producers of energy. They are able to absorb the sun’s energy directly. I am not sure if the similar molecular structure of hemoglobin is what makes chlorophyll so beneficial to humans. However, the similarities between them are impressive. Hemoglobin is composed of four elements- carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. All four are organized around iron. Chlorophyll is composed of the same elements, which are organized around magnesium. I do believe that the direct source of energy from the sun and the rich vitamins and minerals that chlorophyll contains make it valuable for human consumption. Chlorophyll’s similarity to hemoglobin probably makes it easy for the body to use. Scientists have found chlorophyll to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential. Many benefits have been found including:
Green vegetables are good sources of magnesium because the center of the chlorophyll molecule (which gives green vegetables their color) contains magnesium. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The recommended daily allowance for magnesium is about 320 mg for females and 420 mg for males. Eating 2 pounds of leafy lettuce greens a day may give half of the daily requirement of magnesium. |