ANTIOXIDANTS

The antioxidant effect of vitamins C and E, the trace elements selenium and zinc pigments alpha- and beta-carotene, has been clearly demonstrated. They have an important role in the cells in scavenging free radicals. These free radicals are formed in 'normal' metabolism. 

However, sunbathing and smoking are also factors that contribute to their formation. Inflammatory responses and certain diseases also contribute to the formation of free radicals.

The cells and tissues in our bodies are exposed to so-called 'free radicals'. These are aggressive and they can cause damage. These damages are called "oxidative stress". This occurs at a plethora of free radicals in the body, or if these radicals are present at specific locations in the body. 

Research suggests that this type of stress can, over time, have several negative consequences. It can result in the damage of the nervous system and to cardiovascular diseases.

Research also suggests that free radicals can affect the aging processes in our body. Antioxidants can have a positive effect on these processes. If we take antioxidants in a healthy diet, they can disable the existing free radicals (partly). Moreover, free radicals are not always harmful, they can sometimes be beneficial. 

An immune cell may use these for killing bacteria. Also, such a cell, can remove damaged proteins from the muscles when we have exercised.

Green vegetables like spinach, kale, endive and superfoods like plankton all contain chlorophyll. For those who daily consume a few grams of chlorophyll, losing weight is much easier.

This shown in a study ⁽³²⁾ at Lund University that was published in the journal Appetite. This Swedish study examined this effect on obese women aged between 40 and 65. When daily 5 grams of chlorophyll-containing thylakoids (derived from spinach) are consumed, the desire for sweets and crisps drastically and immediately decreased.

Ideally, our diet should contain eighty percent alkaline and twenty percent acidic. In this alkaline environment, all body processes, organs and tissues function optimal. Western (including Dutch) diet, however, has too much acid and not enough alkaline foods. This makes our body 'acid' ⁽²⁸⁾ . At this point chlorophyll steps in and helps us.

It contains a lot of magnesium, which can contribute to a healthy level in our acid-base balance. An important note: Our body will not become alkaline as we take extra chlorophyll, while, at the same time, keep eating acid foodstuffs. To have a good alkaline level we should eat more alkaline and less acidic products - every day!

Meat, poultry, fish, game, soya and eggs for example, are very acidic. Cereals, legumes and cheese are moderate acid. Oil (cream) butter and seeds are either weakly acidic or weakly alkaline, while all dairy products except cheese are moderately alkaline. Fruits, vegetables and potatoes are very alkaline.

Japanese scientists ⁽²⁷⁾ showed in 2010, chlorella can lower the risk of anemia, edema in pregnant women and proteinuria (excess protein in the urine). This study, however, did not make sufficient clear whether these effects were due only to the chlorophyll in the chlorella. Just like marine phytoplankton Chlorella also contains many other vitamins and minerals. This includes, among other vitamins in the B family, folic acid and iron. Further research is required before it is clear whether chlorophyll can indeed reduce the risk of anemia.

Do you feel often lethargic and exhausted due to anemia? Then chlorophyll can provide you extra energy (see also 'Chlorophyll and anemia). Chlorophyll increases the production of red blood cells and appears to be able to combat anemia. Marine Phytoplankton will provide you the necessary Chlorophyll! Occasionally, an aggregation of toxins in your liver and intestines can also cause fatigue.

Since chlorophyll has the ability to cleanse these major organs, it can boost your energy also give an extra impulse to the cleanse. Fore a definitive conclusion on the effects of chlorophyll, further research is needed.

Research has shown that chlorophyll can counteract the harmful effects of free radicals. But it has not yet been proven that chlorophyll strengthens the immune system as an antioxidant. Recently, however, several promising studies ₍₃₀₎ , in rats and mice were conducted which seem to indicate that diet high in chlorophyll makes our immune system stronger. Further research should show whether this substance actually supports the human immune system.

Although there are rumours that shingles (herpes zoster) or cold sores (herpes simplex) could be treated with chlorophyll, there is currently not sufficient evidence. The studies ⁽²⁹⁾ , show that a chlorophyll-containing skin cream seems to stimulate wound healing.