For years now, health nuts have been going to a different kind of bar and downing a different kind of shot: wheatgrass! Amongst the many obvious advantages a shot of wheatgrass has over a shot of fine tequila, the question remains: why are we raising our compostable corn cups in silent cheers to the color green (and our health)? What is it about wheatgrass that has the night clubs empty and the juice bars packed?
Chlorophyll and Hemoglobin
The answer is in our blood. That’s right; wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll, nature’s secret green wonder machine. Chlorophyll is unique in that it resembles hemoglobin, the protein that is carried by the red cells in our blood. When ingested, chlorophyll actually contributes to the efforts of hemoglobin already present in our blood. Hemoglobin is essential to our well being; it distributes the oxygen from our lungs to peripheral tissues and cells in our bodies. Introducing chlorophyll into the blood stream stimulates the red blood cells to improve oxygen supply, and also helps in the delivery of magnesium and oxygen to essential cells and tissues. Chlorophyll is thus called "green blood" because of its ability to replenish and restore the natural functions of our own red blood.
The Many Benefits of Ingested Chlorophyll
Aside from this, chlorophyll has many other super powers, forming a long list of reasons to switch from silver tequila to green grass. For one, chlorophyll is high in vitamins A, C, and E, and also contains antioxidants. It’s an anti-carcinogen, which means it reduces the potential of harmful substances to metabolize, causing damage to the DNA in major organ systems in our bodies. Chlorophyll is a chelant; it binds to and then removes the toxic metals in our bodies, and is also known for its antiseptic properties and ability to boost our immune systems.
These are just a few of the known benefits of chlorophyll, but they should eliminate any hesitations you possess about the benefits of a wheatgrass shot. If you still remain a bit skeptical, as you wander into your local chlorophyll watering hole, keep in mind that it is also used to treat bad breath, and doesn’t cost more than your average pack of gum.
Chlorophyll is in The Color Green
Although its high content of chlorophyll makes it one of nature's most potent elixirs when juiced, wheatgrass is not the only green with supreme health benefits. Chlorophyll is that plant pigment responsible for causing the color green. Therefore, a healthy diet featuring regular doses of greens is a sure way to sustain your chlorophyll demand.
Rasham Nassar - Rasham Nassar is an emerging writer from the California Bay Area. A graduate from the University of California at Berkeley, Rasham's ...
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