You may have heard of the legendary ‘Green Smoothie’, which is often touted as a fast weight loss elixir. Well, the humble chlorophyll (pronounced key-lor-uh-fee) may hold the key to creating a healthier, fitter you.
Also known as “plant food”, chlorophyll is an essential part of the process by which plants turn sunlight into energy. Like the green smoothie, most people think of chlorophyll when it comes to weight loss, since it’s often sold in herbivore weight loss supplements and natural food stores.
But did you know that chlorophyll can be found in fresh fruit and vegetables and that it’s also a crucial part of the human diet?
Now is the perfect time to learn more, so here are the answers to all your burning questions about chlorophyll.
Does Eating More Greens Help With Weight Loss?
An often-cited “truth” about chlorophyll is that it helps “feed” the ‘good’ bacteria in your large intestine and that this, in turn, assists with weight loss. The argument is that the good bacteria help break down complex carbohydrates found in vegetables such as kale and collards, which results in fewer calories being absorbed into your system. So, by eating more greens, you’re helping to reduce your waist size. This rumour has been around since the 1950s and can be traced back to a Russian study that found a link between taking antibiotics and losing weight. Since then, similar studies have been conducted and the results consistently show that individuals who consume more vegetables have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI).
It appears that the effect is most pronounced in those who regularly eat leafy greens, as opposed to those who only rely on fruit for their daily supplies of vitamins and antioxidants. So, if you’re looking to drop a few pounds, increasing your intake of greenery might be the key. It’s also worth noting here that while most people think of chlorophyll when it comes to weight loss, it doesn’t have to be restricted to vegetables. Some animals have been shown to benefit from eating chlorophyll, too.
Why Should You Try Chlorophyll?
Apart from the possibility of helping you to lose some weight, there are a number of reasons why you may want to try chlorophyll. First up, the compound is incredibly easy to obtain. All you need is a kitchen knife and some time to chop up some fruit and vegetables. You don’t need a garden to accomplish this, either – you can find all you need in your local supermarkets. Second, chlorophyll is known to be “food-grade”, which means it doesn’t have to be disposed of once you’ve finished with it. The same can’t be said of many supplements and herbs, some of which are quite expensive. Third, most people confuse chlorophyll with “weed-killer” – which it is not. While chlorophyll is extremely toxic to many plants and vegetation, it is also harmless towards humans. Finally, unlike many other weight loss supplements, there’s no evidence to suggest that chlorophyll makes you crave unhealthy food or beverages. Instead, it has been shown to have a positive effect on the human digestive system.
How Long Does It Take For Chlorophyll To Work?
According to most studies, it takes only minutes for chlorophyll to start benefiting your body. Once you’ve started to consume it on a regular basis, you’ll notice that your waistline starts decreasing. However, it will take a few weeks of regularly eating vegetables and other foods rich in chlorophyll to start feeling the effects. If you’re looking to drop a few pounds in a hurry, you should begin by incorporating more vegetables into your diet. This will, in turn, help you to get the best results from your chlorophyll supplements.
How Many Servings Do You Need To Eat To Get The Best Effect?
The amount of vegetables you need will vary from person to person. However, for the best effect, it’s generally accepted that you should eat 4-5 servings of vegetables daily. If you’re already eating the recommended 2-3 servings daily, you may not need to increase your consumption, but it’s never hurt to try. In terms of weight loss, as little as ¼ cup of chopped vegetable seems to have a significant effect. So, when you’re shopping for your weekly food intake, make sure you pick up some extra servings of vegetables.
Are There Any Side Effects From Eating Chlorophyll?
Aside from helping your body to lose a little bit of weight, there aren’t many side effects associated with eating chlorophyll. In fact, most people who try it report that it’s extremely nutritious and doesn’t cause any problems. The compound has been shown, in both rats and humans, to improve the body’s ability to break down fats and carbohydrates – both of which help to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol. Since most people confuse weed-killer with chlorophyll, it’s probably important that you know the difference. Not all supplements and herbs are created equal, and for the best results, it’s vital that you choose the right one.
In the end, while the jury is still out as to whether or not chlorophyll will help you to shed a few pounds, it’s well-known that antioxidants, like vitamin A and C, can help to protect the body against the damage caused by free radicals. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your health, you should try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. If this seems like too much work and you’re looking for a quick solution, then you could always try ingesting chlorophyll on its own or in conjunction with another weight loss supplement.