Chlorophyll: Characteristics And Beneficial Properties Of This Pigment
When we look at the great diversity of life around us, it can be difficult to imagine how something so beautiful and complex can depend so much on elements that seem as simple and common to us as water, sunlight or the oxygen we breathe. However, the truth is that without these elements life as we know it on our planet would not be possible. One of the aforementioned elements, oxygen, would not exist to such an extent in nature if it were not for the emergence and evolution of a small pigment present in plants: chlorophyll
This pigment is a vital component for the plant since it allows it to survive, and for us because largely thanks to it, photosynthesis is carried out, which has contributed to enriching our world with the oxygen we need to survive. And not only that: various studies seem to indicate that chlorophyll, when added to our diet, can also have interesting beneficial properties for our health. Throughout this article we are going to see a brief comment on some of these aspects.
The name chlorophyll is given to one of the most relevant types of molecule for the plant kingdom, being a capital pigment because it It is only thanks to this element that plants can carry out photosynthesis, something essential for its survival. And not only for the plants themselves but it is also for any creature that needs oxygen to survive (including us), given that said photosynthesis is what generates most of the oxygen we breathe.
Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplasts of different types of plants and algae, being the main responsible for the greenish coloration that we see in these beings. Likewise, it is also possible to find it in some bacteria.
Chlorophyll molecules are composed of a ring of proteins called porphyrin, which contains magnesium and is mainly responsible for capturing sunlight, and in turn a phytol chain (an alcohol) that keeps it in the membrane and that presents a hydrophobic performance. Its structure resembles and is very similar to that of animal hemoglobin although as we have said the main component of its nucleus is magnesium (instead of the iron found in animals).
In reality, although we usually think of chlorophyll as something homogeneous, the truth is that we can find different types of it, specifically chlorophylls a, b, c (more common in algae), d and f (these last two are more typical in bacteria).. of which chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b stand out mainly (which are what give plants their green color).
How does it work in plants?
The role of chlorophyll itself is to absorb sunlight and transmit it to the reaction center, in a complex photosystem in which elements such as chlorophyll a (which is the only type of chlorophyll that transforms light energy into chemical energy) that it has contribute to generating energy and organic matter, as well as oxygen.
The way chlorophyll works is as follows: the capture by the molecule of a photon of light will cause the electrons that are part of it to enter a much more energetic and excited state, which can only remain in that state for a brief time. amount of time before transferring excess energy to another molecule (a transmission that can end up generating something that as it happens causes the energy to end up reaching the parts of the cell that carry out photosynthesis), dissipating it in the form of heat or emitting by itself what we commonly know as fluorescence.
Properties and uses in humans
Chlorophyll is a fundamental substance for the survival of plants, since it allows them to take advantage of sunlight to carry out photosynthesis and generate organic matter, nutrients and energy for the plant itself from carbon dioxide. But the truth is that This pigment is not only beneficial for plants, but various studies suggest (albeit with disparate results) that it has a series of interesting useful properties for humans. Among the properties that are most often cited despite the fact that the data is not completely clear, the following stand out.
1. Purifying
One of the best-known properties of chlorophyll is the fact that it facilitates a good state of gastrointestinal health, promoting evacuation and motility of the digestive tract as well as helping to protect the intestinal flora. Furthermore also seems to facilitate the expulsion of heavy elements with toxic potential
2. Antioxidant and healing
Another interesting property of this substance is its high antioxidant content, which helps fight free radicals and helps prevent cellular damage and aging. In this sense, it is also used in anti-aging products. In addition to that It is commonly used in wound healing which seems to facilitate.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Different studies seem to indicate that in addition to being an antioxidant, chlorophyll contributes to reducing proinflammatory cytokines and reducing the effects of inflammation to a certain extent. In this sense, it can help treat intestinal inflammation or arthritis.
4. Contributes to good circulation
Another of the properties attributed to chlorophyll (although it is debated whether it is real or a myth), partly thanks to its antioxidant, purifying and anti-inflammatory potential is to promote the proper functioning of blood circulation.
It is said that its magnesium content contributes to increasing the production and improving the health of red blood cells, something that in turn favors oxygenation of the body. Although there are doubts about the latter, there appears to be more consensus on the fact that it contributes to reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, something that undoubtedly promotes circulation and cardiovascular health and reduces the probability of problems in said system. It also appears to help alkalize the blood.
5. Promotes coagulation
In addition to the above, this pigment is rich in vitamin K, a substance that helps blood clot and helps control possible bleeding This also includes menstruation itself, which helps control.
6. Reduces bad odor
As we can easily see in a large number of body hygiene products, chlorophyll is often used as a component. to make deodorants or even mouthwashes or sprays This is because it is considered to have the property of reducing bad body odor, either by fighting bad breath or the odor of sweat. Likewise, it also seems to reduce the bad odor of urine and feces.
