Chlorophyll is a pretty amazing substance. It has benefits for both our internal and external health. Chlorophyll benefits for menstrual cycle include reducing menstrual cramps, alleviating irritability and depression, and reducing bloating.
One of the biggest chlorophyll benefits for menstrual cycle is that it helps to balance our hormones. When our hormones are balanced, everything else seems to fall into place. We have more energy, we’re less moody, and our cramps aren’t as bad. I was already a huge fan of green veggies but hadn’t thought about taking a chlorophyll supplement until I heard Dr. Elson Haas mention it in an interview with Mehmet Oz on his Healthy Talk show. Now that I know that the human body absorbs almost 100% of the nutrients from chlorophyll and that it’s the substance that colors the leaves of plants and makes them green, I’m probably going to add a chlorophyll supplement to my diet on a regular basis.
Related: 9 Essential Oils Proven to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll comes from the Greek words for ‘green’ (chloro) and ‘leaf’ (phyll). It is the pigment that makes plants green and allows them to convert sunlight into energy. Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring substance that is found in all leafy vegetables, as well as in algae and blue-green bacteria.
How does chlorophyll benefit the body?
Chlorophyll has many benefits for the body. It is a strong antioxidant that is believed to be able to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules generated by normal bodily processes, but which cause cellular damage if allowed to run rampant through the body. These molecules have been linked with aging and cancer. Chlorophyll also gives plants their distinctive flavor, so adding chlorophyll-rich foods to your diet can add a nice, earthy flavor without adding fat and calories. It also stimulates the secretion of bile, which improves digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food that you eat.
Chlorophyll has many other benefits:
- Chlorophyll is also used in some toothpaste because it helps to naturally whiten teeth
- Chlorophyll can help to detoxify the liver and bloodstream
- Chlorophyll can improve circulation
- Chlorophyll helps to alkalinize the body, which can help to reduce inflammation
Related: 5 Exercises to Relieve Period Cramps
Chlorophyll Benefits For Menstrual Cycle
1. Reduces Cramps
Cramps are often caused by the uterus contracting to expel its contents. They can also occur when the uterus is attempting to move a fertilized egg into the uterine lining. These contractions can be caused by prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause the smooth muscles in the body to contract. Chlorophyll helps to reduce cramps because it inhibits prostaglandin production.
2. Alleviates Irritability and Depression
Many women experience irritability and depression during their menstrual cycle. This is likely due to the fluctuation of hormones that occurs during this time. Chlorophyll can help to alleviate these symptoms because it helps to balance the hormones.
3. Reduces Bloating
Bloating is often caused by water retention, which can be a side effect of the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Chlorophyll helps to reduce bloating because it helps the body to excrete excess water.
4. Hormone Balancer
Hormones are responsible for many of the changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, including the production of prostaglandins. They also affect moods and cramping. During the menstrual cycle, some hormones (estrogen) are at their highest levels while others (progesterone) are low. This can cause symptoms that include irritability, depression, bloating, and cramps to occur. Chlorophyll helps to balance these hormones by inhibiting prostaglandin production.
5. Prevents Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Chlorophyll has the ability to balance hormones, which can reduce many of the symptoms associated with PMS. It also helps prevent water retention and bloating by promoting the secretion of bile, which helps break down fat in food. Eating foods rich in chlorophyll is a great way to prevent PMS.
6. Helpful in Weight Loss
During our mensuration cycle, our body does not function as normal because of all the hormone changes, so it is common to see weight gain. Chlorophyll can help to prevent this weight gain by regulating the hormones and preventing water retention. Chlorophyll helps the body to rid itself of water, which can help with weight-loss goals. It is also helpful for those who are trying to cut back on dietary fat because chlorophyll takes away some of the fatty taste from food as well.
7. Neutralizes Free Radicals
During our cycles, our body is more susceptible to oxidative stress, which can cause cellular damage. Chlorophyll has the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body and prevent cellular damage. Free radicals are dangerously unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and even lead to cancer if left unchecked. Chlorophyll has the ability to neutralize free radicals because it contains magnesium, which is an antioxidant.
8. Reduces Gas and Bloating
Bloating is common during the menstrual cycle because of the changes in hormones and water retention. Chlorophyll can help to reduce gas and bloating by promoting the secretion of bile, which helps the body to break down food. Bile is a fluid that is produced by the liver and it contains cholesterol and other substances that help to digest food.
9. Improves Circulation
During our cycles, our blood flow is increased due to the increase in hormones. This can lead to an increase in the risk of developing blood clots. Chlorophyll can help to improve circulation by thinning the blood and preventing the formation of clots. improved circulation can help to reduce the risk of developing other health complications, such as heart attack and stroke, that are associated with the menstrual cycle.
10. Alkalinizing Agent
The mensuration cycle can often lead to an acidic body after the menstrual period. Chlorophyll has the ability to balance our pH level and alkalize the body because it contains magnesium, which is a known alkalinizing agent. This helps our bodies to function as normal and reduces the risk of other health complications associated with acidity.
11. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is often high during our cycles because of the increase in prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that are responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Chlorophyll can help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. This can help to relieve pain and reduce the risk of developing other health complications associated with inflammation.
12. Prevents Vaginal Infections
Chlorophyll can help to prevent vaginal infections by inhibiting the growth of harmful organisms. By balancing our pH levels, chlorophyll can inhibit the growth of fungus and other harmful organisms that live in an acidic environment. Chlorophyll also helps to balance out the bacteria that is naturally present in the vagina, which can help to prevent vaginal infections.
What are some good sources of chlorophyll?
The best food sources of chlorophyll are leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, lettuce, and chard. Other good sources include algae and blue-green bacteria. You can also get chlorophyll from supplements, which are available in tablet or liquid form.
Our Favorite Chlorophyll Supplements
How much chlorophyll should you take?
There is no set dosage for chlorophyll supplements. It is generally recommended that people take at least 3 servings of green veggies daily, but many experts recommend more. A good rule of thumb is to take as much chlorophyll as you would for any other supplement (such as vitamins or minerals).
Chlorophyll is generally considered safe. People who are allergic to plants should avoid it. Those who are taking blood-thinning medications should speak to their healthcare provider before taking chlorophyll. Chlorophyll supplements are marketed for many uses, but they are especially popular as a weight loss aid. If taken in large amounts, however, dietary supplements can have negative side effects. So if you want to take chlorophyll to help with weight loss, it is probably best to get the supplement from your diet, rather than in pill form.
Chlorophyll benefits for the menstrual cycle go beyond just the reduction of physical discomfort though. Proven to increase fertility in women who have difficulty conceiving, chlorophyll benefits for the menstrual cycle include the healthy development of an egg each month in a woman’s ovary.
Chlorophyll benefits for the menstrual cycle also help to encourage a healthy environment in the uterus. Incorporating chlorophyll into your diet is one of the best ways to improve your chances of conceiving a child, and it can reduce how long it takes you to get pregnant when compared to other infertility treatments.
Chlorophyll is a natural detoxifier, so it can also help to rid your body of toxins that may be interfering with your ability to conceive. In addition, chlorophyll helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and keep everything running smoothly.