It is the gold hidden in the greenest foods, essential for the photosynthesis of plants and for our health. Find out how to use it in the kitchen.
The chlorophyll of plants is known as green gold. It has a molecular structure very similar to that of human hemoglobin, responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. The essential difference is that chlorophyll, instead of iron, provides magnesium. This mineral is involved in more than 300 metabolic processes.
The ideal is to consume it through whole foods, such as green leaves, which also provide us with other essential components.
They are leaves rich in chlorophyll:
- Lettuces
- Cabbages
- Chard
- Spinach
- Canons
- Watercress
- Rocket
- Parsley
- Celery
- Wheatgrass
This group is accompanied by the microalgae spirulina and chlorella.
You can also find it concentrated in tablets or capsules. But before consuming it in this way, it is better that you consult with your doctor to avoid possible contraindications and side effects.
Find out how to incorporate chlorophyll into your diet with these three recipes.
1. SALAD WITH NORI SEAWEED
Ingredients for 1 person
- 150 g brown rice
- 30 g chopped spinach
- 40 g Italian lettuce
- 20 g nori seaweed in strips
- Grated beetroot
- Sliced red pepper
- 40 g cashews (previously soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon organic miso paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Wash the rice well and let it cook in about 10 cups of boiling water for 35 to 45 minutes, over medium heat, until tender.
- Drain the water.
- To prepare the dressing, combine the cashews, lemon juice, miso paste and maple syrup in a food processor and mix until smooth.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season.
2. SUPER GREEN SMOOTHIE
Ingredients for 1 person
- 300 ml coconut water or natural water
- 20 g rocket
- 5 g wheatgrass powder
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 green apple
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon chlorella powder
Preparation
- Mix all the ingredients in the glass of the mixer and then beat until it acquires the texture that seems most pleasant to the palate.
3. GREEN HUMMUS TOAST
Ingredients for 1 person
- 2 slices gluten-free wholemeal bread
- 200 g cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon spirulina
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 avocado sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/8 chopped onion
- 40 g alfalfa sprouts
- 1 grated carrot
- 20 g sunflower seeds
Preparation
- In a food processor, place the cooked chickpeas, lemon, spirulina and garlic and crush for one minute.
- Add the tahini and reprocess another minute.
- If necessary, add water as needed to improve the texture.
- Spread the green hummus on gluten-free bread or pancakes.
- Spread the avocado, tomato, onion, alfalfa sprouts and carrots on top, and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHLOROPHYLL
Foods rich in chlorophyll and, therefore, magnesium reduce fatigue, support the functioning of the nervous system, regenerate tissues and strengthen bones and teeth.
In addition, the consumption of chlorophyll daily tones the body and provides alkaline compounds to the body. Several studies have proven that chlorophyll has an anticancer and DNA-protective effect. In addition, it is able to reduce liver damage caused by mycotoxins.
Its habitual consumption with foods high in fiber helps regulate intestinal transit. Chlorophyll supplements in high-carbohydrate diets decrease feelings of hunger and help prevent hypoglycemia.
In the 1940s it was already observed that chlorophyll improved the healing of certain wounds, as it inhibited the proliferation of certain bacteria and accelerated the healing process.
