Chlorella is a type of green algae that grows in fresh water and comes with amazing benefits for human health. It is packed with 40+ nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and phytonutrients that have alkalizing and antioxidant effects on the body. It’s a good source of iron, making it beneficial for pregnant women, vegetarians, and vegans. In fact, chlorella’s nutritional profile and toxin-binding qualities are so impressive that NASA is using it to purify water, generate oxygen, and provide food for astronauts in space.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Chlorella?
Chlorella strengthens your gut microbiome and immune health, improves sleep, and removes toxins, including heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, and cadmium), pollutants, and food additives by binding them for excretion through the colon.
Chlorella can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and potentially help with conditions like constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. It promotes good digestion by supplying enzymes to the intestines, such as pepsin and chlorophyllase. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this green alga inhibits inflammatory cytokine production and increases antioxidant enzyme activity. With its high content of glutathione, it supports liver function, thus boosting overall energy levels. It also increases the production of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids like propionate which helps reduce symptoms of IBS. Researchers discovered remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits of Chlorella pyrenoidosa’s pigment-protein complex.
Beauty comes from within, meaning improving gut health is also good for your skin. Chlorella can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in our skin and reduce acne. The benefits for healthy skin get even better when chlorella intake is combined with spirulina.
Its high content in GABA provides a calming effect on the brain. Chlorophyll and other phytonutrients give it an alkaline pH, which in combination with amino acids supports muscle recovery after workouts. It is also beneficial following injury or surgery to speed up healing. A standard serving size is 10 tablets and a therapeutic or sports recovery size is 30 tablets.
A Serving of 30 Tablets Contains:
Reduces high blood pressure
- Studies have shown that chlorella reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
- Chlorella contains potassium, arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium, which protect the arteries.
Prevents cancer
- Chlorella inhibits cancer cell development by triggering apoptosis or cell death. This single-celled alga boosts the activity of natural killer cells, a kind of white blood cell that aids in tumor rejection by the host.
- Chlorella contains a protein, chlorella vulgaris culture supernatant (CVS), that has antitumor properties.
- Chlorella reduces the negative effects of chemotherapy.
Improves blood sugar levels
- It includes magnesium, which improves blood sugar levels.
- Chlorella also improves insulin sensitivity.
Detoxifies body
- Chlorella binds and helps remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.
Enhances endurance
- Studies determined that athletes who were supplemented with chlorella had considerable gains in endurance and blood oxygen saturation levels but my preferred use in athletes is in combination with spirulina. Spirulina improves energy and strength while chlorella support muscle/tissue recovery.
Aids in weight loss and so much more
- The high nutritional content of chlorella can help normalize cell and tissue function and reverse numerous degenerative disease processes.
- By addressing any dietary deficiencies, the body is likely to experience fewer cravings and hunger episodes.
- Phenylalanine, an amino acid, has been shown to boost the synthesis of the hunger relief hormone, cholecystokinin, and reduce the tendency to overeat.
- A study conducted with 44 females, who were suffering from menstrual cramps demonstrated relief from cramping and headaches after two months of taking chlorella = alleviation of symptoms within two menstrual cycles.
- Carotenoids (especially lutein) in chlorella support eye-health.
Are there any Risks Associated with Chlorella Supplementation?
Drug interactions
- Warfarin – is a blood thinner administered to people who can develop life-threatening blood clots. Chlorella is rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K is a natural coagulant that helps form blood clots to reduce bleeding.
Skin sensitivity
- Chlorella can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
Sources
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