Facts About Chlorella
Chlorella is a type of algae that is bright green in color and is 50% protein. In addition, it is abundant in other nutrients such as fiber, iron, B vitamins, polyunsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants like vitamin C and lutein.
It is hypothesized to be beneficial in treating various conditions, including excessive cholesterol, cancer, and hepatitis C, among others. There are around 30 subspecies of chlorella, the most common of which are Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa.
Since the 1940s, researchers have been looking into the possibility of using chlorella as an alternative food source. The price of harvesting chlorella on a large scale skyrocketed despite the efforts of those who pursued this goal. Furthermore, the bitter flavor of chlorella turned off the majority of Westerners.
In conclusion, chlorella is consumed as a food in Japan, whereas in the United States, it is consumed as a nutritional supplement. In the latest days, chlorella has been marketed as a “superfood,” and it has been offered in tablet, granule, extract, and powder forms to cure a number of health problems. These products are sold to treat a wide range of health conditions.
Chlorella can also be referred to as Chlorelle, Green algae from Bulgaria, or Yaeyama chlorella.
Health Benefits of Chlorella
A Decreased Risk of Developing Chronic Illnesses
Studies have shown that the antioxidant violaxanthin, which is abundant in leafy greens, is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of chlorella. Further investigation has revealed that chlorella contains a number of additional antioxidants, such as lycopene, which are responsible for this impact.
As documented by the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic inflammation can result in a variety of diseases and conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and arthritis. Inflammation is the primary contributor to death rates across the globe.
Additionally, chlorella is loaded with a wide variety of antioxidants, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and several carotenoid pigments (such as beta-carotene and lutein).
These nutrients protect our bodies’ cells from harm and help lower a person’s risk of developing diabetes, cognitive disease, heart difficulties, and cancer, among other diseases.
Maintains Healthy Gums and Teeth
The use of chlorophyll as a green cleaning agent was all the rage in the 1950s. The disinfectant properties of chlorophyll are put to use in a wide variety of medical products, ranging from mouthwash to surgical bandages.
Researchers at Boys Town in Nebraska conducted a study that lasted for nine months and discovered that brushing with toothpaste that contained chlorophyll resulted in significant improvements in overall dental health, including both the gums and the teeth. There has been no such clinical research conducted on chlorella in particular.
Nonetheless, due to the fact that chlorella contains the richest supplies of the potent pigment chlorophyll found in the plant world, chewing up some chlorella tablets is likely to be beneficial for your teeth and gums.
Immune System Support
The antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor effects of chlorella have been attributed to the presence of chlorella’s antioxidants and other nutrients. Chlorella has been shown to boost the number of white blood cells in clinical research, which can help your immune system and make it easier to fight infections.
Supports a Healthy Respiratory System
The anti-inflammatory properties of chlorella may be useful in the management of respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (COPD). According to the findings of many studies, it can lessen symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Chlorella has been shown to improve both the capacity of the lungs and their endurance. Although additional research is required, one study revealed that it boosted the amount of oxygen in the lungs. Because of this, oxygen is delivered more efficiently throughout the body, which may contribute to increased aerobic endurance.
Brings Out the Radiance and Beauty of Your Skin
Your skin is continually being attacked by the environment, forcing it to replace dead cells and rejuvenate itself. Chlorella’s unique growth factor (CGT) encourages fast regeneration at the cellular level.
When you consider that chlorella also has a high concentration of antioxidants that offer protection (including vitamin A, which is a particular favorite of the skin), it is easy to see why your skin readily absorbs the nutrients that chlorella provides and even begs for more.
You can either use the method of ingesting chlorella in the form of a supplement or by directly putting it on your skin in the form of anti-aging skin cream to get these nutrients.
Protects against Dementia
A 2009 study on mice found that chlorella had a significant effect on reducing the mental deterioration associated with aging. It’s possible that this is related to the antioxidant effects that chlorella has on the brain.
On the other hand, it is unclear at this time whether chlorella will have the same effect on people.
Endurance Capacity
In 2014, scientists did a study to look into the effects on people’s peak oxygen intake by administering 15 chlorella tablets twice a day for a period of four weeks. Both chlorella and a placebo were administered to ten young adults.
Those that took chlorella experienced a rise in their peak oxygen consumption, which is suggestive that chlorella may assist in increasing aerobic endurance capacity.
This was a limited investigation, and as such, it was subject to a number of restrictions. On the other hand, this finding suggests that chlorella might one day be useful as a dietary supplement for athletes.
Eases Digestion Issues
However, if you have digestive troubles, eating might become a risk rather than a source of comfort for you. A delicious meal should never give you a reason to be anxious. In clinical studies, it was discovered that reducing cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhea with daily dosing of 10 grams of chlorella was possible.
Its potent combination of vitamin D, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll can assist in reducing inflammation, which is one of the potential causes of digestive problems. Chlorella appears to increase the number of beneficial probiotic bacteria that are already present in your digestive tract, which is vital for maintaining good digestive health.
Pregnancy
Iron, folate, and vitamin B-12 are all found in chlorella. Researchers are looking at the possibility that it could lower high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.
When compared with 32 Japanese women who took a placebo throughout their pregnancies, the women who took 6 grams of chlorella supplements daily from weeks 12–18 of their pregnancies had lower levels of anemia and fewer indications of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Before pregnant women take any kind of supplement, they should always consult with a medical professional first. There are several things that could put both the mother-to-be and the unborn child in danger.
It has been revealed that it is safe to consume certain supplements when one is pregnant.
Possible Side Effects
It is generally agreed that chlorella is safe and has a good safety profile. Having said that, chlorella is known to generate a variety of unpleasant side effects, particularly in the initial few weeks of treatment. These are the following:
- Flatulence
- Stools that have a greenish tint to them
- Nausea
- Cramps in the abdomen
- Diarrhea
The majority of these unwanted effects are likely to disappear when your body becomes used to the medication.
Chlorella has also been linked to photosensitivity, which can increase the likelihood of developing a sunburn or rash when exposed to the sun. Put on plenty of sunscreens and stay out of the sun as much as you can if you want to help lessen this effect.
Individuals who are sensitive to mold may also react negatively to chlorella. If you want to play it safe, take a lesser amount of chlorella as a “test” dose and then wait between 24 and 48 hours to see if any allergy symptoms appear. If you suffer from an iodine allergy, you should be extremely cautious about consuming chlorella because of its exceptionally high iodine content.
Because too much iodine can exacerbate hyperthyroid symptoms or produce an “iodine crash” in persons with hypothyroidism,
Interactions
Chlorella, which is found in high concentrations of chlorella, is known to play a role in the clotting of blood while also decreasing the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as Plavix and Coumadin (clopidogrel).
Chlorella can theoretically reduce the efficacy of immunosuppressive medicines, which are typically utilized in the treatment of autoimmune illnesses and cancer.
Dosage and Preparation
Products containing chlorella can be purchased without much difficulty, either on the internet or at a wide variety of natural food markets and businesses that focus specifically on nutritional supplements.
There are no recommendations about the correct manner in which chlorella should be utilized. The majority of supplement pills are available in dosages ranging from 500 mg to 1,000 mg. Even in pregnant women, daily doses of up to 6,000 milligrams have been found to be safe for use for up to 24 weeks.
Never take more of the medication than what the label instructs you to take. If anything, you should begin with the lowest feasible dose and gradually raise it from there. If you do this, you may be able to prevent adverse effects on your digestive system.
Tablets are the most convenient and easy-to-use form of chlorella since the dose can be adjusted and is always the same.
