Chlorella

Chlorella is one of the most powerful Superfoods on the planet. It’s one of the richest sources of protein, beta carotene, and nucleic acids. Ounce for ounce, chlorella offers more nutritional benefits than most plants or animals. Every cell contains vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, protein, and more. In fact, chlorella alone has enough nutrients to support the entire metabolism of a healthy adult.

There have been thousands of studies that demonstrate the healthy benefits of chlorella. These studies show chlorella speeds wound healing, relieves digestive problems, boosts immune response, supports your heart and much, much more. The nutrients in chlorella (pyrenoidosa) are protected by a thick cell wall that’s very hard for humans to digest. And this cell wall has to be opened before your body can absorb any of the nutrients inside. There are various techniques including grinding, freezing, sound vibration, or enzyme treatment.

Why Chlorella is a Magnet for Toxins

Chlorella is loaded with chlorophyll, one of the most powerful detoxing substances in nature. Chlorophyll helps detox your liver and bloodstream and helps cleanse your digestive tract. It binds to toxins like a magnet. It can even bind to mercury which is extremely difficult to remove from your body. In a recent Japanese study, researchers fed eight-week-old mice 5 mg/kg of ethylmercury. Then they divided the mice into two groups. One group received 100 mg of chlorella, the other did not. (A third group served as the control and did not receive either mercury or chlorella.) After 24 hours, the mice that ate the chlorella eliminated significant amounts of mercury compared to the mice who did not receive chlorella.

  • Detoxes Your Body: The chlorophyll in chlorella helps remove dangerous environmental toxins from your body including radioactive residues, pesticides, herbicides, and toxic metals like mercury and aluminum.
  • Helps Slow Aging: Chlorella has the highest concentration of nucleic acids of any food. You may remember nucleic acids from junior high science. They are the stuff that makes up your DNA and RNA. Unfortunately, as you get older your body’s ability to synthesize nucleic acids declines, causing your cells to age. But the good news is, your body can absorb nucleic acids directly from chlorella, helping to slow the aging process.
  • Repairs Damaged Tissues: The nucleic acids in chlorella also help heal damaged tissues and wounds. Researchers believe this is due to something called chlorella “growth factor” which is a combination of nucleic acids and other key vitamins and minerals that allows chlorella to grow so fast. In one Japanese experiment, 5 patients with wounds that refused to heal were given chlorella. In all five cases the wounds healed.
  • Builds Energy: Chlorella also contains more than twice the total protein of beef. But unlike beef, all of its protein is available for immediate assimilation, giving you a significant energy boost!
  • Boosts Immunity: Chlorella contains 19 of the 22 known amino acids essential to human nutrition. This rich store of amino acids boosts your immunity and protects you from infection. In fact, in one experiment involving nearly 1,000 Japanese sailors, sailors who were given chlorella supplements showed a significantly higher resistance to cold viruses than sailors who were not given the supplements.

Chlorella is a Whole Food

Chlorella is a unique single-celled fresh water green algae. Chlorella’s single-cell structure is the key to its uniquely varied and concentrated supply of vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrients. Because chlorella is a pure, whole food, these nutrients are in the form and balance that nature intended. There are over 70,000 species of algae, elementary plants without roots, stems, branches and leaves. Algae usually contain chlorophyll and green algae are the simplest green living organisms. Like other chlorophyll containing plants, algae convert inorganic chemical elements to organic matter by using light energy and photosynthesis. They form the first link in the series of organisms that makes up the Earth’s food chain. It has a grass-like smell because the high amounts of chlorophyll in it, the highest concentration of any plant in the world. It has existed on the planet for billions of years and was one of the first foods to appear. Fossils of Chlorella have been found dating back 3 billion years.

Chlorella contains amino acids (protein), enzymes (including pepsin for digestion), vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. It contains over 18% Chlorella Growth Factor, high in RNA and DNA, the building blocks of life. Up to 10% of chlorella can be RNA, while DNA levels can be as high as 3%. Chlorella is high in vitamin D, vitamin K, riboflavin, folate, iron and chlorophyll. Chlorella was the first form of life that developed a true nucleus. Blue-green algae and spirulina lack this nucleus. With plenty of sunlight and fertile growing conditions, each chlorella cell reproduces itself by division into 4 new cells every 24 hours.

Chlorella, a simple single cell fresh water algae plant, is a near perfect food. Its benefits include:

  • Build your immune system
  • Detoxify heavy metals and pesticides from your body
  • Improve your digestive system
  • Help you focus clearly and longer
  • Improve your energy level
  • Balance your body’s pH
  • Normalize your blood sugar and blood pressure
  • Eliminate bad breath
  • Fight cancer

Chlorella is a natural organism. The vitamins and minerals in it are bio-chelated, naturally connected to amino acids that are easier to absorb. Many supplements are but an amalgam of concentrates and extracts that have been artificially stitched together to “provide balanced nutrition”. As a whole-food, chlorella provides the body with naturally balanced nutrients that are superior to any man-made vitamin supplement. Chlorella is the best of the commonly available greens: chlorella, spirulina, blue-green algae, wheat grass and barley grass. Chlorella has the highest chlorophyll content and an outstanding ability to eliminate toxins, pesticides and heavy metals from the body.

Chlorella’s nucleus, containing chlorella growth factor with its great rejuvenating effects sets it apart. CGF is derived from the various peptides, proteins and other substances that are leached from an extract created from boiling chlorella. The potent peptides created during the boiling process are not originally found in the algae. CGF has been studied for its therapeutic benefits – powerful natural immune enhancers and growth promoting effects. CGF has also been attributed to increasing your body’s production of T and B lymphocytes, interferon and tumor necrosis factor.

Detoxification of Mercury, Heavy Metals, Pesticides

Chlorella can aid the body in the breakdown of persistent hydrocarbon and metallic toxins such as DDT, PCB, mercury, cadmium and lead, while strengthening the immune system response. In Japan, interest in chlorella has focused largely on its detoxifying properties – its ability to neutralize or remove poisonous substances from the body. This detoxification of heavy metals and other chemical toxins in the blood will take 3-6 months to build up enough to begin this process depending on dosage of chlorella. Its fiber improves digestion and overall digestive tract health. Chlorella plays a particularly crucial role in systemic mercury elimination because the majority of mercury is rid through stool. Once the mercury burden is lowered from the intestines, mercury from other body tissues will more readily migrate into the intestines – where chlorella will effectively remove it.

Chlorella is made up of a fibrous, indigestible outer shell (20%) and its inner nutrients (80%). It is the fibrous material that has been proven to actually bind with heavy metals and pesticides like PCBs, that can accumulate in our bodies. Chlorella’s cleansing action on the bowel and other elimination channels, and its protection of the liver, helps keep the blood clean. Clean blood assures that metabolic wastes are efficiently carried away from the tissues. Japanese studies have shown chlorella’s triple-layer cell wall to be absorbent of the toxic metals (mercury, cadmium and lead), facilitating their removal from the body. Other studies of chlorella show it helps build blood, boosts the immune system, has anticancer factors, and promotes stamina and healing. Promotes oxygenation and circulation in the extremities. Considered a gem of longevity foods due to CGF (chlorella growth factor) a unique facilitator of life at the core of the cell.

Chlorophyll to Process More Oxygen

Chlorophyll is one of the greatest food substances for cleansing the bowel and other elimination systems, such as the liver and the blood. Most food greens contain less than half of one percent chlorophyll. Green algae are the best sources of chlorophyll and chlorella is the highest, ranging from 3 to 5% pure natural chlorophyll. Chlorella contains more chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. Hemoglobin in our red blood cells binds with oxygen. Chlorophyll cells are nearly identical to hemoglobin, with one exception: Chlorophyll has a magnesium molecule at that center of it while hemoglobin has an iron molecule at the center of it. Magnesium is essential for many autonomic body functions.

Chlorophyll is effective against anemia and stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. It also helps carry oxygen around the body and to the brain. This is why chlorella is often called “Brain Food”. Other research reports showed that chlorophyll has a stimulating effect on the regeneration and growth of tissue. People find chronic bad breath is often eliminated in just a few days on chlorella. Foul smelling stools are also greatly improved and chlorophyll has been attributed to relieving constipation. Chlorella supplements can speed up the rate of cleansing of the bowel, bloodstream and liver.

Interferon is one of our body’s greatest natural defenses against cancer. One of the ways to fight cancer is the use of agents to stimulate macrophage production and activity. Interferon is a natural secretion of the body that is thought to be a stimulator of macrophages and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Chlorella stimulates the activity of T-cells and macrophages by increasing interferon levels thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat foreign invaders whether they are bacteria, viruses, chemicals or foreign proteins. Chlorella contains digestive enzymes including chlorophyllase and pepsin. Chlorella has many different types of enzymes that our bodies need. It is essential that any algae you take is NOT freeze dried or pasteurized. If it is, then you have lost the crucial benefit of enzymes such as these.

Regulate Your Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

Chlorella tends to normalize blood sugar in cases of hypoglycemia and personal testimonies show that it also helps control diabetes. In hypoglycemia, blood sugar is too low, while in diabetes, blood sugar is too high. Proper levels of blood sugar are necessary for normal brain function, heart function and energy metabolism, all of which are crucial in sustaining good health and preventing disease. Please note that blood sugar and blood pressure are primarily related to eating sugar and grains.

Improve Your Chances Against Cancer

High doses of Superfoods improve your odds against cancer. Take as much as 30 grams of chlorella per day. Natural beta-carotene is an antioxidant nutrient, a precursor of vitamin A. Thousands of scientific studies confirm vitamin A and beta-carotene’s positive role in the immune system and cancer prevention and treatment. People who develop cancer generally have lower levels of vitamin A in their blood. Beta-carotene works synergistically with vitamin E as an antioxidant to eliminate cancer in its early stages. There is even some research from Harvard to suggest that algae extracts like chlorella were more effective than beta-carotene alone in anticancer activity. This makes perfect sense as one would expect superior results from whole food products.

Amino Acids

60% of Chlorella is protein, containing 18 of 22 known amino acids including the essential 8 amino acids. It is a superior protein source to meat, fish and eggs because these are secondary protein, meaning that the amino acids have already been formed into protein to become the flesh of an egg or another animal. When we eat a food such as meat, our bodies must first break down the protein into amino acids then reform them into the proteins that our body needs. This is inefficient and not nearly as effective as simply taking pure amino acids. No other natural source of protein provides such a complete and balanced array of amino acids than green algae like chlorella.

Chlorella Promotes Healing

Experiments have shown that CGF promotes faster than normal growth without adverse side effects, and appears to enhance RNA/DNA functions responsible for production of proteins, enzymes and energy at the cellular level, stimulating tissue repair and protecting cells against some toxic substances. Japanese doctors found that ulcers healed rapidly and that wounds which were unresponsive to various medications and treatments finally healed when the patients took oral doses of chlorella and Chlorella Growth Factor. Experiments have shown that a substance in CGF stimulates both plant and animal cells to reproduce at a faster rate, which stimulates healing. It has hormone-like qualities to it and while it does not make adults grow faster, it does stimulate tissue repair, even if it has been ulcerated or damaged and has resisted traditional healing methods. Chlorella has been used effectively as a topical treatment for damaged tissue.

Cracked Open Cell Walls for Digestibility

Chlorella cell walls are broken by high impact jet-spray drying that pulverizes the algae wall for increased absorption of its vital nutrients. This superior technology provides you with a better taste and nutrition. The cell walls are cracked open in the drying process while maintaining cell integrity and nutrient value. In your body, the open cells allow the nutrients to be released and assimilated directly into your system. Chlorella has 5 to 10 times the chlorophyll content of spirulina, wheat grass and barley grass. It is also higher in chlorophyll than blue-green algae. Chlorella contains the highest chlorophyll content of any known plant.

Chlorella and the other algae are abundant in beta-carotene, which is known to prevent cancer. The protein content of the algae is significantly higher than in the cereal grasses. Chlorella is about 60%, spirulina 73%, blue-green algae 56%, barley grass 14% and wheat grass 18%. Chlorella is the world’s most popular algae with millions of satisfied users. It is the most common supplement taken in Japan. It is frequently added to tea, soup, milk, juice, noodles, yogurt and other foods.

Summary

  • Chlorella is the richest food source of chlorophyll (ten times the content of alfalfa)
  • Chlorella contains many times more beta carotene than carrots and other leafy green vegetables
  • Chlorella helps normalize digestion and bowel function
  • Chlorella strengthens the immune system
  • Chlorella may stimulate anticancer activity
  • Chlorella stimulates growth and repair to tissues
  • Chlorella is high in protein with all 8 essential amino acids

Chlorella Power

Green supplements have been growing in popularity since the mid-1980s. It is a wonderful thing that people have started paying more attention to the origin of their food and supplements, and that they are turning to natural sources more often, prioritizing quality over price. Words like superfoods, organic, or 100% natural might seem like buzzwords and marketing strategies, but there is some true healing magic to natural, bio-available nutrients. Commercial supplements are often full of unnecessary ingredients like artificial sweeteners, fillers, colorings, or just gluten and soy (these, even though perfectly natural, are not a healthy option). The word superfood is randomly thrown around and misused to label the newest food-lab creation as something miraculous. We also learned about the health benefits of algae. Chlorella carries all three labels on its shoulders: it is a common ingredient in greens supplements, a superfood, and an algae. Some people praise and swear by it, while others say it is just a scam, but this is generally by those uncomfortable with anything outside of the bubble of modern western medicine.

There is no miracle cure for everything. There is not just one single food or supplement that will work the same for everyone and save the global health crisis. Even the most natural supplement can have negative side effects when not taken with caution or when used by someone with particular, incompatible, health problems. If you are sensitive to nightshades, you will probably not choose to include tomatoes and bell peppers in your daily dose of vegetables, despite the fact that they are an excellent source of vitamin C. Some people are highly sensitive to everything made with coconut and they might have to stay away from coconut oil, no matter how healthy it might seem on paper. No matter how nutrient dense some foods might be, they will never work for absolutely everyone. Different people have different needs, and there are many things to consider, including their current state of health, metabolic individuality, and also the quality of the supplement they decide to try. When looking for a real food supplement, the quality should always be the first criteria on your list. Chlorella is no exception.

Chlorella is a unicellular freshwater algae. Today it is mostly cultivated in Asia, and we recognize several varieties, the most commonly known and used are Chlorella vulgaris (vul.) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (pyr.). This green algae is packed with nutrients and has a very strong cellular wall. For the nutrients of this plant to be easily absorbed by a human body, it has to be dried and very finely milled/ground into a super fine powder, allowing us to digest and use all the precious nutrients within the organism.

Chlorella is then sold either as a powder or pressed into tablets. There is so much you can read about Chlorella online and many studies have been done on this superfood. The problem with the research that studies Chlorella is the fact that they were mostly performed using Chlorella vul., even though the one that is mostly used in supplements worldwide is Chlorella pyr..

There are mild differences in the nutritional profile of both Chlorella varieties, and for that reason, I would suggest always reading your labels before purchasing any Chlorella supplement, just to be sure which cultivar you are getting (there are supplements available that contain two or more varieties, like our own Chlorella blend. Whether you are a fan of Chlorella or not, there is no denying that all of the types of this algae are very rich in minerals, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. People have used Chlorella for a very long time – it is not a recent discovery. The first study is actually from 1975, and it showed a positive effect on lowering serum levels of cholesterol after just three months of use. Fifteen years later, the results of this old study were confirmed. And over the years, many more studies showed different kinds of benefits. This study using Chlorella vul. showed improved antioxidant action among cigarette smokers. This paper explains how Chlorella helps to improve blood glucose levels and also works as a potent antioxidant. This more recent study proved improved glucose metabolism in patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Tests on subjects with high-risk factors for lifestyle related diseases showed some promising results, and this animal study suggests that using Chlorella pyr. might help menopausal women with weight management and lipid metabolism regulation.

In 2002, a study focused on mast cells looked at 11 different types of algae and showed that Chlorella vul. actually helps to decrease the release of histamine after mast cell degranulation, which turned Chlorella into a member of the anti-histamine family! A few years later a study on mice showed similar results with Chlorella pyr., and once again with Chlorella vul. in 2013. Research from 2015 showed positive effects of Chlorella vul. for treating atopic dermatitis. Many animal studies suggest that Chlorella is a great way to boost immunity, but there are also studies on humans. This clinical studyshows effects of an 8-week long trial of Chlorella intake on the immune system. Researchers found that it helps to activate natural killer cells in the body and regulates immunity! Peptides present in Chlorella even seem to prevent cardiovascular diseases linked with inflammation.

The positive effects of Chlorella on inflammation are also shown when using it topically to treat skin inflammation and wounds. Another trial studied the positive effects of Chlorella on decreasing the pain and inflammatory markers in rats suffering from urinary tract infection. There is also some promising evidence of Chlorella protecting the gut barrier from bacteria and endotoxins, which suggests that supplementing with this algae might help with gut healing and digestive problems. Chlorella also lowers the negative effects of stress! Last but not least, this clinical study (using Chlorella pyr.) shows the benefits for patients with Fibromyalgia, Ulcerative Colitis, high blood pressure, and impaired immune function. This is a lot of scientific evidence that simply should not be ignored!

Chlorella is definitely worth trying, especially if you recognize yourself in any of the symptoms mentioned above. It is not going to miraculously heal you, but it will definitely have a positive effect on your overall health. Many people report improvements in overall digestion (and elimination) after just three months of using Chlorella regularly. Chlorella fans say it helps them with diarrhea, headaches, histamine flares, seasonal allergies, and even faster recovery after drinking or eating something off. Chlorella is rich in protein, which might be problematic for some people. If you are very sensitive to new foods (for example if you are a Celiac, MCAS, or MTHFR patient), start very slowly with a very low dose of Chlorella, if you decide to try it. As little as ¼ of a tablet is a great start, and you can slowly increase the dose based on the feedback your body gives you. You don’t have to dive into a high dose to experience benefit, and definitely don’t think that you have to take Chlorella just because everyone else does, but with all the evidence showing such positive effects, it is definitely worth giving it a go!

Author: Life Enthusiast Staff