Chlorella

Chlorella, a single-celled algae organism considered by many as a superfood with a whole host of nutritional benefits.

What is Chlorella?

Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water.  It first came into existence over two billion years ago.  The name is derived from the Greek “chloros” meaning green, and “ella” meaning small.  It is interesting to note that chlorella contains the most chlorophyll of any plant.

Chlorella can be thought of as one of nature’s superfoods, simply because of the amount of nutrients that it contains.  In fact, it is thought that chlorella contains every nutrient needed by the body.  Some of the things that can be found in chlorella include protein, all of the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E,beta-carotene, minerals including calcium, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, trace minerals, omega 3 fatty acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll.

Some Health Benefits of Chlorella

Chlorella has a whole host of helpful benefits for the body.  These include:

• detoxification – the chlorophyll in chlorella is a powerful detoxifier, and detoxification is vital for the body to operate at its peak.  Chlorella seems to also be particularly good at removing heavy metals such as mercury and lead from the body. It also strengthens the immune system response.  It is the fibrous outer shell of chlorella that binds with heavy metals and pesticides.  Chlorella is also one of the best foods for cleansing the body’s elimination systems such as the bowel, liver, and blood. Chlorella should be part of everyone’s detox regimen. See the information below for dosage and other information.
• Digestion – because of the high chlorophyll content, chlorella can relieve constipation, improve foul smelling stools, and greatly improve or even eliminate chronic bad breath.  Chlorella also contains digestive enzymes such as chlorophyllase and pepsin.
• Cancer – interferon is one of the body’s best defences against cancer as it stimulates macrophages and tumour necrosis factor.  Chlorella increases the body’s interferon levels, thus stimulating the activity of macrophages and t-cells, which enhance the immune system. Chlorella also contains carotenoids which may have a positive effect on precancerous cells.
• Alkalinity – it is important for the body to maintain a correct pH, however, many people are too acidic, due to factors such as a poor diet, junk foods, and soft drinks.  Most diseases start in an acidic environment so alkalinising the body to the correct pH is very important.  Chlorella can help to balance and maintain your body’s pH levels.
• Heart disease – the carotenoids in chlorella can help stop cholesterol from oxidising and clogging the arteries.  Regular use of chlorella can also reduce high blood pressure.
• Intestinal health – chlorella can improve the symptoms of ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and diverticulosis.  It also stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
• Magnesium – performs over 300 tasks in the body and it is vital for correct heart function, immune function, regulating blood pressure, balancing blood sugar levels, preventing stroke, and for muscle strength and relaxation. It is also vital for energy production, and it promotes mental health, relieves PMS symptoms, and reduces asthma attacks.  As well as being essential for a healthy heart, magnesium can be beneficial for mitral valve prolapse, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. It is also important for bone health.  Chlorella is an excellent source of magnesium.
• Blood sugar – chlorella can normalise blood sugar levels when hypoglycaemia occurs (when blood sugar is too low).  Correct blood sugar levels are necessary for normal brain functioning, heart functioning, and energy metabolism.

Supplementing with Chlorella

It should be remembered that chlorella is a food.  Although it is not likely to happen, chlorella can cause an allergic reaction.  If this happens, stop taking it.  Also, chlorella can be rich in vitamin K which can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.  Do not take chlorella if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Recent Confirmation of Mercury Detox support:

It has long been known to help detoxify the body of metals and other harmful substances. A recent 2010 study in the Journal of Toxicology confirms it can help flush methylmercury from your system finding ““These results suggest that the intake of [chlorella] may induce the excretion of Hg [mercury] both in feces and urine.”

Mice fed methylmercury were given chlorella, and the amount of methylmercury excreted in their urine and feces was approximately twice the amount excreted by mice not treated with chlorella.

Methylmercury is a neurotoxic compound widely used in industrial applications. It accumulates in fish, which has led to widespread advisories against fish consumption by pregnant women.

MORE ON CHLORELLA

Chlorella is about 60 percent protein, and is a “complete protein” source because it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs.

Other health benefits include:

• Repairing nerve tissues
• Enhancing your immune system and reducing your cancer risk
• Improving digestion
• Promoting healthy pH levels in your gut, which in turn helps good bacteria to thrive
• Enhancing your ability to focus and concentrate
• Increasing your energy levels
• Normalizing your blood sugar and blood pressure

Chlorella vs Spirulina

Spirulina frequently is confused with chlorella. While it has many of the same characteristics, there are some nutritional differences between the two. One major difference is that spirulina does not have the ability to draw out heavy metal toxins like chlorella does.

Spirulina is another good source of complete protein. At 65-70 protein, it beats chlorella in protein content. It also has higher amounts of B12, essential fatty acids, and the antioxidant superoxide dismutase. For an excellent article on spirulina CLICK HERE.

Chlorella, on the other hand, contains higher levels of chlorophyll, nucleotides RNA and DNA, and beta carotene.

It’s the combination of both that can truly turn them into a nutritional powerhouse.

Chlorella is the Potent Detox Agent

Heavy metal toxicity, just like chemical toxicity, has become one of the most pressing health hazards of our day. Your body is assailed by chemicals and heavy metals on a daily basis, from your everyday cookware to your dental fillings and the occasional seafood dinner.

Chlorella may even attract and expel certain pesticides. Chlorella plays a particularly crucial role in mercury elimination, because the majority of mercury is rid through your stool.

Cilantro can also be used as a synergetic detoxification aid along with the chlorella. Ideally you would need to take it with the meal so it binds directly to the toxins while they are in your gut, before they absorbed into your body.

The Crucial Detail to Chlorella’s Effectiveness

The cell wall of chlorella is indigestible by humans. Most chlorella products use the term “broken cell wall” to describe the fact that the chlorella has been rendered digestible.

How to Use Chlorella for Heavy Metal Detox

In order to optimize heavy metal detox, you’ll want to take it every day….at least 4 grams each day of chlorella to get the benefits that it provides. Some people may experience slight nausea initially. This is likely because you’re pulling toxins out of your system. Mild diarrhea may also occur. If these symptoms are too bothersome, you may want to lower your dose initially, and increase it slowly. Taking it with food may also alleviate the nausea.