Chlorella – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Chlorella is a genus of single-celled, freshwater micro-algae that grows in the waters of Australia and Southeast Asia. The rich, green color of these edible algae can be attributed to the impressive concentration of chlorophyll. Though similar to spirulina, one major difference that sets chlorella apart is the presence of a hard outer shell that makes it nearly indigestible. Cracking the outer shell, however, will yield one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, and one that has been steadily growing in popularity.

List of known nutrients

Chlorella is known to contain:

• Amino Acids
• Beta-carotene
• Bioactive Substances
• Calcium
• Carbohydrates
• Chlorophyll
• Dietary Fiber
• Enzymes
• Fiber
• Iron
• Lipids
• Lutein
• Magnesium
• Protein
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Zinc

The impressive nutritional content of chlorella is such that three tablespoons or one ounce can deliver 287 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A, 202 percent iron’s RDA, and 103 percent of zinc’s RDA.

Chlorella is notable for its wide variety of antioxidants too, which include beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamins E and C.

Moreover, chlorella stands out from many other foods and even superfoods by providing all of the dietary-essential amino acids.

Medicinal uses for chlorella

As one of the most well-known food supplements in Asia, chlorella is said to prevent or mitigate the symptoms of several health conditions, namely:

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Chronic gastritis
• Colitis
• Constipation
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Inflammation
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Sunburn
• Tumors

Chlorella can alleviate irritable bowel syndrome by increasing the amount of good bacteria, flora, and probiotics living in the gut. As a result, these gut bacteria are able to better absorb any toxins lingering in the intestines and promote regular bowel movements.

Taking chlorella daily can help individuals with high cholesterol get their cholesterol levels under control. Chlorella does this by clearing cholesterol from the digestive tract, preventing its reabsorption into the body.

Body systems supported by chlorella

Chlorella is said to nourish much of the body’s systems and organs, specifically:

• Blood
• Brain
• Circulatory system
• Digestive system, including bowels
• Endocrine system
• Immune system
• Liver

Thanks to its diverse range of powerful antioxidants, chlorella can greatly boost the immune system and assist it in staving off various diseases. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of chlorella can help the body become more resistant towards infection as well.

The combination of magnesium, vitamin B12, and amino acids in chlorella means that taking it can help you maintain healthy brain function. The presence of antioxidants play a role too as they can prevent oxidative stress from causing age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

One unique feature of chlorella is its ability to raise the blood levels of the protein albumin, which is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants.

Ways to use chlorella

Chlorella can be purchased as a tablet, capsules, supplement, or as a powder.

Taking chlorella in tablet or capsule form can be done by drinking it with water or juice.

Powdered chlorella, meanwhile, can be blended into a smoothie or added to cereals, yogurts, and salads.

Where to learn more

• Chlorella as a powerful defense against cancer
• Chlorella can Replace a Closet Full of Expensive Supplements
• Chlorella premium superfood delivers potent nutrition, detoxification
• Chlorella Reduces Body Fat, Total Cholesterol, and Blood Glucose Levels
• Powerful nutrients in microalgae like chlorella found to save lives by restoring heart function after a heart attack

Summary

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich superfood that can provide a diverse array of health benefits. These include helping the body cleanse itself of toxic heavy metals, supporting brain and immune system function, and reducing the risk of irritable bowel syndrome and high cholesterol. Individuals with mold allergies or iodine sensitivity should avoid chlorella since it can cause allergic reactions in those with these conditions.

Sources include:

WellnessMama.com
HealthLine
HerbWisdom.com
NaturalSociety.com
HealthyBlenderRecipes.com