Benefits of Chlorella
What is chlorella? What are the benefits of chlorella? Here are some chlorella facts including its nutritional value and possible side effects
Chlorella is a green, single-celled alga or seaweed that grows in fresh water. In its natural state, a single chlorella is very small and spherical in shape. With sufficient sunlight it can reproduce very fast.
Research began in the late 1940s to discover the nutritional value and health benefits of chlorella. And from the many investigations and studies done by several established institutions, it was concluded that chlorella is indeed a very healthy food and energy source.
Chlorella contains the highest levels of chlorophyll compared to any plants. Some reports claim that it is 10 times higher than in alfalfa. Chlorophyll is the pigment that makes chlorella green in color. And it is high in protein. The protein in a 100g of chlorella is even higher than that found in beef, chicken and fish of the same weight.
Chlorella also contains fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin A, the B vitamins, vitamin C and E. Folic acid, inositol, niacin and pantothenic acid are also present. The minerals available are calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. There are more than 14 amino acids present of which 7 are essential amino acids.
These nutrients are the reasons why this alga is a healthy food source. Here are some of the benefits of chlorella.
- Chlorophyll is claimed to absorb odors. It has been used as a remedy to help fight bad breath or halitosis and foot odor. Chlorophyllin which is a derivative of chlorophyll is being used in oral medications to reduce body odor and those associated with incontinence and digestive tract odor
- It acts as a detoxifier and a cleanser, removing poisonous and toxic materials such as lead and mercury from your system. It is also able to treat constipation and improve digestion
- It assists in stimulating a healthy immune system. When your immune system is strong, you are able to defend against infections such as the common cold or improve your response to virus such as the flu
- One of the other benefits of chlorella is in its antioxidant properties. Because of this, it is a beneficial supplement to slow the process of aging
- The high content of chlorophyll, vitamins A, calcium magnesium and phosphorus in chlorella are helpful in reducing high blood pressure, asthma attacks, fibromyalgia or muscle and connective tissue pain
- Chlorella is good for your heart health and also mental health. It has shown to assist in managing cholesterol levels, treat hypertensions, prevention of stress related ulcers and reduce problems associated with PMS
- One of the documented benefits of chlorella is its anti tumor properties. Chlorella is used medically as cancer prevention. It is also given to cancer patients to reduce the side effects of radiation treatment and to treat rashes caused by radiation
There are several other chlorella benefits such as for the treatment for trichomoniasis which is a sexually transmitted disease, increase white blood cell counts and the treatment of colitis, Crohn's disease and diverticulosis which is a colon disease.
When dried, altered and processed, some of the nutritional value in chlorella are lost. But it is quite impractical to consume the raw algae because of its tough cell walls which is difficult to digest. So chlorella extract is usually sold in tablets, capsules, liquid and powder forms as dietary supplements or as medicines.
Chlorella may produce side effects to some people. Those who aren't used to it may experience nausea, stomach ache or bloating. Some may find difficulty in breathing, chest pain and rashes. It might also not work for people with gouts because chlorella might increase the level of uric acid.
It is advisable that you consult with your physician before taking chlorella or any other dietary supplement especially if you are on medication or are pregnant.
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